IN THE TROODOS MOUNTAINS
SKIING TO HIKING & EVERYTHING IN BETWEEN
Cyprus might not be the first place that comes to mind when considering winter sports, but it does offer a surprising array of quality winter activities. Winter in Cyprus presents a unique chance for a whole host of winter activities that offer unique adventures to all. With this in mind, the island has become a year-round destination with several seasonal offerings catering to both adventure seekers and those looking to enjoy a simple winter retreat.
THE TROODOS MOUNTAINS
Winter in Cyprus presents a unique blend of experiences that highlight the island’s diverse beauty and charm. Set against several natural settings, particularly in and around the Troodos Mountains, Cyprus offers several winter sports and activities. These include skiing to hiking and everything in between. Winter in Cyprus also allows people to immerse themselves in the rich culture and heritage of Cyprus. Rarely disappointed, visitors are often found seeking snow-covered landscapes, cultural immersion, or thrilling outdoor activities. As well as this, traditional rural mountain villages also come alive with a series of traditional winter festivals. These often display local crafts, food, live music, and several traditional village customs.
A WINTER WONDERLAND
Rising to an elevation of 1,952 meters at its highest point at Mount Olympus, the Troodos Mountains are the primary destination for winter sports on the island. Often dominated by snow during the winter, the whole region transforms into a picturesque winter wonderland. Most visitors to the region often describe the setting as a festive, snow-capped picture postcard scene. The TROODOS SKI RESORT, which operates from December through to March, offers a variety of winter sports. This often includes skiing, snowboarding, snowshoeing, winter cycling, hiking and snow trekking.
SKIING ON MOUNT OLYMPUS
Skiing on Mount Olympus is modest by international standards, but it does provide a delightful experience for both novice and advanced skiers. This makes the ski resort accessible to all. With this in mind, all ski and snowboarding equipment is generally available for daily hire. The four modern slopes are equipped with ski lifts, ensuring easy access. The most popular is the ‘Valley’ slope, which is ideal for novice skiers. Experienced skiers can challenge themselves on the more difficult ‘Kaloskopio’ slope.
WINTER HIKING & SNOWSHOEING
If there’s no snow for skiing, the region offers beautiful snowy landscapes for snowshoeing, winter hiking or biking. This allows visitors or those who prefer a more leisurely pace the chance to enjoy scenic village life with fireside dining and hot beverages. Numerous mountainous nature trails remain accessible during the winter months. They tend to provide the opportunity to witness some stunning winter scenery, and this creates an excellent way to explore the snowy landscapes of the Troodos Mountains. These trails meander through forested areas, offering breathtaking views of the snow-capped peaks and valleys below. The trail from Troodos Square to Mount Olympus is particularly popular and offers both panoramic views and an invigorating experience for several outdoor enthusiasts. Guided snowshoeing tours also offer the chance to be guided by experienced instructors. They direct visitors through scenic paths, sharing insights about the local area every day throughout the winter.
MOUNTAIN BIKING
Mountain biking in the snow remains a thrilling activity throughout the winter months. Several bikers traverse the trails that wind through the forests, en route to the numerous villages. They all provide stunning views of the surrounding countryside. Although most mountain bike enthusiasts tend to bring their own specialised bikes with them, there are still bikes that can also be hired locally.
PHOTOGRAPHY & BIRD WATCHING
Winter is an excellent time for photography enthusiasts and bird watchers. The Troodos Mountains are home to various wildlife species, many of which can only be seen during the cooler months on the island. Birds such as the Cyprus Warbler or the Bonelli’s Eagle can often be spotted in the area, making it a prime location for bird watching. Photographers will find plenty of opportunities to capture the majestic winter scenery and the unique flora that thrives in the mountain climate.
WINE TASTING
Winemaking is in full swing during the winter months. Several rural wineries welcome visitors for tastings and tours. The cooler climate contributes to the unique flavours of locally produced wines, particularly sweet dessert wines like COMMANDARIA. A visit to a winery not only offers a chance to taste exceptional wines but also to enjoy the beautiful landscapes adorned by winter’s white blanket.
CYPRUS WINTER FOODS
Winter in Cyprus also means indulging in seasonal culinary delights. Traditional Cypriot foods take centre stage, and many taverns offer hearty meals that are perfect for the colder weather. Cyprus stews and soups come to the forefront at this time of year. As well as these, there are also several Cypriot delicacies such as ZALATINA that become popular during this season. All of these form delightful comfort foods after a day in the snow.
THE TROODOS SKI RESORT
Winter sports and activities offer visitors a refreshing alternative to the island’s sunny summer culture. The island’s ski resorts, hiking trails, and vibrant local culture in the mountains provide a winter experience that is enriched and adventurous. The Troodos Ski Resort is the primary, purpose-built ski area and the main hub for all alpine skiing and snow activities in Cyprus. Located at the peak of the Troodos Mountains during the winter, the terrain is considered more gentle than other major European alpine resorts. It does, however, feature four slopes that offer skiing opportunities for both novice and advanced skiers.
Snow Reliability: The whole ski resort is highly dependent on winter precipitation. Although snow can be inconsistent, when conditions are good, it offers a compact, family-friendly experience. The ski resort, as a result, is not as large or consistently open as other major European ski resorts. The operational status of the resort varies from year to year due to the climate. With this in mind, it is always advisable to check local weather and resort announcements before planning a trip. Current ski resort conditions can also be checked with local tourism offices or the Troodos Mountains official channels. Several accommodation providers also offer potential skiers with on-hand information regarding the levels of snow. The best chance of a good snowfall is typically during January.
Other activities: As well as hiking, biking and snowshoeing, there are also cross-country Nordic-style trails and snow-park-like setups for sledging, tobogganing, or beginner-friendly activity zones during some winters.
Facilities: Ski schools and rental shops are available in season, along with a basic, laid-back infrastructure, which includes cafes and rest areas. Nearby villages, such as Kalopanayiotis, Kakopetria, and Platres, which are all located in the Troodos foothills, serve as the base for several visitors. These villages also offer several restaurants, shops, and accommodation. The areas around these villages, when conditions permit, also offer rolling slopes and smaller designated snow play zones for smaller practice runs.
Lifts: Provide shared access via chairlifts or T-bar setups during peak season. These serve the main ski runs.
Slopes: Three of the four slopes available are suitable for first-timers, beginners, and families with children. The fourth slope, however, is reserved for advanced skiers. There is also a great deal of flat to rolling snow terrain. These areas are ideal for sledging or light practice.
Gear and lessons: Daily rental gear and ski instruction are available at the ski resort. It is advisable, however, to book equipment or lessons in advance during busy periods.
