5 Ski Resorts In Greece That Will Make You Love Greek Winter

Kalavrita Ski Center and Resort

Kalavrita is a small city located in the Peloponnese region at an altitude of 730 meters. Among other things, Kalavrita is famous for its ski center. During the winter season, more and more choose Kalavrita for skiing and relaxing, which is 188 kilometers away from Athens, making it an easy getaway.

The ski center and resort is located on the north side of Mt Chelmos and has been open since 1988. There are 14 pistes for visitors that range at an altitude of 1730 to 2340 meters, with a great view of the Ionian Sea. For those that choose to travel light, the rental store can provide you with all the necessary equipment. A ski school is also there, in case you want a tutor to show you how it’s done.

You can choose between skis, snowboards, ski bikes or sleds if you are not so into extreme sports. In addition, there are two chalets, which offer a much needed place to relax and warm beverages. In the evening the cafe turns into a bar for you to enjoy a nice glass of wine next to the snowy mountain slopes.

Kalavrita Ski Center Resort in Greece

Where to stay: the city of Kalavrita is just 15 kilometers away from the ski center and is the best choice for accommodation during your stay. Kalavrita is a picturesque place full of traditional buildings with paved, cobbled streets and interesting shops. You will find many cafes, restaurants, and bars for all your needs.

In addition, there are many historical and important places you can visit in the city as well. Kalavrita is the place where the evolution of 1821 started and a monument is dedicated to this in the center of the city. Also, the Monastery of Agia Lavra and the Monastery of Mega Spilaio are important landmarks of Greek history and you will need to pay a visit, preferably with a guide or a good book that can walk you through the events of that era. If you are more of a nature lover, then you can walk through the Global Geopark Chelmos Vouraikos and the Gorge of Vouraikos.

Kalavrita Ski center

Kaimaktsalan Ski Center

Moving to northern Greece, the mountain Voras is the 3rd biggest in Greece and host to one of the best ski resorts in Greece, Kaimaktsalan Ski Center. It is located near the city of Edessa, just a 2 hours drive from Thessaloniki, which makes it the perfect choice for a quick getaway. The ski center has been open since 1995 and is a great option for beginners, as the pistes are not that difficult or intimidating.

Apart from skiing, there are two chalets, where you can enjoy the snow from a distance if you are not into winter sports. On the top of the mountain is the chapel of Saint Prophet Helias. It is a great location, as it is always covered in snow. The church is dedicated to the victims of WWI.

Kaimaktsalan Ski Center Resort

Where to stay: there are plenty of places near the ski centre to stay the night. The best one is the village of “Palios Agios Athanasios”, which means the old Agios Athanasios village. There are two villages named Agios Athanasios. The old one dates back to the 16^th century and is the most beautiful one. The cobbled streets and the architecture of the buildings seem to have arrived from another time and usually, plenty of people walk the narrow streets all day, admiring the atmosphere. The place is full of restaurants (this is THE place for meat lovers!), cafes and fancy hotels with luxurious facilities.

Being in the area, do not leave without visiting Pozar Thermal Baths. This is a paradise for those whose idea of a relaxing day is the spa! Since 1920, visitors choose the thermal baths of Pozar due to their healing effects. Whether you choose the natural thermal baths, or the artificial inside pool and Jacuzzi, the result is the same: it will be a perfect relaxing day.

Kaimaktsalan Ski Center or Voras Ski center

Vasilitsa Ski Center and Resort

Staying in northern Greece, you will find another great ski resort, Vasilitsa Ski Center. Vasilitsa is located near Grevena city and got its name from the homonymous mountain Vasilitsa. Since 1975, this ski center has been a place for adventurous excursions for all the Greeks, especially those who live in the northern part of the country. The distance from Thessaloniki is just 213 km or 2 hours and 10 minutes of driving. There are 18 pistes at an altitude between 1788 and 2060 meters.

This is a fully organized ski resort, where you can find all the things you may need, such as ski equipment, tutors, souvenirs, cafes, and restaurants.

Vasilitsa Ski Center

Where to stay: near the ski center there are many small traditional villages with affordable or luxurious rooms to let according to preference. Traditional buildings, great Greek food and plenty of cafes are waiting for you to discover. The other option is to choose Grevena city. There you will have more options for accommodation and going out.

Another place in the area that you have to visit is the National Park of Valia Kalda. The place is full of forests, rivers, and streams. The route is hard to reach, but ideal for hiking enthusiasts, photographers, adventure bunnies or just nature lovers in general.

Seli Ski Center and Resort

The last one to mention is the first ski resort that ever opened in Greece in 1934.

The resort is located in the mountain Vermio near the city of Veroia. Just 95 kilometers from Thessaloniki, it is the ideal destination for a quick getaway. At an altitude of 1530 meters, there are 10 pistes waiting for eager skiers, snowboarders or just snow lovers. There are also mountain climbing routes, which are covered by the international hiking trail E4.

Seli Ski Center

Where to stay: The village Seli is just 1,5 kilometers away from the ski center and is a great option for overnight visitors. The village is small but with an idyllic atmosphere that matches perfectly with the winter vacation concept. If you would like something bigger with more options, then you can choose the city of Veria for your accommodation.