It is true that when one thinks of Greece, the first images to come to mind are ever-ending coasts jewelled with pristine waters and warmed by an all-encompassing sun. For some, it is the Grecian sunlight that renders these sites unique. What if we told you that you could enjoy the very same sun in a cooler, alpine setting?
Given that Greece is a predominantly mountainous country, its features include many hills and slopes, which in the ski season, which runs from December to April, receive a fair amount of snow. Worth noticing, however, is that only in mainland Greece one can find snowy mountains since, in the islands, the weather is so good that many even swim year-long! As a result of the high altitude of the mainland mountain chains, nonetheless, Greece offers a variety of ski resorts to choose from.
Skiing in Greece attracts both ski and snowboard lovers— adrenaline seekers and even professionals— but its mountains cater to the interests of those who wish to take in the wintery landscape during a smooth slide.
Several skiing options of ranging difficulty can be traced across the country. All in all, there are over 195 kilometres of pistes meaning tracks of solid snow accompanied by over 120 ski lifts. Moreover, during the past years, a number of heliskiing opportunities have risen in popularity, allowing visitors to fully experience the panoramic mountainous anaglyph and try off-trail hills covered in untouched snow.
Most of the ski resorts in Greece are easily accessible from an international or regional airport. Mountain Parnassos, one of the most popular ski centres, is conveniently located just two hours from Athens. Accordingly, the Vasilitsa Ski centre, which is renowned for its international public, is less than 160km from the Thessaloniki airport, which is frequented by intra-European flights all year-round. It is exceptional that from Vasilitsa, you can view Mount Olympus reigning on the horizon, an incredible sight during the relaxing lift ride to the summit or your descent!
Thanks to the varying geography, Greece has the perfect ski resort for every avid skier, simultaneously indulging all those who seek to relax in modern chalets and traditional mountain villages. Above all, Greece combines an alpine landscape with the view of the sea! The Pelion Ski Center, for instance, which primarily serves beginners and leisure skiers, provides a breathtaking view of the sea as you swift through the snowy slopes.
If you visit Greece during the winter season, you will face a great dilemma: to ski or to swim. Make sure that you extend your stay in order to experience both activities, and if you decide to stay by the sea, look over at the white mountains in the distance to taste from afar the Greek snow.
