Greece is famous for its sunny beaches, archaeological heritage and delicious cuisine. But these are not its only treasures: with 80% of its territory made up of mountains, Greece also boasts some magnificent ski areas! The winter sports season runs from late November to late March, depending on the region.
A word of advice: always check the real-time weather forecast and ski resort opening times before your trip at Snow Forecast and Snowreport for example! So, are you ready to hit the slopes in Greece?
Here are our 3 favourite destinations for snow and skiing in Greece!
1 – Skiing in Greece on a mythical mountain: Mount Parnassus
Parnassos ski resort
The Parnassos ski resort is the most important winter sports resort in Greece, and is only a 2.5-hour drive from Athens. Located on the famous Mount Parnassus, overlooking Delphi, it’s the ideal place for a winter weekend getaway!
The Parnassos ski area covers altitudes from 1,600 to 2,260 m. It comprises 2 mountain peaks: Kellaria and Fterolakka. Although the area is sparsely wooded, it offers magnificent mountain and sea views.
Parnassos ski resort offers 30 ski runs with a total length of 39 km:
- 7 cross-country ski trails ;
- 4 mini-green runs for beginners;
- 11 blue runs ;
- 8 red runs, including 4 certified by the International Ski Federation to host international ski races.
The resort has 17 lifts, with numerous chairlifts and cable cars. The slopes are well groomed, making descents fairly easy. Beware, however: the areas reserved for absolute beginners are not clearly marked.
Practical information about the Parnassos ski resort
- Visit the Parnassos ski resort website.
- Access from Athens: 2h30 by car via the Northern freeway, or by bus with Klaoudatos or Snowbus (round trip in the day during winter).
- Daily fee 2025: from €20 to €32 depending on the day for adults and from €15 for students.
- Our tip for equipment rental: the 3 Dimitriadis boutiques or the Parnass store on the Arachova road.
Find all the practical information you need to enjoy winter sports on Mount Parnassus in our article on the Parnassos ski resort!
2 – Family skiing in Greece near Athens: Kalavryta
Kalavrita ski resort
Kalavrita is Greece’s second-largest ski resort. Like Parnassos, it’s a 2.5-hour drive from the Greek capital. Yet, the two resorts offer very different experiences.
Situated at an altitude of 1700 m on the north-western flank of Mount Chelmos, Kalavryta is a small, family-friendly ski resort. The 7 old-fashioned ski lifts invite you to take your time, but are not lacking in charm! The heights of the ski area offer splendid views of the Gulf of Corinth.
Kalavrita ski resort has 12 slopes which are more technical than those of Parnassos. They total 12 km in length:
- 2 green trails ;
- 3 blue runs ;
- 4 red runs ;
- 2 black runs.
The snowpark and some great off-piste possibilities will delight winter sports enthusiasts. A well-protected area is also reserved for beginner skiers.
Some practical information about the Kalavryta ski resort
- Visit the Kalavrita ski resort website.
- Access: 2 h 30 by car from Athens, or round-trip day trip by Snowbus from Athens and Patras.
- Daily fee 2025: between €22 and €32 for adults and between €15 and €22 for children, depending on the day.
- Many ski schools allow you to book your lessons and equipment.
- Our tip for equipment rental: there are no rental outlets at the top of the resort, so choose one of the many stores in the village of Kalavryta.
Find out more about the Kalavrita ski resort in our article!
3 – Skiing in Northern Greece: Kaimaktsalan
Kaimaktsalan ski resort
In the far north of Greece, the summit of the Kaimaktsalan ski resort rises to 2500 m above sea level on Mount Vora. The beautiful mountain village of Agios Athanasios lies some ten kilometers below. This superb mountain setting includes wooded areas of stunning natural beauty. The site is well worth a visit, whatever the season!
The Kaimaktsalan ski resort enjoys excellent snow quality. It is equipped with 6 lifts and 13 ski runs totalling 15 km in length:
- 2 cross-country ski trails ;
- 3 green trails ;
- 4 blue runs ;
- 4 red runs.
Kaimaktsalan ski resort is the highest in the country. The view is incredible: from the foothills of Mount Vora, you can see the Gulf of Thermaikos and the summit of Mount Olympus. The summit forms a spectacular natural border between Greece and Northern Macedonia. Don’t miss this exceptional site!
Practical information about Kaimaktsalan ski resort
- Visit the Kaimaktsalan ski resort website.
- The parking lot is 2000 m away, so make sure you’re properly equipped!
- Daily pass 2025: €15 to €20 full price / €12 to €15 reduced price.
- The ski school at the entrance to the resort offers private lessons in English.
- Our tip for equipment rental: Ski Fun Gioras, just outside Agios Athanasios. Allow around €15 per day for full equipment.
Find out more about this ski area, the village of Agios Athanasios and the Loutra Pozar spa in our article on the Kaimaktsalan ski resort!
To find your accommodation in the various ski resorts, we recommend Booking, which offers a wide range of accommodation throughout Greece. And if you don’t have your own car, Booking also offers car rental, listing car rental companies and their best rates. And don’t forget the chains!
The beauty of the Greek mountains is a wonderful reason to visit Greece in winter. With or without skis, discover our top destinations for winter vacations in Greece!
Sandra B.
