Ski in the morning, and have a late lunch by the sea in the afternoon. Only in Greece...

There are many things that Greece is famous for, but skiing and snowboarding are not among them. It is not surprising that a country with close to 14.000 km of coastline and over 2000  islands, and a wonderful Mediterranean climate to go with it, it is considered a place for summer holidays. Not many people realise though that 75% of Greece is covered by mountains, many of which reach over 2000 metres, and that there are 18 ski resorts in the country, usually operating from the end of December until mid-April. The snow is generally good quality, although by April, when the weather gets warmer, the snow tends to get a little slushy after midday.

Admittedly, Greek ski resorts can't compete with the bigger resorts in Northern Europe (some have just a handful of lifts and open only on weekends), but there are several where you can do some serious skiing, and they offer a totally different experience from what you are probably used to. For one, you get a lot of sunny weather. But also, imagine skiing in the morning and have some grilled fish for lunch on a terrace by the sea. That, you don’t get in Gstaad or Courchevel. In Greece you do. Enjoy the powder!

Where can I find good places to ski?

Arahova - Central Greece

Mount Parnassos is the biggest and best organised ski area in Greece. At just a two-hour drive from Athens, it attracts a lot of skiers and snowboarders during weekends and holiday periods, but as few Athenians will actually take days off from work to go skiing (and there are no Greek school vacations between the New Year and Easter), on weekdays the slopes are practically empty. 

Edessa - Makedonia

In the mountains surrounding the small town of Edessa, you can ski in three different resorts: one at Mount Voras and at Mount Vermio in two ski centres: Pigadia and Seli. 

Karpenissi - Central Greece

Also quite popular with Athenias (at about 3.5 hours away from city) is mount Velouchi near Karpenissi. It has 7 ski lifts and 11 slopes (including 2 for advance skiers) and it is just right for a mini-break.

Drama - Makedonia

Close to the Bulgarian border in Drama is Mount Falakro. The ski centre was recently expanded and now has 9 ski lifts. It has become one of the best ski resorts in Greece but unfortunately the lifts only work from Thursday to Sunday (and during holidays).  

Pertouli - Thessalia

One of the smallest ski centres we recommend is in the very heart of Greece. Pertouli has just 3 lifts and 3 slopes, but the immense charm of the surroundings make it worth a little excursion. 

Pelion -Thessalia

If you want to ski with a sea-view, you should try the Agriolefkes ski centre at the Pelion peninsula. It is small (5 lifts), but it is known for the good snow quality. It opens only on weekends. It has a particularly attractive trail for cross-country skiing.
 

Where do I stay once I get there?

Arahova - Central Greece

Most people stay in Arahova, a picturesque and  mountain village close to Delphi. It is one of the rare places in the Greek countryside where you can have panacotta for desert and listen to some Jazz in the evening. We recommend Generali. There is also another village close by,Amfliklia, which has more of a quiet, countryside feel to it. We recommend Kiriaki. 

Edessa - Makedonia

You can stay in villages closer to the ski centres, but we suggest you use Edessa as your base to explore all three ski centres.Varosi is by far the most charming place to stay in the region. 

Karpenissi - Central Greece

Most people stay in hotels in the small town of Karpenisi, but there are some nearby villages where you will find much more charm, both in terms of surroundings and accommodation. If you are many, or you come with children, we recommend the traditional Anatoli House and Korys House in Koryshades.For a romantic escape, you should try the Anerada Inn and Hellas Country Club in Megalo Horio. 

Drama - Makedonia

It is a pity that the ski centre isn’t open every day of the week, but if you stay in Hotel Granitis in the nearly village Granitis, you will probably want to stay an extra few days simply to relax.  

Pertouli - Thessalia

You can imagine yourself in a tiny Alpine village if you stay in the village of Pertouli in the luxury Guesthouse Hatzigakis. It is a good 4-hour drive from Athens, but the place is so exceptional that the city folks don’t hesitate to go just for the weekend. Alternative you can choose Guesthouse Sotiriou in Kalambaka with a marvelous view of Meteora.

Pelion - Thessalia

There are plenty of places to stay on Pelion, and we have selected the places with most charm near the ski centre.  If you want to stay in a mountain village, try in Makrinitsa Arhondiko Pandora or Santikos Mansion  in Vyzitsa . If you prefer to be closer to the sea, then The Lost Unicorn in Tsagarada and Arhondiko Vogiatzopoulou in Agios Georgios is the place for you. 



 .... further information about ski centers.