This year’s winter season is entering the final stretch, with Greek ski resorts preparing to open in December, depending on the course of weather conditions. Public interest is already high, as winter tourism is expected to move dynamically, with attendance that traditionally exceeds 100,000 visitors to the country’s major ski resorts.
Kalavrita ski resort targets 250,000 visitors
Meanwhile, the Kalavrita ski resort steals the show, entering this season with an innovation that does not exist in any other ski resort in Greece. This is the new landing balloon for snowboarders — a special airbag that allows athletes to try jumps and tricks in complete safety, as the landing area remains firmly protected.
The ski resort, which in good years attracts over 250,000 visitors, is betting on a more modern and competitive product this year. The ski resort’s director, Agrios Alexios, speaking to Tornos News, pointed out that preparations are in the final stages. “We are in the final stages of completing the work related to the ski resort’s facilities. We have proceeded with maintenance and certification of lifts and completed safety seminars for staff,” he said. In fact, the investments of over 20 million euros in recent years make the Kalavrita ski resort the most modern in Greece, according to the center’s director.
At this point, it should be emphasized that for this year two new experiences have been added for visitors:
– a new area at the top of the ski resort for coffee with a view from the Corinthian to the Ionian Sea
– a new snowpark in the middle of the mountain, which hosts, as we said, the only airbag landing in the country
“It will be an entertainment area unique in Greece. We are optimistic about the weather and expect that December and the festive season will run smoothly,” added Mr. Alexios.
The ski resort will officially open on Saturday, December 20, to the general public, with lifts operating for rides and access to the dining areas, regardless of the snow cover. Full snow cover, as estimated, will soon allow the slopes to operate.
Kaimaktsalan to open as soon as weather permits
At the same time, a winter scene is taking shape at the Voras – Kaimaktsalan ski resort, where the first flakes have already spread on the slopes. A center employee noted to Tornos that, despite the white powder of the last few days, there is still not enough snow for skiing. Optimism, however, is evident, as we head towards Christmas. Kaimaktsalan remains one of the top skiing and winter tourism destinations in the country, attracting visitors from all over Greece and the Balkans. As the HKB team characteristically notes, “the appointment is renewed with the first snowflake of December – until then, always look up.”
The country’s highest ski resort, at 2,524 meters, continues preparations with an emphasis on lift maintenance, facility improvements and enhanced safety protocols. It is worth noting that last year ended with 113 consecutive days of operation and a record number of visitors, which sets the bar high for this year.
The five lifts and slopes of all difficulty levels — from gentle blue to demanding red — are waiting for the first heavy snowfall to be fully operational.
The winter season begins with high expectations
The image of the two leading ski resorts reinforces the assessment that this year’s season will move dynamically, with the festive season being a critical time for winter tourism. Ski resorts are investing in safety, recreation and new products, shaping a more modern and competitive identity. To reinforce this, the Kalavrita ski resorts bring an innovation this year that sets the bar higher, while the Kaimaktsalan remains a solid point of reference for mountain lovers. On the other hand, the sufficiency of snow is the determining factor for the full opening of the facilities.
