The author of the ‘Pocket skiing’ article, presenting some bizzare ‘In Your Pocket’ skiing destinations on our website did not include Greece although many of you would think that it is probably the most unlikely wintersport destination in Europe. 

However, a quick google search, for ‘ski in…’ returns 568,000 results for Austria, 622,000 for France and seven and a half million for Switzerland - while Greece gets an amazing four and a half million results! 

Obviously we cannot claim that Greece is the ultimate European ski destination. It is a fact though that its versatile landscape with high mountains (there are more than 50 peaks in Greece with an altitude higher than 2000 m ) actually allows for a fair share of winter fun mainly between January and March.

There are 21 ski resorts in the country, and more than half offer decent standards even for a demanding and experienced skier.

Most of them are naturally located in northern Greece but there are a few very easily accessible from Athens ideal for a skiing weekend or even just for a day escape from the city.

 

Parnassos Ski Centre (1600 - 2250m) tel.2234022693, 22340-22373 This is the largest, most organised and popular ski resort in the country. There are 2 main locations Fterolaka and Kellaria and a total of 20 slopes and 14 lifts. The distance from the capital is only 180 km making it a popular day destination for Athenian skiers. Slopes range from easy-beginner lever to difficult for experienced skiers and cross country, with lengths between 50m and 4 km. There are cafes, a restaurant, ski and snowboard schools, an equipment rental shop and baby sitting facilities. The most convenient way to get to Parnassos is by car. Drive to Levadia and follow the signs to Arachova and then the ski centre. The best place to look for accommodation is Arachova, a picturesque little town that comes alive in the winter with skiers and celebrity ‘exiles’ from the island of Mykonos. Excellent night life, restaurants, shops and plenty of traditional style hotels make Arachova a good weekend destination even if you don’t ski. If you opt to use public transportation take the KTEL (intercity) bus from Athens central station (every 2 hours tel.210 8317096) Day passes for the slopes cost between €30 - €10 depending on the day of the week and whether all lifts and slopes are operational.

 

Kalavrita Ski centre (1700 m) tel.2692024451 www.kalavrita-ski.com (Greek only) This is the only ski resort in the Peloponese, a trendy winter weekend destination for young Athenians. It is located on Mt Helmos 14 km from the pretty and historic town of Kalavrita and 203 km from Athens. Apart from the 12 slopes of all levels and the seven lifts, the centre offers a complete set of winter activities like snowboarding, trecking, snowmobiles, paragliding etc Prices for a day pass vary bettween €15 - €25 and there are weekly (€70) and seasonal (€350) passes available.

 

Karpenisi ski centre (1840m)  tel. 22370 23 506

Karpenisi ski centre is 284km away from Athens and 11km away from the town of Karpenisi. It is a small centre but popular nonetheless as visitors can combine sports with visits to the beautiful mountain villages of the region that resembles the Alps. There are 6 lifts in total and 11 slopes. There is a ski school, equipment rental shop, restaurant, cafe and a chalet with an accomodation capacity of 100 persons (tel.2237-22002). If you drive, take the national motorway to Thessaloniki and turn to Karpenisi, or take the KTEL bus to Karpenisi from Athens central station (tel. 210 - 8315919) Daily pass €20 (w/e), €12 (weekdays), Seasonal card €180

 

Pilio ski resort (Agriolefkes) (1470m) tel. 2428 074048 www.skipilio.gr (Greek only)Pilio is one of the most beautiful Greek mountains, home to the mythical creature Kentavros and it is worth visiting for a weekend even if you are not a skier. It boasts dozens of picturesque villages -most of which have stunning views of the Aegean Sea, the Pagasetic Gulf and the seaside town of Volos at the foot of the mountain, and offer plenty of good accommodation and nightlife. The centre is 27 km from Volos and 330 km from Athens (take the national motorway to Thessaloniki if you drive, or KTEL bus to Volos from Athens central station every two hours (tel. 210 8329585) There are six slopes ranging between 250m for beginners, to 5000m with a total length of 12 km and six lifts. A number of winter sports are also available like snowboarding and cross country skiing. A restaurant, a cafe and a skiing school operate at the centre as well as a chalet for those who prefer accommodation on the spot. A day pass costs €15, (children €10) and the cost for renting the equipment is €15 for a full set.There is also a seasonal card available for two people for €150 and lessons cost €40 per hour per person and €25 per hour for two.