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different resorts close to one another: Seli, the oldest ski area in northern Greece; Chrysso Elafi; and Pigadia. Seli is a favourite among northerners, who are attracted to its good snow cover, cheap lift tickets, friendly atmosphere and respectable range of trails.

There are three hotels at Seli resort base for convenient ski-in/ski-out lodging, while the other two resorts both have slope-side accommodation. Seli boasts several cafés, bars, taverns, and a disco on the weekends, as well as a ski school, ski rental, and information centre. Pigadia offers much the same, while Chrysso Elafi also boasts a gym, sauna and children’s park.

Seli offers 15 runs in total, three of which are designated exclusively for beginners and children. The remaining runs are predominantly well-groomed intermediate slopes, all serviced by six lifts (one chair and five surface). The combined length of the runs is around 20kms, while there are also 10kms of cross-country trails. Pigadia offers five trails and Chrysso Elafi offers four.

The ski season usually starts around the beginning of January and continues through to April. Weekends are more expensive than weekdays, when all three resorts are usually deserted. The easiest way to get here is to fly into Thessaloniki and hire a car for the short drive up to Mount Vermio.

Skiing in Mount Vermio

Mount Vermio, and especially Seli ski resort, is hugely popular on weekends, when people flock from nearby Thessaloniki for a couple of days of snow-related frivolity. Seli boasts a fun, lively atmosphere and a decent number of trails and facilities, making it a favourite among northerners. Pigadia and Chrysso Elafi are smaller and quieter.

Seli offers 15 runs in total, three of which are designated exclusively for beginners and children. The remaining runs are predominantly well-groomed intermediate slopes, and all serviced by six lifts (one chair and five surface). The combined length of the runs is around 20kms, while there are also 10kms of cross-country trails. Skiing conditions are similar for the other two resorts, except on a smaller scale.

Further accommodation and après-ski can be found in surrounding villages, while the bustling city of Thessaloniki provides near-endless options. Other facilities include a ski school and ski rental/retail.

The ski season runs from around the beginning of January and continues through to April. Weekends are more expensive than weekdays due to the large crowds. The easiest way to get here is to fly into Thessaloniki and hire a car for the short drive to Mount Vermio.

Après-ski in Mount Vermio

Mount Vermio’s three resorts are surrounded by traditional Greek villages boasting warm hospitality, excellent food and a friendly, laid-back atmosphere. Be sure to check out the Byzantine churches of Veria. Thessaloniki is one of the oldest cities in Europe and Greece’s second largest; people flock here to absorb the rich history, culture, and stunning architecture.

The après-ski at Seli is normally thriving on weekends and moribund during the week. There are several cafés, bars, taverns, and a disco slope-side, as well as three hotels. Thessaloniki offers alternative accommodation, restaurants and nightlife.

Transportation in Mount Vermio

Mount Vermio is located 90kms west of the regional centre of Thessaloniki and 23kms west of Veroia in northern Greece. The best way to get here is to fly into Thessaloniki and either hire a car or grab a taxi into the city and board the ski bus to the resort.

Driving around Thessaloniki is usually a nightmare and it can take up to an hour to get out of the city. Once you’re out though, the 90-kilometre drive west up to Mount Vermio is a very scenic one. From the city outskirts, just follow the signs for Veroia.

Thessaloniki International Airport offers daily flights to Athens, from where there are connecting flights to and from all major European cities. There is car hire available from the airport, or taxis are also available for the trip to the city centre.

There is a ski bus operating between Seli ski resort and various points across Thessaloniki. It is a convenient way to hit the slopes but can get crowded on weekends.

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