Mountains and snow aren't necessarily images most people associate with Greece. However, the country has much more to offer than just dreamy beaches and ancient ruins: towering mountains and beautiful ski resorts.
In recent years, a small but passionate snow sports community has developed in Greece. For almost a decade, this community has been supported by professional snow sports instructors from the Austrian Snowsports Academy. The goal: to further promote enthusiasm for winter sports in Greece.
With great anticipation and motivation, this year also saw the journey of two Snowsports Academy instructors, Lukas Gruber and Stefan Wallner, to Parnassos, an area two and a half hours northeast of Athens. Although this ski resort might not be well-known among winter sports enthusiasts, it is a true winter sports paradise, with 17 ski lifts and 36 kilometers of groomed slopes, which are normally high-alpine and covered in meters of snow. However, as in recent weeks across Central Europe, it has been unusually mild here, which affected the snow conditions. Nevertheless, this didn't dampen the fun; the lack of snow was compensated by the exceptional hospitality of the country.
Arachova, the center of the ski resort, proves to be a kind of "Ischgl of Greece" - a place of luxury and chic hotels, surrounded by breathtaking mountain scenery. Here, Lukas and Stefan met their students, mainly Greeks, who were initially nervous but quickly showed their enthusiasm and openness.
The practical education went smoothly, although the two instructors were not only dealing with the students but also with the unexpected challenges of the Greek winter. From searching for winter tires to improvised all-wheel-drive trips into the mountains - Lukas and Stefan demonstrated their flexibility.
What impressed them time and again was the composure and calmness of their students, who remained motivated despite sometimes adverse circumstances. At the end of the training, 16 newly minted, proud ski and snowboard instructors could be congratulated this year, ready to spread their passion for snow sports in Greece.
Overall, the stay in Greece for Lukas and Stefan was not only a professional experience but also a personal enrichment. The culture, the people, and the unexpected challenges made this trip an unforgettable experience, reigniting their passion for snow sports and their love for Greece. We're already looking forward to the course next winter!
Foto credits: Stefan Wallner and Lukas Gruber