Ski resorts in Cyprus: prices, slopes, tips

Sunbathe on the beach and in an hour be on the ski slope - this is only possible in Cyprus! The island, where the sun warms almost the whole year, and the thermometer rarely shows less than +20, also has snow-capped mountain peaks. In winter, they cover themselves with white hats, inviting them to make "rides".

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Troodos mountains

There is not as much snow on the Cypriot peaks as on the tops of the Alps, but this is quite enough to diversify your leisure time and go skiing. The Troodos Mountains are on everyone's lips. But they are better known not as ski resorts, but as mountains, where tourists go for excursions to charming Cypriot villages, in the coolness of emerald forests. But in winter the picture is completely different. It is worth taking the funicular to a height of 1500 meters in order to find yourself in the realm of silver after the golden sands. In snowy winters, the thickness of the cover in the mountains can reach 2m!

The Cypriots have a tradition: at least once, especially at Christmas, to get out into the mountains - to admire the snow, relax in cozy villages and, of course, ride down the mountains. By the way, in addition to skis and snowboards, there are also sleds: kids love them. In winter, the Troodos mountains are filled with life. They become the venue for festivals in small authentic villages. Relaxing in houses with fireplaces, tasting wines, cheeses and local dishes from farmers, walking in the forest among the cedars, getting to know the Cypriot culture and New Year's traditions - the Troodos mountains give a charming holiday in winter. The main Christmas markets are arranged just in the mountain villages!

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When does the ski season start?

From the beginning of the Christmas holidays and almost until April in Cyprus, you can go skiing or snowboarding. Significant investments have been made in the development of the Troodos ski resort. Although sometimes snow does not fall generously in the Cypriot mountains, special cannons that produce artificial snow provide a stable snow cover. Therefore, it is always snowy in the ski resorts of Cyprus in winter.

In winter, Cyprus is characterized by capricious weather. Therefore, no one knows the exact date when the ski resorts will open. Well, except perhaps Zeus the Thunderer, the main weatherman. Thunderstorms happen even in winter in Cyprus! Thunderstorms are short-lived, but at this time the lifts are turned off. So you have to take a break and taste hot drinks in cozy Cypriot taverns.

On the official website you can check the latest data on the situation in the ski resorts of Cyprus Ski Club.

You can follow weather changes on the Internet using a webcam, which is located near the Zeus highway. Several times a day, she takes pictures of weather conditions.

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Infrastructure of ski resorts in Cyprus

Cyprus organizes holidays in ski resorts Ski Club is an association of Cypriot ski clubs, which are found in many cities of the island. On average, Cypriot resorts receive up to 10 thousand people annually. Most often, in addition to the Cypriots themselves, the British and Israelis come to the ski slopes.

Platres is the main ski resort in Cyprus, and the most interesting place to descend from the mountain peaks. You will find all the necessary infrastructure: hotels, cafes, lifts, equipment rental.

In the Troodos mountains you can find trails for every taste: both for beginners and professionals, long and short. Although, of course, there will not be such breathtaking turns as in the Alps. But there are "green", "blue", "red" and "black" slopes, which are divided into several areas for skiing. Separately equipped trails for cross-country skiing and snowboarding.

The ski holiday center is the highest mountain Olymbos. Its height is 1950 m: from the top you can even see the sea! The mountain has two equipped slopes that can be used by skiers and snowboarders.

on Mount Olymbos:

• Sun Valley (Sun Valley)
• North Face (North side)

On ski resorts in Cyprus 4 lifts and 12 slopes.

• Lifts - double tow, operate daily from 8:30 to 16:00.
• The longest ski lift on the northern slopes of Olymbos - 364 m, capacity - 400 people per hour.
• The second longest lift is 260 m, the throughput is 344 people per hour.
• Lifts are located on 4 slopes.

Since we are in mythical Cyprus, everything in the ski resort bears the names of ancient Greek deities, including the ski slopes:

• Gera - length 350 m, for beginners, located on the North side of Mount Olymbos.
• Aphrodite - 150 m, for beginners, located on the side of the Sun Valley.
• Hermes - 150 m, for the middle level, located on the side of the Sun Valley. The maximum peak is 1874 m.
• Zeus - length 500 m, suitable for advanced, the highest point - 1951 m. Located on the northern slope of Mount Olymbos.

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Ski pass price and equipment rental

Cyprus is distinguished by quite budget prices for ski holidays. Ski pass price:

• 25 euros on weekends, 15 euros on weekdays
• After 13:00 - 10 euros
• For children - 10 euros
• Ski pass for the whole season - 200 euros

The resort has a ski school. If you are a beginner then Cyprus is a great place to take your first ski steps. It makes no sense to bring ski equipment with you to Cyprus: everything you need can be rented at quite reasonable prices. But there is a nuance: whoever is first, that and skis. At the height of the season, due to the large number of tourists, equipment can be quickly dismantled and after lunch it will no longer be left.

Rent price:

• Skiing: 15 euros per day (for children - 10 euros)
• After 13:00 - 10 EUR (6 EUR for children)
• Snowboard: 25 euros
• Sledge: 10 euros

The cost of equipment rental and ski passes may vary: it is best to check the data on the official website just before traveling to the resort.

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Cypriot ski racing on Olymbos

The closing of the season in the Cypriot ski resorts is solemn and loud. Veterans of skiing arrange races and fight for the first place. A lot of people are going to watch this action. The celebration is not limited to sports - it is accompanied by a show with traditional dances, music, a feast: a real festival! Date varies depending on weather conditions.

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How to get to the ski resorts

The resorts are located near the village called Troodos, which is called exactly the same as the mountains themselves. The easiest way to get to it is by car, following from Nicosia along the B 9 highway and from Limassol along the B8 highway.

Please note that there are no winter tires in Cyprus: you need to grab snow chains. And it's even better to drive an SUV, so as not to catch adventures. After all, winter roads can be slippery when it snows. If it falls heavily, they are blocked until the utilities clear the roads for safe passage.

Public transport can be reached from Limassol and Nicosia: buses run that stop in the village of Platres.

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How to prepare for a trip to a ski resort in Cyprus

• Google the weather forecast: if it rains, it's best to avoid the trip. Take snow chains with you to reach your destination safely. If you are traveling by bus, check the current timetable.
• Take a spare set of clothes: after skiing, you will be completely in the snow, things will get wet quickly, so you will want to change.
• Take gloves, warm socks, hats: the temperature in the mountains is from -2 to 6°.
• Grab your glasses and sunscreen.
• Do not forget a thermos with hot tea: it will come in handy to keep warm on the way.

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Cyprus can be the best holiday destination for those who love beaches, history and diverse beauty, as well as nature. Covered with myths, it attracts romantics from all countries. This is the place where every traveler can quench their thirst for adventure and travel!