Winter in Greece, Kaimaktsalan

Greece is only popular throughout Europe as a summer holiday destination, but Greece also is amazing during winter time. “Greece? A worthwhile winter destination”? I hear you exclaiming in disbelief. Why, yes!

There are some winter activities that may surprise those who associate favourite destination with beaches, sunshine and swimming. In fact, Greece has some resorts that specialise in winter sports and skiing is a surprisingly popular winter activity for many Greeks, and my favorite one is the traditional settlement of Old A ghios Athanasios, on the sides of mount Voras.

You see? …it’s really cold in winter in Greece

We stayed  at a really nice hotel, the Domotel Neve Mountain Resort & Spa which is built in the heart of the  village  of  Old A ghios Athanasios overlooking the Vegoritida Lake

A break from the noisy city life for a carefree trip to the mountain is not merely a need, but an inner desire difficult to resist.

Kaimaktsalan ski resort

Kaimáktsalan ski resort occupies the northeastern slope of Mt. Voras, from an altitude of 2,480m, where the highest lift carries the skiers, down to 2,050m, where the luxury chalet is located.

The view from the mountain is amazing, since you can see as far as Thermaikos Gulf, the peak of Mt. Olympos, and lake Vegoritida. The ski centre is equipped with 6 ski lifts and 13 ski runs, 15 km in total length (4 red, 4 blue, 3 beginners and 2 langlauf slopes), and 4 ski trails of 3,250m in length. The snowboard fun park invites snowboarders, free skiers and connoisseurs of the snowboard scene, whereas in the snow tubing park everyone can just have fun!

Kaimaktsalan ski resort is operating from late November till early May

A three-storey chalet is built at an altitude of 2,050m. It offers central heating, a 46-bed hotel, a restaurant-bar, where traditional dishes are served, a fast food restaurant, a café-bar with a fireplace, a store with traditional local products, a store that rents and also sells ski and snowboard equipment, a ski school with expert trainers, a tourist information kiosk, an infirmary, and parking areas. 

After a long ski day, you can relax at the chalet’s lounge. Its large windows give breathtaking views of the surrounded mountainscape. You can chose to spend the night at a luxury suite, or in the homy atmosphere of a beautifully restored guest house at the old village of Agios Athanassios (also known as the “Stone Village”).

At the foot of Vora Kaimaktsalan mountain (Voras Kaimaktsalan), at mountainous Pella the adventurous ones can make use of the large outdoor pool with hot, running, spa water during both winter and summer

via: visitgreece