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- Did You Know You Could Ski in Crete? (2/4)
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Crete!!! Sorry for screaming. When you think about cool places to go skiing, the beautiful touristy island is likely the last name that pops to mind. When you think of Crete, it’s easy to envision sun-drenched beaches, azure seas, ancient ruins, and a few too many tourists.
But Crete has another side, a winter wonderland hidden in its rugged mountains. Remember Greece is about 80% mountains, so while its shorelines dominate headlines its mountains are the real story. Visiting Crete for skiing offers an experience like no other: imagine descending a snowy slope with the Mediterranean Sea glistening in the distance. The island’s two main areas for skiing, Mount Psiloritis (or Ida) and the White Mountains, both offer compelling adventures for winter enthusiasts.
(Source: Constantine Papanicolaou)
To be clear, this is not a resort, no ski lines, no ski lifts, no apres-ski or fancy chalets, and no ski pass is needed, this is backcountry skiing. If you are a beginner, this is probably not what we would suggest starting out with. Back in the day there used to be an active resort, nowadays all that remain are an abandoned ski lodge and an inactive ski lift. However, there are talks to convert this abandoned resort into a flourishing ski destination once again.
(source:Alex Neal)
Here is a fun 3-day trip idea:
Day 1: Exploring Chania and Prepping for the Slopes
Begin your Crete skiing adventure by flying into Chania, where you can get a taste of the island’s blend of culture and rugged beauty. Wander through Chania’s old town, with its Venetian harbor, quaint alleyways, and local shops, before enjoying a traditional Cretan lunch at a taverna. In the evening, settle in at your accommodation in Anogeia, a historic mountain village near Mount Ida (Psiloritis), the island’s highest peak and main skiing destination.
Day 2: Skiing on Mount Ida
After breakfast, head to the Mount Ida ski fields, where you can enjoy a unique ski experience on Crete’s tallest mountain. While facilities here are not as extensive as larger ski resorts, the pristine alpine terrain offers a mix of trails and scenic backdrops. Psiloritis’ high altitudes are often snow-covered in winter, giving skiers an unforgettable Mediterranean-meets-mountain atmosphere. After a full day on the slopes, head back to Anogeia for a hearty Cretan dinner of slow-cooked lamb and mountain greens. The village's rustic charm and welcoming locals make it the perfect spot to unwind after a day in the snow.
Day 3: More skiing
Return to the White Mountains for another thrilling day of skiing. Spend your morning on new slopes, then descend to Chania for lunch in a seaside restaurant where you can try fresh seafood paired with local olive oil and raki. Take the afternoon to explore the Venetian harbor and the town's charming streets. For a memorable dinner, savor antikrysto, a traditional lamb dish cooked over an open flame, in a rustic tavern.
Pierra Creta
Surprisingly, the island has a long history of mountaineering, in fact, the Greek Mountaineering Club of Hania has been operating since the 1930s and there are mountaineering clubs all over Crete.
They even have a biennial race: Pierra Creta, a ski mountaineering race held in the mountains of Crete.
The costs are reasonable for skiing enthusiasts accustomed to pricier destinations. Daily ski rentals typically cost around €30, while guided tours range from €60 to €100 depending on the package. Accommodations near the ski areas are affordable, with cozy guesthouses in Anogia and Omalos charging around €40 to €70 per night. While it may lack the bustling infrastructure of larger resorts, skiing in Crete offers something rarer: an authentic connection with a landscape where history, nature, and a touch of snow come together to create a unique winter experience.
Crete’s skiing culture has roots that intertwine with its rich history. The mountains, revered in ancient mythology, have been both a sanctuary and a battleground, from Minoan legends to World War II resistance efforts. Skiing here is not only a sport but a connection to a landscape that holds centuries of stories. The ski areas may be limited in size—often just a few trails suited for beginner to intermediate levels—but they offer a sense of place that no resort can replicate. Here, skiing is about the journey, from the winding mountain drive to the peaks that reveal stunning vistas of the sea and surrounding villages.