Greece is an undiscovered gem in Europe’s snow sport scene: a winter wonderland with almost 200 km of pistes and 24 resorts of various sizes up and down the country, Greece is a must-visit destination for skiers and snowboarders looking for new slopes and a unique take on snow sports.
Whether you’re in north, central or southern Greece, there are plenty of opportunities to enjoy a day out on the slopes. There are dozens of ski resorts and centers throughout Greece, from the northern borders to the Peloponnese, and experienced skiers and snowboarders can also enjoy a wealth of opportunities for cross-country skiing and backcountry rides in pure untouched powder—even as far south as Crete!
Greek ski resorts are mostly medium-sized, and a number of them are actually smaller ski centers, so don’t expect the massive networks of pistes you’d typically find in the Alps. Instead, prepare yourself for a real treat: a variety of runs across gorgeous terrain, often with spectacular views across the Greek countryside and—you guessed it—the Aegean Sea. Even the tiniest ski center has heaps of character and comes with plenty of options for sightseeing, cultural tourism, and great food in the vicinity. After all, where else in the world could you go straight from enjoying excellent snow to savoring a delicious souvlaki or tucking into some authentic Mediterranean home-cooking at a local family-run taverna?
Transportation and Gear
If you’re based in Athens or Thessaloniki and don’t mind a bit of a drive, you can plan in some time on the slopes as a day trip. Two of the biggest resorts in Greece, Parnassos Ski Center on Mount Parnassus and Kalavrita Ski Center in the Peloponnese, are just under a three-hour drive from Athens, while Thessaloniki is surrounded by resorts, including Elatohori, 3-5 Pigadia, Vitsi, and Kaimaktsalan. Remember that mountain roads can be challenging even on a good day—much more so if you have to drive over snow or ice. Make sure your vehicle can handle the terrain and is equipped with appropriate tires, and have snow chains at hand just in case.
If you don’t feel like driving up the mountain yourself, you can take advantage of a number of “snow bus” services—shuttle services that transport snow sport enthusiasts from the city to resorts and back, leaving in the early hours of the morning and bringing you back in the evening.
Snow bus services usually stop at gear rental shops, where you can rent anything from skis and boards to goggles, but it’s always a good idea to confirm this in advance with the company you’re using. If you’re thinking of trying a smaller ski center and/or are driving yourself, call in advance to confirm the possibility of renting gear from them or check with local snow sport shops in the city.
The Resorts
Central Greece:
Agrafa – Karamanoli
Agriolefkes – Pelion
Koziakas – Pertouli
Mount Olympus – Vryssopoules
Mount Parnassos – Fterolakka/Kellaria
Mount Parnassos – Gerontovrachos
Tymfristos – Velouchi
Northern Greece:
3-5 Pigadia – Naoussa
Hriso Elafi
Elatohori – Katerini
Falakro
Lailias Ski Area – Serres
Orfea Valley – Paggaio
Seli
Vasilitsa
Vigla Pisoderi/Verno – Florina
Vitsi – Kastoria
Voras – Kaimaktsalan
Epirus:
Anilio
Karakoli
Profitis Elias – Metsovo
Peloponnese:
Helmos – Kalavrita
Ostrakina – Mainalon
Ziria
What to See and Do
Chasing the snow takes dedication, but if you’re only visiting Greece—or as specific area—for a short time, you’ll want to treat yourself to a complete, well-rounded experience. The best place to start is with one of the great guided tours that will introduce you to the Greece’s fascinating history and rich cultural heritage. There’s a wealth of unique cultural experiences to choose from in Athens, and longer ski or snowboarding trips to resorts like Kalavrita or Mainalon can be combined with a wine and history tour to discover the highlights of the Peloponnese. Heading north from Athens, a trip to Mount Parnassus and the country’s most cosmopolitan ski resort is ideally combined with a stay in the picturesque village of Arachova and a tour of the world-renowned Delphi archaeological area. Or why not combine snow sports in the north of Greece with visits to some of the country’s most popular destinations to enjoy the unique blend of ancient Greek heritage and Ottoman influences and the region’s rich and distinctive cuisine to match it!
Useful Links
Snowreport.gr – Information and updates on the status of various resorts throughout the country
Snow-forecast.com – Weather and snow condition information
Skiresort.info – Piste information and resort facts (including piste categories and lengths per resort)
VisitGreece – Winter Vacations – Inspiration for ski resorts and things to do in the winter in Greece
The Thing About Greece – A documentary about snowboarding in Greece
