Among tourists, Greece is primarily associated with beach holidays and historical monuments of the ancient era. However, the range of entertainment that this country is ready to provide to foreign travelers is much wider. Thus, in recent decades, winter sports have been actively developing here, and world-class ski resorts are opening.
Today, Greek ski centers are gaining increasing popularity among outdoor enthusiasts from all over the world. This is due to the fairly high quality of the trails, a decent level of service and developed tourist infrastructure. For the 2020/2021 season. There were dozens of winter recreation centers with 200 kilometers of highways equipped with 122 mechanical lifts.
One of the advantages of local winter recreation is the possibility of combining active sports with an extensive excursion program. Below we look at the top 10 most popular ski resorts in Greece among foreign travelers.
Falakro
The winter recreation center of Falakro is located at the junction of the Greek regions of Macedonia and Thrace. The resort was founded in 1980 by the local Mountaineering Association and was originally intended for training of the national ski team. But in subsequent decades, Falakro became accessible to ordinary vacationers, turning into a popular winter resort.
Today the ski center is one of the main tourist sites in Thrace, visited annually by tens of thousands of outdoor enthusiasts. Among the advantages of this area is the high quality of snow cover. Local slopes are illuminated by floodlights, which allows you to practice sports in the evening.
The ski slopes are equipped with an extensive system of mechanical lifts with a total length of 7 km with a throughput capacity of 9 thousand people/hour. The length of the downhill slopes here varies from 200 meters to 2.5 km; the resort has a ski school, rental of sports equipment and a ski equipment store.
How to get there?
The most convenient way to get to Falakro is from Thessaloniki airport by ordering a transfer or by intercity bus. The distance from Thessaloniki International Airport to GLK is 190 km. The nearest railway station to Falakro is 40 km away, in the town of Drama. You can get to it by train from Athens or Thessaloniki, and then use a taxi or a regular bus.
Specifications:
- Height difference – 617 m
- Resort altitude – 1615–2232 m
- Length of ski slopes – 20 km
- Number of ski slopes – 21
- “Blues” – 6 km
- “Reds” – 9 km
- “Black” – 5 km
- Number of lifts – 9 (2 chairlifts, 7 rope tows)
- Ski pass for 1 day adults/children – 10/7 €
- Season duration : from late November to late April
Parnassos
Parnassos is a ski resort located in central Greece. The resort is located in the famous Parnassus mountain range, famous in ancient mythology as the abode of muses and nymphs. Nearby is the ancient city of Delphi, where the oracle of the mysterious fortuneteller Pythia acted in the sanctuary of Apollo.
Parnassus was opened in 1975 and since then has become one of the favorite winter holiday destinations of both the Greeks themselves and foreign guests. The downhill slopes here are located on the slopes of two nearby mountains – Liakoura and Gerondovrachos. Each of these peaks rises 2.4 km above the surrounding area, and the ski area is located in the altitude range of 1.6–2.2 km.
This area is characterized by a large amount of snow, which makes skiing in Parnassos very comfortable throughout the ski season. Just in case of emergency, the slopes are also equipped with a snow machine system. Tourists can stay in numerous hotels and private apartments located in the neighboring towns of Delphi and Arachov.
How to get there?
The easiest way to get to Parnassos is by booking a transfer directly from Athens International Airport. The Greek capital is separated from the ski center by 180 km, and the travel time will be approximately 2 hours 30 minutes. You can also get to nearby Delphi by regular or tourist bus.
Specifications:
- Height difference – 620 m
- Resort altitude – 1640–2260 m
- Length of ski slopes – 36 km
- Number of ski slopes – 20
- “Blues” – 18 km
- “Reds” – 15 km
- “Black” – 3 km
- Number of lifts – 14 (2 gondola, 3 chairlifts, 6 rope tows, 3 baby lifts)
- Ski pass for 1 day adults/children – 30/15 €
- Season duration : from early December to late March
Pisoderi
Vigla-Pisoderi is a ski center in the west of the Greek region of Macedonia. This winter resort was founded in 1967 and is the oldest winter sports complex in all of Greece. Pisoderi is also considered one of the most modern in its technical equipment and infrastructure among Greek ski resorts.
The downhill runs here are right in the middle of picturesque beech groves, and from the top starting point there is a wonderful view of Lake Prespo. The lower station of the cable car serving the slopes is located right in the center of the resort village. It is capable of serving up to 4.2 thousand vacationers in an hour. On the central slope, equipped with illumination, there is night skiing on weekends and holidays.
The resort has cafes and restaurants, ski equipment rental, shops, and a ski school. Tourists will be able to stay overnight in one of the guest houses on the resort grounds, or in hotels and private apartments in the city of Florina.
How to get there?
The easiest way to get to Pisoderi is from Thessaloniki or Athens airport by ordering a transfer or using regular transport. The distance from the Greek capital is just under 500 km, and from Thessaloniki – 108 km. There is a train station in the town of Florina, 20 km from the resort. You can get here by train from Athens or Thessaloniki, then take a taxi or transfer to a regular bus.
Specifications:
- Height difference – 515 m
- Resort altitude – 1455–1970 m
- Length of ski slopes – 11.2 km
- Number of ski slopes – 14
- “Blues” – 4.2 km
- “Reds” –6 km
- “Black” – 1 km
- Number of lifts – 5 (2 chair lifts, 1 rope tow, 2 baby lifts)
- Ski pass for 1 day adults/children – 15/12€
- Season duration : from December to March
Helmos (Kalavryta)
The winter resort of Helmos is located in the north of the Peloponnese peninsula, near the ancient town of Kalavryta. Ski slopes here are equipped on the slopes of the Arkania ridge, in the Achaia region. Chelmos is currently the largest winter holiday center in the Peloponnese. In total, there are 20 km of ski slopes, the longest of which is 3.2 km long. The resort is very popular among residents of Athens , who come here on weekends for active recreation.
The nearby town of Kalavryta went down in Greek history as the site of the beginning of the anti-Turkish uprising of 1821. As a result of this, the Greeks managed to achieve the creation of a national state independent from the Ottoman Empire. Within the resort area, on Mount Neraydorakhi, there is an observatory with an Aristarchos telescope for studying deep space.
How to get there?
The easiest way to get to Chelmos is from Patras airport, the largest city in the Peloponnese. It is located at a distance of 88 km from the resort, and is connected to it by bus. Athens is separated from Helmos by about one and a half hundred kilometers, which can be overcome by taxi transfer, shuttle bus or rented car . In the latter case, you should take the highway to Patras, passing Akratou beach, after 8 km you need to turn right at the intersection, towards Diakoptos. 32 km after this, in Calatrava, we turn at the sign to the ski center. The entire trip from Athens to Helmos takes about two hours.
Specifications:
- Height difference – 625 m
- Resort altitude – 1700–2325 m
- Length of ski slopes – 20 km
- Number of ski slopes – 12
- “Green” – 1 pc.
- “Blue” – 4 pcs.
- “Red” – 5 pcs.
- “Black” – 2 pcs.
- Number of lifts – 7 (2 chairlifts, 5 rope tows)
- Ski pass for 1 day adult/child – 25/20 €
- Season duration : from December to March
Kaimaktsalan
The winter resort of Kaimaktsalan is located in northern Greece, in the mountainous part of Thrace. It began its work in 1995 and since then has turned from a small resort town into a large winter recreation center. The ski slopes in Kaimaktsalan are laid on the slopes of the mountain of the same name, which rises 2.5 kilometers above the area.
In total, there are 11 downhill slopes of varying difficulty categories. Thanks to this, both beginners and experienced riders will be able to find the most suitable route in Kaimaktsalan. The resort operates two ski schools: in one you can master the art of downhill skiing, and in the second you can learn how to perform basic acrobatic elements of freestyle and snowboarding.
Also in Kaimaktsalan there are cafes and restaurants serving national Greek cuisine, and there is a rental of sports equipment. Not far from the resort there is a high-mountain village, built in the 16th century with the unusually beautiful Church of Elijah the Prophet. Also near Kaimaktsalan is the colorful town of Panagitsa with architecture traditional for provincial Greece. There are numerous hotels and guest houses where tourists can stay overnight.
How to get there?
Kaymaktsalan is located half an hour from the large city of Edessa (39 km), where there is a railway station and a small domestic airport. The nearest international air harbors are located in Thessaloniki, which is 160 km from the resort, and in Athens (620 km). You can get from there to Kaimaktsalan by ordering a transfer or using public transport – bus or train. By train it is possible to get to Edessa and take a taxi there.
Specifications:
- Height difference – 458 m
- Resort altitude – 2022–2480 m
- Length of ski slopes – 10.1 km
- Number of ski slopes – 11
- “Blues” – 5.4 km
- “Reds” – 4.7 km
- Number of lifts – 5 (1 chair lift, 3 drag lifts, 1 baby lift)
- Ski pass for 1 day adults/children – 15/10 €
- Season duration : from December to April
Vasilitsa
Ski resort Vasilitsa is a small winter resort located in the Grevena region, in the middle of the majestic Pindos mountain range. The main asset of these places is the natural landscapes untouched by civilization, beautiful in their pristine beauty. The mountain slopes of Vasilitsa are covered with oak forests and pine groves, through which there are high-speed descents.
In total, about 20 km of ski slopes are laid on the surrounding slopes, two of which have international certificates of compliance with FIS standards. Vasilitsa also has a separate 300-meter slope for children’s skiing and a difficult “black” track almost a kilometer long.
In the summer, there is a large bicycle park on the resort’s territory, where vacationers can go cycling or simply ride along the paths laid out among the picturesque surroundings.
How to get there?
You can get to Vasilitsa from the international airports of Thessaloniki or Athens by ordering a transfer or using an intercity bus. The distance from Thessaloniki to the ski center is 160 km, and from Athens – a little over 400 kilometers.
Specifications:
- Height difference – 469 m
- Resort altitude – 1646–2115 m
- Length of ski slopes – 19 km
- Number of ski slopes – 17
- “Green” – 4 pcs.
- “Blue” – 5 pcs.
- “Reds” – 6 pcs.
- “Black” – 2 pcs.
- Number of lifts – 8 (2 chair lifts, 4 rope tows, 2 baby lifts)
- Ski pass for 1 day adults/children – 13/9 €
- Season duration : from December to March
Karpenisi
Karpenisi is a winter sports center located in central Greece, ten kilometers from the town of the same name. The resort received its first visitors in 1974, and since then has significantly expanded the range of its activities.
Today in Karpenisi there are 12 downhill slopes of varying difficulty levels, serviced by mechanical lifts. Right on the slope, at an altitude of 1.8 km, there is a comfortable mini-hotel for 30 guests, from whose windows there are magnificent views of the surrounding mountains and valleys. The resort has a ski school staffed by experienced English-speaking instructors.
In the neighboring town of Karpenisi, tourists can enjoy numerous restaurants and cafes serving national cuisine, there are bars and night discos, hotels and guest houses are open. Nearby there is an interesting natural attraction – Vothonas Cave.
How to get there?
You can get to Karpenisi from Athens International Airport, located 200 km from the ski center. Intercity buses run from the capital’s KTEL bus station to Karpenisi, and it is also possible to order a taxi transfer. Travel time from Athens to the resort will be about 5 hours, and the price of a bus ticket is $20.
Specifications:
- Height difference – 380 m
- Resort altitude – 1839–2219 m
- Length of ski slopes – 14 km
- Number of ski slopes – 12
- “Green” – 2 pcs.
- “Blue” – 6 pcs.
- “Red” – 2 pcs.
- “Black” – 2 pcs.
- Number of lifts – 7 (3 rope tows, 4 chairlifts)
- Season duration : from December to April
Pigadia
The ski center with the unusual name 3–5 Pigadia is located in the central part of the Macedonia region, in northern Greece. It was opened in the 1970s as a training sports base. This name is translated into Russian as “3-5 sources.” The downhill slopes here are laid on the western slope of the Vermion peak, occupying an altitude range from 1.4 to 2 kilometers. Two slopes have international certification and are periodically used for sports competitions. The slopes, for more comfortable skiing, have artificial snow.
In addition to the ski slopes, in 3–5 Pigadier there are cross-country ski routes, an indoor sports complex with a fitness center, swimming pool, sauna, football field, ski school, etc. In the resort area there are restaurants and bars, a hotel for 100 guests, and at an altitude of 2 km there is a guest chalet.
How to get there?
The easiest way to get to the resort is from Thessaloniki airport by ordering a transfer . From there you can also travel by rail or bus to the town of Naoussa, which is 17 km from 3-5 Pigadya. In winter, shuttles (free tourist buses) belonging to the resort center run from the resort center to Naoussa. In addition, a helipad is equipped in Pigadia, so tourists can rent a heli-taxi (light helicopter) at the airports of Thessaloniki or Athens and get to the winter resort on it.
Specifications:
- Height difference – 585 m
- Resort altitude – 1420–2005 m
- Length of ski slopes – 9 km
- Number of ski slopes – 7
- “Greens” – 1
- “Blues” – 2
- “Reds” – 3
- “Black” – 1
- Number of lifts – 6 (1 chairlift, 4 drag lifts, 1 baby lift)
- Ski pass for 1 day adults/children – 15/9 €
- Season duration : from December to April
Elatochori
The ski resort of Elatochori is located near the village of the same name in central Greece. There are 10 downhill slopes of varying difficulty for alpine ski lovers. The most difficult of them is the “black” Clio, which has a length of 1.2 km with a slope of 45%. The slopes are serviced by five mechanical lifts. Their total capacity is 1.8 thousand skiers per hour.
Elatochori also has a separate slope for snowboarding and a slope for sleds and cheesecakes. At the foot of the mountain there is a rental point, a winter sporting goods store, and there is an opportunity to learn the basics of skiing at a local ski school. If desired, tourists can go mountain climbing or take a hike in the picturesque surroundings.
Tourists will be able to stay in one of the mini-hotels or in the private sector in the neighboring village of Elatochori. Here, the ancient architecture typical of the Greek countryside has been perfectly preserved to this day; there is an Orthodox church of St. Nicholas from the 17th century. buildings, there is a museum of Greek folklore.
How to get there?
You can get to Elatochori from Athens (475 km) or Thessaloniki (105 km) airports by ordering a transfer. Not far from the resort, 36 km away, is the town of Katerini with a railway station, from where you can take a taxi to Elatochori. In the city of Larisa, 130 km away, there is a small regional airport. With a rented car from the Greek capital or from Thessaloniki, you should take the highway to Katerini. Before reaching this town, turn onto the old Katerini – Elassona route, which will lead you to the ski center.
Specifications:
- Height difference – 585 m
- Resort altitude – 1420–2005 m
- Length of ski slopes – 9 km
- Number of ski slopes – 10
- “Green” – 4 pcs.
- “Blue” – 2 pcs.
- “Red” – 2 pcs.
- “Black” – 2 pcs.
- Number of lifts – 5 (1 chairlift, 2 drag lifts, 2 baby lifts)
- Ski pass for 1 day adults/children – 13/9 €
- Season duration : from December to March
Seli
The winter resort of Seli is located in the Macedonia region of northern Greece and is considered one of the best winter holiday destinations in the entire country. The ski slopes here are laid on the slopes of the Vermion peak, and are of excellent quality. This region is characterized by a large amount of snow, and the trails are regularly compacted with snowcats.
The total length of local ski slopes exceeds 17 km, covered by a system of snow generators. There is also a fun park for snowboarding and freestyle skiing and a ski school. At the foot of the mountain, a 10-kilometer route is laid annually for fans of cross-country skiing, and sports equipment is available for rental.
The neighboring town of Veria has all the tourist infrastructure necessary for a comfortable stay – hotels and hostels, restaurants and cafes, bars and discos. 12 km away are the ruins of ancient Vergina, the first capital of the Macedonian kingdom. Here tourists will be able to see the tomb of King Philip, the father of the great conqueror Alexander the Great, and ancient Byzantine churches.
How to get there?
The easiest way to get to Seli is by ordering a transfer from Thessaloniki International Airport. The distance from it to the resort is 95 km. From Thessaloniki to Veria, located 22 km from the foot of Mount Vermion, there is a shuttle bus service.
Specifications:
- Height difference – 390 m
- Resort altitude – 1500–1890 m
- The length of the flat ski track is 10 km
- Length of ski slopes – 17 km
- Blues – 11
- “Reds” – 6
- Number of lifts – 11 (1 chair lifts, 6 rope tows, 4 baby lifts)
- Ski pass for 1 day adult/child – 15/11 €
- Season duration : from December to March