When most people think of Greece they think of a holiday, or to be more precise cheap summer holidays, they imagine islands with small white houses against a background of blue sea and sky. They also think of ancient monuments, Greek dances, Greek salads, Moussaka and Greek coffee. What they don’t think of is that Greece is a land of mountains, many over 2,000 meters high and just like in the Alps, the Rockies, the Pocono’s and the Catskills, when the winter months come along, the high elevations see snow, in fact a lot of snow.

Greece, this immaculate piece of land that has been blessed with nature's utmost beauties, is also gifted with a marvelous winter that will amaze you. The season of winter is three months long and completely changes the appearance of the entire natural landscape of the country. During the winter season, the diverse intense weather conditions, the low temperature levels as well as the seasonal climate affect the natural environment, creating an atmosphere of sadness for the missing sun.

Though the ski slopes of Greece are no secret to Greeks, they are unknown to most Europeans, all Americans and most other people around the world. This is a shame because discount holidays, cheap package holidays or last minute holidays are not the exclusive domain of the summer months in Greece. You can get family skiing holidays, bargain ski holidays or simply a winter holiday in the winter in Greece. Simply imagine yourself and your family or lover combining a GreekIsland cruise or a meal of grilled octopus and fried calamari with a weekend of glorious skiing on a beautiful mountain slope. You could even throw in a visit to the Acropolis, the famous nightlife of Athens or a journey to Delphi in the depths of winter.

There are a number of ways to approach a Ski Holiday in Greece. One way is to do a ski package. The travel agency will take care of all the details and offer different combinations which could also include islands, day-trips and of course Athens. You could also book on your own and do day or overnight trips to the ski centres by car rental. Or get a late deal from teletext. Ah! I hear you say. Ski centre? How many ski centres does Greece have? It actually has more than 18 sophisticated modern ski centres and resorts which all cater to the young and old alike as well as the novice and the experienced skier. Further more a winter holiday in Greece is far cheaper than a summer holiday in Greece even without the luxury of a bargain ski holiday, ski deals or last minute holidays. It is also far cheaper than a skiing holiday in France or Switzerland.

Skiing in Greece is a bargain compared to most other places, with lift passes costing only a few dollars a day. Recent prices at Mt.Parnassos, the best developed resort run by the Greek Tourist Organisation (EOT), include a 7-day pass for about $90. Other prices are similarly reasonable.

Mount Parnassos at an altitude of 2,000 metres is the biggest and best organized ski area in Greece. 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, on weekdays the ski slopes are practically empty. This ski resort boasts 26 ski slopes and 15 ski lifts plus a ski school. If you are staying, make an overnight stay in Arahova, a picturesque and modern mountain village close to Delphi. It is one of the rare places in the Greek countryside where you can listen to some Jazz in the evening. Try and stay at Guesthouse Generali. The village of Amfliklia, close by has more of a quiet, countryside feel to it.

Mount Velouchi which is near the small town of Karpenisi is a small but quite popular resort which boasts 7 ski lifts and 11 ski slopes. This too is not far from Athens (at about 3.5 hours drive from the city) and it is just right for a mini break. Most people stay in hotels in Karpenisi itself, but there are some nearby villages where you will find much more charm, both in terms of surroundings and accommodation. If you are a large group, or you have come with your children for a family ski holiday, stay at the traditional Anatoli House in the nearby village of Koryshades. If you are feeling in a romantic mood then you should try the Anerada Inn in Megalo Horio.

Mount Pelion is where you can ski with a sea-view; you should try the Agriolefkes ski centre at the Pelion peninsula. It is small with only 5 ski lifts, but it is known for its good snow quality. Unfortunately it is only open on weekends. It also has a particularly attractive trail for cross-country skiing. However, there are plenty of places to stay on Pelion and several beautiful villages to stay in or visit. The places with most charm near the ski center are the famous villages of Makrinitsa and Portaria or if you prefer to be closer to the sea, then stay in Tsagarada.

Peloponessos

Kalavrita
Mount Helmos
Kalavrita Ski Centre 1650m-2340m
Ski Slopes: 4
Ski Lifts: 7
Open Mon-Sun from 8:30 to 4
Facilities: Cafeteria and restaurant for 500 persons, parking, doctor, ski rental Distance: 14km from Kalavrita. 200 km from Athens (about 2.5 hours from Athens) Package holidays are available.

Macedonia

Mount Vermio
Seli 1500m
Ski Slopes: 8 and 1 cross-country
Ski Lifts: 7
Distance: 22km from Veria. (96kms from Thessaloniki)
Facilities: Cafeteria and restaurant for 800 people, ski chalet accommodation for 600 people, parking, doctor, ski rental. Package holidays are available.

Mount Kaimaktsalan
Vorras 2050-2480m
Ski slopes:13+snowboard slopes:1(Snowboard Fun Park)
Ski Lifts: 7
Facilities: Cafeteria and restaurant for 400 people, accommodations for 46 people, parking, doctor, ski rental, Austrian Ski school, snow bar, snowmobile rental, bus service.
Open November-May, Mon-Fri from 9 to 4
Distance: 45Km north of Edessa. Package holidays are available.

Profiti Ilias, Metsovo
Mount Pindos, Politses Metsovou 1420-1650m
Ski Slopes: 3 easy, 1 medium, 1 difficult,
Ski lifts: 3
Facilities: Cafeteria and restaurant for 250 people, parking, doctor, ski rental
Distance: 2Km from Metsovo, 90 kms from Trikala. Package holidays are available.

More Information from:

Hellenic Ski Federation
7 Kar Servias Street
Athens Greece

Tel: +302103234412

Hellenic Federation of
Mountaineering and Climbing

5 Millioni Street
Athens, Greece

Tel: +302103645904

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