Skiing in Greece

Discover Greek skiing while it's still a secret
For updates on current conditions, check the Greek Snow Report link following this article.

Greece is full of secrets, and one of the best is the selection of pristine mountains covered with winter snows. Neglected by many skiers addicted to better-known resorts in Switzerland, France, and Italy, Greece offers low prices and a good variety of slopes and ski centers. Relatively few foreigners ski Greece, and even avid skiers in other nations may be unaware of the Greek alternative. I once mentioned Greece as a possible destination to a British skier who looked at me as if I had just suggested that the permafrost on Mars was just right for cross-country skiing this year.

But this may be changing. As ski resorts in the Balkans begin to draw more visitors, friendly Greece, already loved as a summertime getaway, is starting to attract more EU visitors and a scattering of Americans in search of inexpensive, unusual skiing. It may not stay a secret for long.

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 EOT, include a 7-day pass for about $90. Other prices are similarly reasonable.

The archaeological site of Delphi is near the Mt. Parnassus ski area, and enjoys a second season providing apres ski in a village that takes on even more of a storybook quality when dusted with snow. Nearby Arachova also offers lodgings, shops, and a healthy hand-made sweater industry.

Just three hours away from Athens, Mt. Parnassus is easily accessible and generally offers skiing from December to March. A dozen lifts and a big spectrum of slopes make this the skiing hotspot in Greece.

Here are some links to the information you need to start planning a Hellenic skiing holiday.

SKI CENTERS OF GREECE

Greek Snow Report
Constantly updated, detailed summary of snow conditions throughout Greece, including snowcam photos, written descriptions, and notes on unusual conditions. Check this first; be sure you wait for the bottom portion of the page to load. Excellent.

Macedonia Region Ski Slopes
A look at the numerous resorts in Macedonia.

Snow Cams
Check out Mount Parnassus and a couple of other snowy sites.

Velouchi Ski Area
An introduction to this ski resort.

Hotel Alexandra
Ski-friendly hotel near the slopes of Karpenissi.

Skiing Hotels
From United Hellas, a list of on-line hotels near popular skiing areas.

The Oreivatein (Mountaineering) Home Page
From Oreivatein, this site can be slow to load, but it's loaded with information gathered by those who love the mountains of Greece.

Ski and Mountain Gear Shops of Greece
From Oreivatein, a list of places to buy gear in Greece. Includes featured manufacturers at each.

Ski Bus
This page from Klaoudatos sports stores offers a link to the Athens-Parnassos and Athens-Karpenissi ski buses. The schedule is in Greek only; your hotel concierge can help so take the numbers with you to Greece.

Source: About.com

Tags: Snow, Snowsports, snow, skiing, ski, Snowboard, Snowboarding