The touristic image of Greece is equivalent to blue sky, serene beaches and white houses. While indisputably Greece has this exotic side in the summer, during the winter more unknown choices are unfolding. The variety of greek sceneries is what I love most about my country. You can never get bored here.
Once, a British windsurfer nagged about cold in Athens. He said that "It's supposed to be always summer in Greece". When I proposed to him to go snowboarding in the mountains instead of windsurfing, he merely believed me. We had to reach the ski center and actually see the snow in order for him to add some winter in the way he saw Greece.
After an awesome summer in Ghana and a not so exciting semester in Athens, I felt the dire need to descend a snowed mountain. Two ski centres are located within three hours drive from the Greek capital.
In Peloponnesos the skiing opportunities are found on Kalavrita ski center. It is a cute ski center, with a snow park. Styga is the most interesting slope, which starts from the top and goes all the way to the bottom. Many experienced skiers are enjoying off piste skiing. Almost every weekend, events are running on KSC. There is also four all inclusive packages, that are ideal for a convenient snow trip, since they could combine accommodation, ski pass-renting, dinner. You can choose from Full Pack, Light Pack, Ski and Full Pack, Ski and Light Pack. The prices are ranging between 5 to 25 euros depending on the special category of the ticket and the season. Coaches are frequently scheduled from Athens and cost 15 euros.
The ski center I picked this time is Parnassos ski center, that is the biggest and, as said in its advertisement, the best organised of the country. It is near the beautiful village Arachova and the archaeological place Delphi, that was believed to be the navel of the earth. The Temple of Apollo is also worth visiting, as it is where the famous Pythia, the ancient oracle, after chewing the daphne leaves, uttered her Apollo inspired prophecies.
On this season, millions have been invested on new lifts, that make the skiing safer and more pleasant. All that I would explore myself, if I woke up at 4.30. So I did, surprising even myself. The drive to Parnassos lasted 3,5 hours including the stops. At 9 o clock everyone was ready, wearing boots, gloves, even the gopro-cams were placed on the foreheads. Due to a strong wind though, we had to wait for three hours before indulging the perfect snow. Just about the time that the patience of some was running out, the lifts opened. Regardless the thick cloud that was going down every time I was at the start of the slope and vanished when I was on the lift, I had an awesome time. Surely snowboarding is like bicycle after all. Two seasons off the sport did not take a toll on me. :-P
For more information about skiing in Greece visit snow report..
