Skiing in Greece: the best ski resorts, when to go and how to get there
Not the Alps, but close, a short flight away and family-friendly: a guide to Greece's ski resorts, from Parnassos to Falakro.
- Parnassos, near Arachova, is Greece's largest ski resort, about three hours from Athens.
- Near Thessaloniki: 3-5 Pigadia and Seli on Mount Vermio.
- The season depends on snow; January and February are usually the safest months.
If you plan to ski in Greece, fly to Athens for Parnassos or to Thessaloniki for Mount Vermio, hire a car with chains, and check snow conditions before booking.
Can you ski in Greece?
Yes. Greece has a few dozen small and medium-sized ski resorts in the mountains of the mainland, some of them two to three hours' drive from Athens or Thessaloniki. They are not on the scale of the Alps, but they suit a ski weekend, beginners and families, and fit easily into a winter trip. General information in Greece in winter: where to go and winter destinations in northern Greece.
The best ski resorts in Greece
| Resort | Where | Key facts (according to Discover Greece) |
|---|---|---|
| Parnassos | Near Arachova, central Greece | The largest and best-equipped resort in Greece; up to 2,260 m; 34 km of runs; about 3 hours' drive from Athens |
| Kalavryta | Mount Helmos, Peloponnese | 12 runs for all levels; Greece's longest run, Nefeli, starts at 2,340 m; about 2.5 hours from Athens |
| 3-5 Pigadia | Mount Vermio, near Naoussa | Its Filippos run is considered the best black run in Greece; snowboard park |
| Seli | Mount Vermio | "The birthplace of winter sports in Greece"; good for beginners and intermediates; cross-country trails |
| Vasilitsa | Pindus mountains | 18 runs, 24 km, up to 2,150 m |
| Karpenisi (Velouchi) | Central Greece | 18 runs, including one black run |
| Falakro | Near Drama | The largest ski centre in Macedonia; the season can run into April |
| Vigla | Near Florina | 9 downhill runs and 2 cross-country trails |
A ski resort near Athens
Parnassos is the most popular choice from Athens. Stay in Arachova, a mountain village that is lively in winter, and combine it with a visit to nearby Delphi, about 20 minutes' drive. See a day trip to Delphi. Arachova itself is full of cafés, tavernas and shops, and in winter it is one of the most popular destinations for Greeks themselves, so accommodation fills up fast. Kalavryta in the Peloponnese is even closer according to Discover Greece, and from the top you can see the sea. Both get crowded at weekends and holidays, especially on the access roads.
A ski resort near Thessaloniki
From Thessaloniki the nearest resorts are 3-5 Pigadia and Seli on Mount Vermio, near Naoussa and Veria. Vasilitsa and Falakro are further away, but according to Discover Greece Falakro often has good snow and a long season. Flights to Thessaloniki are in flights from Israel to Thessaloniki.
When is the ski season in Greece?
The season depends on snow, so it varies from year to year. Resorts usually open in December or January, and the safest months are January and February. In years with little snow some resorts open late or close early. Before booking, check snow conditions on each centre's official website or on Snowreport.gr.
Tips for a ski trip in Greece
- Prices: lift pass and equipment hire prices vary by resort and season and are published on each centre's official website.
- Car: most resorts are not well served by public transport. Hire a car and carry snow chains, which are mandatory on some roads on snowy days. See car hire in Greece for Israelis.
- Accommodation: book ahead for weekends and holidays, especially in Arachova.
- Children: most resorts have ski schools and beginner runs. See also Greece with kids month by month.
FAQ
What is the biggest ski resort in Greece? Parnassos, according to Discover Greece, with 34 km of runs and a top altitude of 2,260 metres.
Which ski resort is closest to Athens? Kalavryta and Parnassos, about 2.5 to 3 hours' drive.
Is skiing in Greece good for beginners? Yes. Most resorts are fairly small, with beginner runs and ski schools. Seli, for example, particularly suits beginners and intermediates.
When is there snow in Greece? Usually from December or January to March, and in good years into April, but it depends on that year's snow.
