🌨️ Top-4 Ski Resorts: An Epic Winter Series 🌨️

“Greece is all about white-sand beaches and beachy cocktails.” Wrong ❌ 

Welcome to the winter side of Greece—a land where mountains meet mythology, and the slopes come alive with snow angels and après-ski parties. Over the following four newsletters, we're diving into Greece’s ski resorts.

So, pack your ski gear, keep your ouzo hot, and get ready to discover the best snow-filled secrets Greece has to offer! 🏔️❄️

Parnassus: Where Ancient Myths Meet Modern Slopes

A mountain so soaked in mythology that even the gods considered it a prime piece of real estate - speaking of real estate, check the 9 + 1 most expensive properties currently available in the Greek market.

Perched gracefully in central Greece, Parnassus is where you might expect to bump into a muse while fumbling with your skis. It's not just a relic of ancient tales; it's a thriving winter wonderland where history, adventure, and a fair share of après-ski parties converge. 🏔️ 🪩⛷️ 

A Slippery Slope Through History

If mountains could talk, Parnassus would probably reminisce about the good old days when it was the sacred home of Apollo and the Muses. Fast-forward a few millennia, and the mountain has swapped lyres for lifts, becoming the largest ski resort in Greece.

Slopes, Slopes Everywhere…

Today, Parnassus Ski Resort boasts 23 groomed slopes, 7 ski routes, and 7 connecting trails, totaling about 22 miles of pure, unadulterated fun—or terror, depending on your skill level. The slopes range from beginner-friendly greens to the notorious black runs, referred to as "the ones your insurance doesn't cover." For the truly adventurous, there are 12 off-slope "black" routes where you can test your strength of character and ability to dodge trees.

The resort operates from December to early May, weather gods permitting. ☃️ 

Après-Ski and Other Inevitable Indulgences 💃 🕺 

Parnassus has you covered, whether you're into sipping hot chocolate by the fireplace or diving straight into a platter of local delicacies. And let's not forget the parties. Nothing says "I conquered the mountain" like dancing the night away with your fellow snow warriors. ☕️ 🥂 

Where to Stay: Villages with More Character than a Greek Tragedy

Arachova: The Queen Bee

Just 14 miles from the ski resort lies Arachova, often dubbed the "Winter Mykonos." By day, you can wander through its labyrinthine streets, exploring local shops selling everything from handmade rugs to that quirky owl-shaped mug you didn't know you needed. By night, the village transforms into a hive of activity, with bars and clubs that could give Ibiza a run for its money—minus the beachwear. 🥶 

Eptalofos (Agoriani): For those who prefer their 🏔️ serene and their ☕️ sipped slowly.

If Arachova is the life of the party, Eptalofos is the friend who suggests a quiet night in with a good book. Think traditional tavernas with fireplaces, wooden balconies overlooking snow-dusted forests, and the soothing sound of a nearby waterfall lulling you into relaxation. 🪓 🪵🔥 

Livadi: The Middle Ground

Livadi offers the best of both worlds. Here, luxury chalets dot the landscape, and the options for activities expand beyond skiing. Horseback riding, hiking, and even paintball are on the menu. It's like a buffet of lifestyle choices, all seasoned with crisp mountain air.

Where to Eat: Five Places That Make Counting Calories Futile

1. To Tsoukali: Located in Arachova, this tavern serves traditional Greek dishes with warm hospitality. Try the kleftiko, a slow-cooked lamb dish that will make you question all previous life choices involving fast food. 🤤 

2. Katafygio: Perched near the ski resort, it's the go-to spot for hungry skiers. The panoramic views are almost enough to distract you from the generous portions of hearty soups and grilled meats. Doubles as a restaurant and hotel. 🪟 

3. Panagiota Plus - an undercover party place: This Arachova restaurant offers a modern twist on traditional cuisine. Its creative dishes are served in a cozy setting. The goat cheese salad is practically a rite of passage. 🪩

4. Le Sapin: If your palate craves something international, this French-inspired bistro in Arachova delivers. The escargot might feel out of place on a Greek mountain, but your taste buds won't complain. 💰️ 

5. O Bebelis: Tucked away in the quiet area of Delphi, this taverna is famed for its local sausages and the kind of moussaka that could broker world peace.

3 Places to Visit: There's More to Life Than Perfecting Your 🏂️ ⛷️ 

1. Delphi: The Navel of the World

Just a short drive from Arachova, Delphi was considered the center of the world in ancient times. Wander through the archaeological site where the Oracle once dispensed cryptic advice and ponder how much easier life would have been if TripAdvisor had existed then. Check out all you need to know about Delphi.

2. Corycian Cave: Spelunking with the Spirits

High above Livadi lies the Corycian Cave, a place so steeped in mythology that even the stalactites have stories to tell. Accessible via a hiking trail, the cave was dedicated to Pan and the nymphs. Bring a flashlight and your sense of wonder.

3. Eptastomos: The Southernmost Glacier in Europe

Yes, Greece has a glacier. Located on Parnassus , Eptastomos is a sinkhole with ice formations that persist year-round. Nature reminds us that winter deserves respect, even in a country known for its beaches. 🏖️ 

So pack your skis—or don't—and prepare to engage with a place where the divine meets the mundane, and every turn offers a new story, a new flavor, or perhaps another reason to extend your stay.

After all, when the gods chose Parnassus as their hangout, they were clearly onto something.

Happy Travels! 🗺️