Although it seems strange, the wonderful Mediterranean island of Cyprus, famous for its wonderful endless beaches, good diving and excellent cuisine, can offer guests a real winter kind of relaxation - skiing.
Even though the average air temperature on the sea coast is +20 degrees Celsius, any vacationer in winter can slide downhill from Mount Olymbos (Olympus, Olympos), enjoying a fantastic sense of flight surrounded by fabulous natural landscapes. This is the Troodos ski resort, rich in interesting historical and architectural sights.
General information
Many ski enthusiasts are aware of the existence of a beautiful resort in Cyprus. It is both a recreation area and a nature reserve. These places have a wonderful climate and a unique combination of the proximity of mountains and the sea, thanks to which tourists can combine skiing with relaxation on the coast of the beautiful sea. Despite the small number of hotels with good infrastructure, there are many cozy bungalows and houses.
In the winter season, lovers of outdoor activities prefer to relax on the island. Despite the Mediterranean climatic conditions, snow falls in the mountains at this time. An amazing combination of snowy, fluffy mountains and the sea coast, as well as fresh and clean air filled with the aroma of pine needles, attract many tourists to these paradise places.
Troodos ski resort (Cyprus) is open from December to March. It is located an hour away from the capital of Cyprus - Nicosia. Getting to the place is quite simple by car, bicycle or on foot. The height of this reserved corner above sea level is about 2000 meters.
Troodos (Trodos)
Mount Olympos (in the local Chionistra - “snowy”), which is the highest point in the country, geologically consists mainly of dunite, and is surrounded by deposits of dolerite, peridotite and gabbro. Between this massif and the Kyrenia mountain range stretches Mesaoria (translated as “lying between the mountains”) - a wide hilly plain formed by marine sediments, mainly of the Quaternary. This is the largest mountain range located in the west of the island of Cyprus. The height of its peak is 1951 meters.
Features of the recreation area
The resort has a rather long history. In 1934, the first skiers appeared here, and already in 1947, thanks to the support of Great Britain, the first club was created.
The ski resort of Cyprus is famous among lovers of skiing in that its mountain system is the highest in the country and is located almost in the center of the island. The highest peak is Olympus. It offers great views of the Caledonia Falls (mountain waterfall).
Four tow lifts were built on Olympus, named after the gods: Zeus and Hera are installed on the northern slope, and Hermes and Aphrodite are in the Sun Valley. In total, there are 12 tracks equipped with different levels of difficulty. For beginners ski lovers who do not have their own equipment, here (at the base) you can rent any equipment.
The opening hours of the Cyprus ski resort are from 09:00 to 16:00. An exception is days with severe thunderstorms.
sights
In addition to the ski slopes of various levels, the Cyprus ski resort is attractive for its equally interesting cultural and historical sites:
- Kikk monastery, which is surrounded by many legends. It is in it, at an altitude of about 1200 meters above sea level, for more than 900 years the icon of the Mother of God, painted by the Apostle Luke, has been stored. She was saved during the period of fires, and during the attacks on the monastery of looters.
- The Byzantine churches located in the mountains amaze with their architecture, frescoes and icons.
- The Byzantine Museum with exhibits of the period of the XII-XVII centuries (carvings, icons, silver and bronze products, fabrics).
- Fantastic miniature waterfalls (Caledonian, Kantara and Milomeri), lush green recreation areas, rich flora and fauna.
- St. Nicholas Monastery (Feline Monastery) is a place that can please and amaze all lovers of cats and people who are not indifferent to animals.
- Mountain goats mouflon living in the reserve.
In addition to all this, in the mountains that run from the city of Nicosia to Paphos (almost across the entire island), you can fish, hunt and take a quiet bike or walk.
Features of ski resorts in Cyprus
All recreation centers on the island are concentrated near the highest Mount Olympus. There are also calmer small ski resorts where tourists come to combine skiing from the slopes with outdoor recreation in the midst of magnificent nature. These ski resorts in Cyprus include the town of Pano Platres, considered the largest resort of the island (similar to the classic Alpine village). Here there are small hotels, very cozy taverns, bakeries and cafes, playgrounds for children and an amusement park, souvenir shops and shops. All this, together with friendly staff and European service, make the resort area quite popular among tourists.
Many tourists are oriented for relaxation as a family, with children. For kids and beginners there are ski schools. The village of Sunny Valley belongs to such resorts.
There are slopes on the island for professionals, where athletes can demonstrate skill. Often there are competitions, including international championships.
Reviews
The ski resorts of Cyprus are attracted by the availability of equipped tracks suitable for both beginners and professionals. Most tourists note the magnificent nature of this area, the cleanest air and the opportunity to combine winter and summer recreation.
There is a great opportunity to instill in your child a love of winter sports, using the services of highly qualified instructors.