Kaimaktsalan Ski Resort is located approximately 160 km from Thessaloniki in Greece. This resort is located on the slopes of Mount Voras. It is this resort that has repeatedly received awards as the most popular in Greece. And this is not surprising, since the infrastructure of this place has received considerable development over the many years of the resort’s existence. It is worth noting the unique beauty of the local landscapes and the thick snow cover in the season.

Kaimaktsalan is rightfully considered one of the best ski resorts in Greece. It is located at an altitude of 2500 m. From the top of the mountain you can see the Thermal Gulf, Lake Vegoritida and the peak of Mount Olympus. In addition to 16 ski slopes of varying difficulty, a separate Snowboard fun park with all the necessary infrastructure is equipped for snowboarders. The total length of the slopes for downhill skiing and snowboarding is 15 km. There is even a children’s slope. Tourists call the cafe-bar located next to the ski lift a local attraction. Ticket price: 15 euros.

The height of the slopes here varies from 2020 to 2480 meters. The resort has 16 slopes with a total length of 15 kilometers. However, it should be noted that most of the slopes in this center are of medium difficulty. A distinctive feature of the slopes is their great length and width, as well as comfortable gentle slopes. The advantages of this center are the presence of a special skiing school for adults and children, the largest toboggan run for tubing in Greece, the famous snow bar “2,069 m”, a modern large chalet with shops, a cafe and a children’s center, as well as thermal springs located nearby. The resort is located only 169 kilometers from the city of Thessaloniki, which makes it attractive for tourists who want to combine skiing and sightseeing holidays. The main disadvantage of Kaimaktsalan is the remoteness of the slopes from most hotels. Guests live in the villages of Panagitsa, Agios Athanasios and Loutra Arideas, located 16 – 20 kilometers from Mount Voras.

Due to the remote location from large cities, peace and quiet always reign here.

Walking through the cozy streets of the resort, every vacationer will feel the friendliness and hospitality of the Greek population, and traditional taverns and cafes will delight guests with their local cuisine and real Greek coffee, which is brewed on coal.

The ski season begins in December and lasts until April, despite the fact that the season lasts five months, during the rest of the time Voras-Kaymaktsalan offers tourists to engage in eco-tourism. For example, to immerse yourself in hiking, or to go horse riding, hunting, and for fans of extreme and fast driving, off-road jeep excursions are offered.

A large number of resort hotels are located in the village of Agios Athanasios, but, despite the rapid development of infrastructure, a traditional and long-established way of life has been preserved here.

Recently, work has been carried out on the territory of the ski center to improve the infrastructure and level of service, so each guest will find properly serviced and suitable apartments for themselves. Holidays in Greece will be remembered for a long time, giving new sensations.

Historical background

Officially as Kaimaktsalan Ski Center began operating in 1995, and every year it expanded and improved its slopes and services. Now there are 16 slopes (six red, three green and seven blue), slopes of different categories and lengths, 1 chairlift and 5 tow-lifts.

If you wish, you can rent ski equipment and supplies, learn to ski at two ski and snowboard schools, visit bars, cafes, restaurants, etc. If the weather is good and you are lucky, then while drinking coffee you can enjoy the views of the top of Olympus and even see the Thermaikos Gulf. You can stay in hotels and apartments, such as Taganai.

Not far from the resort is the village of Old Saint Athanasius, built at an altitude of 1200 m back in the 16th century. For a long time it was abandoned, then taken under state protection, and now it is one of the favorite places to relax for tourists who came to Kaimaktsalan.

How to get from the airport to the Kaimaktsalan resort?

You can get to the Kaimaktsalan resort via Thessaloniki. First, you will need to fly to the city, and then, by changing transport to a rented car or ordering a transfer service, you can get to the resort itself. A more profitable choice would be to rent a car online, even before arriving in Greece, since by ordering a car rental in advance, it will cost you 30 percent cheaper, and there will be much more choice. After all, you will use the vehicle in the future to move between various attractions and go to hot springs, and this is not close.

Where to rent accommodation in Kaimaktsalan?

Since this place is popular among tourists, there are many hotels and guest houses here, in which every tourist can find an accommodation option to their taste and budget. The average cost of a room for two in a hotel with amenities is 40-50 euros. At the same time, your room will have both air conditioning and a fireplace.

Hotel Naiades

Hotel Naiades is located at the foot of Mount Voras, in the village of Orma, just 2 km from the Pozar Hot Springs. It offers a café-bar with a fireplace, and luxurious rooms with a spa bath and an LCD TV with satellite channels.

All elegant rooms and suites at Hotel Naiades feature a fireplace. Each spacious room has a living area. Heating, air conditioning, a minibar and a safe are provided. The windows open to a balcony with stunning views of the surroundings. Breakfast can be ordered in the room.

Guests can start their day with a rich American à la carte breakfast. The café with soft armchairs and large windows offers coffee or a drink by the fireplace.

The town of Aridea is 10 km away. The Kaimaktsalan Ski Centre is 24 km away. Free private parking is available on site and bicycle rental is available. The Black Forest is 3 km away. This area is ideal for hiking and cycling.

Hotel Рaradosiako

Offering ski-to-door access, Paradosiako is located in Kato Loutraki, 3.1 km from Loutra Pozar. It features free bikes and a garden. There is a shared lounge at the property.

The rooms are fitted with a flat-screen TV. All rooms have a wardrobe.

A buffet breakfast is available daily at the hotel. The hotel’s restaurant specialises in Greek cuisine.

Paradosiako offers a children’s playground. The area around Kato Loutraki is popular for skiing and hiking.

Staff at the 24-hour front desk speak Bulgarian and Greek.

Kaymakcalan-Voras Ski Resort is 36 km from Paradosiako Hotel.

Evzin Hotel

Evzin Complex is located in Loutraki Aridayasi, surrounded by lush plane trees. This stone-built house offers rooms with views of Kaimaktsalan Mountain. It features a snack bar and serves a traditional breakfast with homemade pastries and sweets.

The rooms of Evzin Complex are tastefully decorated with dark wooden furnishings and wrought-iron beds. Opening to a balcony or veranda, all units are air conditioned and come with a TV and a mini fridge. Some also feature a stone fireplace.

The thermal springs of Loutraki are 2 km away. Kaimaktsalan Ski Centre is at 35 km. Guests can also visit the Monastery of Agios Ilarionas at 17 km. Evzin Complex offers free Wi-Fi throughout and free private parking.

Hotel Galaxias

Galaxias Hotel is located amidst lush greenery in Loutraki-Aridaiasi. It offers air-conditioned rooms with free Wi-Fi and views of Mount Voras. Pozar Thermal Springs are 1 km away. Guests can enjoy a snack bar with fireplace.

The bright and spacious rooms of Galaxias are heated and have a TV, fridge and balcony. Each has a private bathroom with free toiletries and a hairdryer. Some rooms have a fireplace, while others have a well-equipped kitchenette.

A buffet breakfast is served daily in the dining area. The on-site snack bar serves coffee, drinks and light meals. Taverns and mini markets can be found within 200 metres.

The town of Aridaia is 10 km from Galaxias, while the town of Edessa with its famous waterfalls is 33 km away. Kaimaktsalan Ski Centre is 40 km away. Free private parking is available on site.

Where and how much to eat in Kaimaktsalan?

Even at such a height, there are restaurants with Greek and European cuisine. You can admire the unique landscapes during your meal. In bars and cafes, music often plays or some events are held for vacationers. Many restaurants on the top of the mountains have glass windows through which you can admire the local views, and in the evenings come and dance. As in other cities in Greece, the portions in restaurants here are large, so for a hearty lunch or dinner, an adult will have enough of them. For dinner, you will pay about 40 euros, enjoying dishes made from traditional local products, olive oil, cheeses and wine.

Evening relaxation for every taste

Not only those looking for good ski slopes, but also those who want to get a comprehensive vacation and stay satisfied can go to this resort. Here you will find many different entertainments, in addition to skiing or snowboarding. You can not only rest and relax after active skiing, but also improve your health in spa centers with swimming pools or baths. Not far from the resort is the Loutra Pozar SPA resort, based on thermal springs. It was known as a place of recovery even to the ancient Romans. This resort is located near the settlement of Aridea, and, apart from the springs themselves, there are no other entertainments there. But you can cure diseases of the joints, respiratory organs, neurological, skin and others by bathing in the healing water even in winter.

Sights of the Kaimaktsalan Resort

The main attraction of this resort is the Church of the Prophet Elijah, which was built on the top of the mountain during the First World War. Today, this church is very popular among tourists, it can only be reached using a caterpillar truck, which is provided to visitors.

There is also a cute village with a natural park nearby. You can not miss the unique opportunity to see the beauties of Greece in winter. Separately, in the natural park it is worth looking at the mountains and caves.

In the vicinity of the resort, places have been preserved that have not been changed by civilization. These include the villages of Panagitsa (a small tourist center) and Agios Anapsihis in the traditional style, the church of Elijah the Prophet, which is located at about the same height as the peak of Voras. Nearby is the Dasikis-Anapsihis Natural Park (mountains, gorges, lakes). For the beauty of these places, Mount Voras and the ridge of the same name are sometimes called the Greek Alps.

For a fee, you can book excursions to the resort in advance from locals!

Kaimaktsalan Ski Trails

The resort itself is located at an altitude of more than 2 thousand km above sea level. The total length of the trails is 15 km. There are 11 different trails for tourists with different abilities. There are also lifts and a funicular. You can go here not only for skiing, but also for snowboarding. There are trails with various obstacles on which you can jump and practice various tricks and professionalism. There are schools where instructors who speak Russian or English will be able to teach tourists of any age how to ski.

The resort has 16 slopes (3 green, 7 blue and 6 red), 11 types of descent of different categories, ranging in length from 500 to 2200 m, 1 chairlift and 5 tow-lifts.

Visitors can rent ski equipment and supplies (skis, snowmobiles, etc.), as well as ski and snowboarding courses, a restaurant, a cafe, a bar, etc. Special attention should be paid to the “snowbar”, which is located at an altitude of 2,069 m – it is located next to the ski lift and is one of the most impressive establishments in Greece built in this style.

Trails

2 – easy – 2200 m
3 – medium – 1000 m
4 – medium – 2000 m
5 – easy – 1200 m
6 – medium – 1000 m
7 – easy – 1000 m
8 – medium – 700 m
9 – easy – 900 m
R1 – medium – 700 m
R2 – medium – 800 m
K1 – to the ski slope – 1200 m
K2 – to the ski slope – 650 m
M1 – to the ski slope – 900 m
S1 – distance to the ski slope – 500 m

Lifts

Sarandovrisi 1 (cable chairlift (1200 people per hour) – 1540 m
Meterizi (cable-towable for 600 people per hour) – 470 m
Kremasti (cable-towable for 600 people per hour) – 1000 m
Sarandovrisi 2 (cable-towable for 600 people per hour) – 780 m

Map of the Kaymaktsalan Ski Center

Ticket price

Adults – €15

Students (6-17 years old) / Students (up to 25 years old) / over 65 years old – €10

Beginners (access only to the children’s lift accompanied by an instructor) – €10

Family ticket (for four) – €37

After 13.00 – €10

Pedestrian visitors – €6

Шопінг на курорті Каймакцалан

Для тих, хто любить шопінг, доступ до модних бутіках від гірськолижного курорту Каймакцалан буде трохи важким, так як до Салонік доведеться проїхати приблизно 150 км, а до столиці, Афін, звідси більше 600 км. Якщо вже ви і націлені на шопінг в одному з цих міст, то, орендувавши авто, зможете більш зручно до них дістатися. У великих містах є і бутіки, і торговельні центри, в яких в зимовий час можна придбати ексклюзивні речі зі знижками. Це буде відмінним приводом ще більше вивчити природу і особливості життя Греції в зимовий час. Сувеніри та різні подарунки додому можна купити і в більш ближніх містах. Наприклад, ви зможете виїхати в Арідая, селище поруч з курортом, в якому розташовані гарячі джерела.