SKIING & SNOWBOARDING
IN THE TROODOS MOUNTAINS
WINTER SPORTS IN CYPRUS
Skiing and snowboarding, in the Troodos Mountains, makes for a great day out during the winter months. The skiing season normally begins in late December and can last up to early April. Cyprus remains as one of the cheapest skiing destinations in Europe.
MOUNT OLYMPUS
The snows of Mount Olympus make for excellent snowboarding and skiing. The highest ski resort on the mountain extends to an altitude of just under 2,000 metres. Snow coverage generally reaches a depth of around two metres on the lower slopes and around three on the highest peaks.
FOUR SKI SLOPES
There are four main slopes to choose from. Each one has its ski lift and varies in accordance with skiing ability.Â
Sun Valley 1 – The Aphrodite Slope:Â
Spanning 150 metres, this slope is predominantly for novice skiers. The Sun Valley Baby Lift is in operation for children.
North Face 2 – The Hera Slope:Â Â
Spanning 350 metres, this slope is predominantly for novice skiers. The chairlift on the north face slope runs daily from 10.00 am to 5.00 pm.
Sun Valley 2 – The Hermes Slope:Â
Spanning 150 metres, this slope is predominantly for intermediate skiers. The Sun Valley Baby Lift is in operation for children.
North Face 1 – The Zues Slope:Â
Spanning 500 metres, this slope is predominantly for advanced skiers. The chairlift on the north face slope runs daily from 10.00 am to 5.00 pm.
SKI CLUBS
There are several ski clubs on the island. These include these include the Famagusta, Nicosia, Limassol, and Troodos ski clubs. They all form an integral part of the ski resort, but its the CYPRUS SKI FEDERATION & CLUB that is the largest and most well-known. This club is generally at the centre of all skiing and snowboarding activity in Cyprus. It is aptly located at the ski resort on Mount Olympus.Â
THE SKI RESORT
The whole area is well served by two local retreats that offer skiers and snowboarders a good choice of accommodation and amenities. Troodos Square and Platres are just a short drive away. The resort itself includes the CYPRUS SKI FEDERATION & CLUB shop, which offers casual day passes, equipment hire and areas of refreshment. The shop can also help organise ski and snowboarding lessons that can be arranged on the day.
SMART GATES ON ALL LIFTS
All ski lifts operate with smart gates at the Troodos Ski Resort. Chip and pin ski lift passes operate the gates, and they are obtained from the cash desks at both the Sun Valley and North Face locations. Daily ski lift passes can be paid for ONLINE and then collected at these cash offices on arrival. A refundable small deposit in addition to the fee will be required and the deposit is returned when the chip and pin ski lift pass is returned to either cash desk.Â
Snowboarding in Troodos
The ski slopes of Cyprus are at the top of Mount Olympus. Most skiers drive to Troodos Square and then follow the signs to the slopes on foot. The drive to the resort, however, is dependent on weather conditions. Vehicles are only allowed to continue in adverse weather conditions if they have 4×4 capabilities. Vehicles that do not, have to have snow chains fitted to their wheels to continue.Â
GENERAL ADVICE
1. Check to see whether a SafePass is required.
2. Skiing at weekends can prove difficult! If considerably quieter weekdays are not possible, then arrive at the hire shop as early as possible. The shop usually opens at 8.00 am.
3. Ski boot sizes are not real-world sizes. Try the boots before leaving the building. This makes it a lot easier to change them if they don’t fit.
4. Ski boots, along with skis, snowboards, and lift passes, can all be purchased from the Ski hire building. Please note that Helmets for skiing cannot be hired, however.
5. It is better to book ski lessons in advance, although there are several ski school huts near the ski hire building where lessons can be arranged on the day.
