Winter Arrives in Greek Mountains as Ski Season Begins

Greece’s ski season has officially begun as two of the country’s most prominent mountain resorts open their slopes to winter sports enthusiasts. The Hellenic Public Properties Company (ETAD) announced the launch of operations at the Parnassos and Voras-Kaimaktsalan ski resorts, marking the start of the 2025-2026 Greece ski season with enhanced facilities and improved accessibility for visitors seeking alpine adventures.

Voras-Kaimaktsalan Ski Resort in northern Greece became the first ski center in the country to welcome skiers this season, opening on Sunday, December 21. The Parnassos Ski Resort, located within easy driving distance of Athens, followed two days later on December 23, according to ETAD’s official announcement.

Greece Ski Season Launches at Premier Mountain Destinations

Kaimaktsalan stands among the highest-altitude ski centers in Greece, offering a rugged alpine atmosphere near the border with North Macedonia. The resort’s elevated position delivers reliable snow conditions and sweeping panoramic views that distinguish it from other southeastern European destinations. Additionally, the surrounding area attracts winter hikers and visitors to nearby hot springs, providing options for non-skiers as well.

Meanwhile, Parnassos Ski Resort serves as the largest and most popular ski destination in Greece, spread across the slopes of Mount Parnassos. Its extensive network of runs accommodates skiers of all skill levels, from beginners to experienced alpine athletes. The resort’s modern lift system and proximity to the Alpine town of Arachova have made it a cornerstone of the country’s winter tourism industry.

Infrastructure Improvements Enhance Winter Experience

Both ski resorts underwent extensive preparation works, technical inspections, and infrastructure upgrades before opening, according to ETAD. The management company emphasized that daily operations throughout the Greece ski season will be adjusted based on weather conditions, with safety remaining the primary consideration for operating lifts and slopes.

This winter season introduces improved facilities at both mountain destinations, including enhanced accessibility features for people with disabilities. Furthermore, the installation of electric vehicle charging stations supports a more sustainable approach to mountain tourism. These upgrades reflect growing demand for inclusive and environmentally conscious recreational facilities.

Network of Greek Ski Centers Offers Diverse Options

However, Parnassos and Kaimaktsalan represent just two destinations within a broader network of ski and snowboarding centers across Greece. Mountain resorts stretch from Central Greece and Epirus to Macedonia and the Peloponnese, offering varied terrain and experiences. Many of these centers combine skiing with traditional mountain cuisine, scenic villages, and year-round outdoor activities that extend beyond winter sports.

The resorts provide daily updates on operating schedules, open lifts, and available services through their official websites and social media channels. In contrast to larger European ski destinations, Greek ski resorts offer a distinctive blend of Mediterranean culture and alpine recreation, often within shorter travel distances from major urban centers.

“The teams of the Parnassos and Voras-Kaimaktsalan ski resorts, together with ETAD, welcome visitors to a winter season of high expectations and unique experiences at two of Greece’s most popular mountain destinations,” ETAD said in its statement.

Growing Appeal of Greek Mountain Tourism

Greece’s ski centers continue attracting both domestic and international visitors seeking accessible winter sports experiences in southeastern Europe. The country’s mountains deliver dramatic alpine landscapes often overlooked by travelers who associate Greece primarily with summer beach destinations. Additionally, the combination of skiing opportunities with cultural attractions and culinary traditions creates a unique winter tourism proposition.

As the Greece ski season progresses through the coming months, resort operators will monitor snow conditions and weather patterns to determine operating schedules. Additional ski centers across the country are expected to open as conditions permit, though specific dates for other resorts have not been confirmed by authorities.