Why Cyprus Is A Great Skiing Resort

When people think of Cyprus, the image that comes to mind is of beaches, holidays and rugged coastlines. However in Cyprus you can ski in the morning and then sung yourself on the beach in the afternoon.

Although most people consider Cyprus a summer resort, winter sports can also be enjoyed in the brief winter period. The high Troodos mountain range sees some heavy snowfall, enabling skiing from January until March; soaring down Mount Olympus is a fabulous way to spend a winter morning, making this island an all year round tourist centre, catering for all tastes.

The Troodos Mountains offer excellent winter sports facilities under the beautiful blue Mediterranean sky, and are only about an hour’s drive from Limassol or the capital, Nicosia. The majestic range of mountains stretches across the centre of Cyprus, reaching up to 1952 metres at the ‘Chionistra’, the highest point of Mount Olympus. Hiring a car is cheap, easy and the best part is that Cypriots also drive on the left side, making journeys less stressful than in other European destinations.

Skiing first appeared on Cyprus sometime around 1934, when a group of people created the first ‘Mountaineering Club’ on the island. Unfortunately though, the ensuing World War II meant that the development of skiing was delayed for several years.

However, the Cyprus Ski Club was created in 1947 and since then it has had a leading role in the development of skiing on the island. After the independence of Cyprus in 1960, the Ski Club developed into its modern form, with four regional clubs (Nicosia, Limassol, Troodos, and Famagusta) competing in various skiing competitions, including the first ever participation in the Olympics at Lake Placid in 1980: from there, Cyprus has been actively participating in the various regional competitions, as well as the World Championships and the Olympics.

The first lift was built and operated on the eastern face of Mount Olympus using primitive equipment, while a second lift was built in 1951. Gradually, more were built, and today there are four lifts servicing the four slopes named after the Greek Gods Hera, Aphrodite, Hermes and Zeus, catering for all skill levels, from beginner to advanced. Each of the lifts has its own base area, with a variety of amenities including restaurants and ski hire shop, and an off-piste trail network which interconnects them all.

The Ski Club now has its own shelter, and accepts tourists as temporary members, whilst ski instruction is available at the Sun Valley Centre. A warm welcome is guaranteed as English is widely spoken and Cypriots are famed for their hospitality.  No surprise then that sports enthusiasts are taking advantage of the fact that skiing in Cyprus is largely undiscovered by mass tourism, meaning more room to ski and less haste to be the first to glide over the powder-like consistency of the overnight snowfall.

The cost of skiing in Cyprus is dramatically less than some of the more prominent resorts in France and Italy - for example, a week’s skiing in renowned Val d’Isere next January could cost over ?500 per person and that does not include any extras such as lift passes and airport transfers. The same amount of time skiing in Cyprus could cost as little as ?200 per person including all the extras.
Skiing in Cyprus is also beneficial for owners of holiday homes on the island. Home owners in other countries usually have to rely on only one season to gain the highest rents - however, in Cyprus, holiday home investors can be assured of constant rents thanks to Cyprus’s appeal to holidaymakers all year round and its 340 days of sunshine a year.  This also allows property owners to enjoy staying at their own property during any season, thus using the property to the maximum whilst also gaining an income from rentals.
Cyprus is now amongst the six top destinations for the British abroad and it seems its popularity is still growing. Not only does it offer award winning beaches, friendly locals, great culture and a variety of outdoor activities, but away from the coastal region one can enjoy the benefits of the slopes of Mount Olympus, and the Troodos mountain range, for all 12 months of the year.

Today, many hundreds of Cypriots and perhaps as many foreigners enjoy the wonderful sport of skiing and with its 60-year history on this island, skiing is not only here to stay, but also continuing to grow.

For more information about Cyprus, and property ownership abroad, visit www.OK50.com

23 November 2005