Start of the Winter Season in Greek Ski Resorts

As Greece moves toward the start of the winter season, ski resorts across the country are preparing to open in December, pending weather conditions. Public interest is already high, with winter tourism expected to perform strongly and major ski resorts traditionally attracting more than 100,000 visitors each year.

Kalavrita Ski Resort Aims for 250,000 Visitors

Kalavrita is drawing particular attention this year thanks to a unique new feature not found in any other Greek ski resort: an airbag landing track for snowboarders. This special landing balloon allows athletes to practise jumps and tricks safely, with a fully cushioned landing zone.

The resort—known to welcome over 250,000 visitors in particularly strong seasons—is investing in a more modern and competitive offering. Director Agrios Alexios told Tornos News that preparations are nearly complete.

“We are in the final stages of completing work on the resort’s facilities. We have carried out lift maintenance and certification and completed staff safety seminars,” he said.

With more than €20 million invested in recent years, Kalavrita is considered the most modern ski resort in Greece.

This season, two new experiences await visitors:
– A scenic coffee spot at the top of the resort offering views from the Corinthian Gulf to the Ionian Sea
– A new mid-mountain snowpark that includes the country’s only airbag landing track

“It will be an entertainment area unique in Greece. We are optimistic about the weather and expect December and the holiday season to run smoothly,” added Alexios.

Kalavrita will officially open to the public on Saturday, December 20, with lifts operating for rides and access to dining facilities regardless of snow cover. Full operation of the slopes will begin once sufficient snowfall arrives.

Kaimaktsalan Ready to Open Once Weather Allows

In northern Greece, a winter scene is forming at the Voras–Kaimaktsalan Ski Resort, where the first snow has already started to settle. While recent snowfall has not yet been enough for skiing, optimism is high ahead of Christmas. Kaimaktsalan remains one of Greece’s leading winter destinations, drawing visitors from across the country and the Balkans.

As the resort’s team notes, “the appointment is renewed with the first snowflake of December – until then, always look up.”

Greece’s highest ski resort, standing at 2,524 meters, continues its preparations with a focus on lift maintenance, facility upgrades and strict safety protocols. Last season saw 113 consecutive days of operation and a record number of visitors—setting ambitious expectations for this year.

The resort’s five lifts and slopes of varying difficulty, from easy blue runs to challenging red ones, are ready to operate as soon as the first heavy snowfall arrives.

High Expectations for the 2024–2025 Winter Season

The strong momentum at both leading ski resorts underlines expectations that this year’s winter season will be dynamic, with the holiday period playing a crucial role. Investments in safety, recreation and new infrastructure are shaping a more modern and competitive profile for Greek winter tourism.

Kalavrita’s new innovations raise the bar, while Kaimaktsalan remains a top choice for mountain enthusiasts. Ultimately, sufficient snowfall will determine when the resorts can fully open their slopes to the public.

Read more Arachova, the “Winter Mykonos of Greece” (VIDEO)