Quick answer
Yes, you can ski in Cyprus. The island's only ski area is on Mount Olympus (about 1,951 m) in the Troodos Mountains, run by the Cyprus Ski Club, with four lifts across the Sun Valley and North Face areas. The season usually runs from early January to the end of March, depending on snow, and you can hire equipment and book lessons on site. It is about an hour's drive from Limassol or Nicosia.
- The ski area is on Mount Olympus, the highest point in Cyprus, about 2 km from Troodos Square.
- The season usually runs from early January to the end of March, but depends entirely on snowfall.
- Four lifts: the Zeus chairlift and Hera T-bar (North Face) and two Sun Valley T-bars, plus a baby lift.
- Equipment hire and a ski school are run on site; lifts open from 09:00 when pistes are open.
- Check piste and road status on the Cyprus Ski Club website before driving up.
Skiing in the morning and swimming in the afternoon is a real, if rare, Cyprus winter boast. The island's only ski area is on Mount Olympus in the Troodos Mountains, and on a good snow day it is a fun, low-key alternative to a trip abroad.
Where is the ski area?
The ski runs are on the slopes of Mount Olympus (Chionistra), the highest point in Cyprus at about 1,951 m. The Cyprus Ski Club gives the distances as about 2 km from Troodos Square and 12 km from Platres. The summit itself hosts a radar station, so the slopes sit just below it.
By car, the ski area is roughly an hour from Limassol and Nicosia, and around 1.5 to 2 hours from Paphos or Larnaca. There is no regular bus service in winter that suits skiers, so plan to drive or join an organised trip.
When is the ski season?
The season usually runs from early January to the end of March, but it depends entirely on snowfall. Some winters bring several weeks of good snow; others only a few days of skiing. The Cyprus Ski Club website shows the live status of each piste and the roads up the mountain, and has a webcam. Always check it on the morning you plan to go.
What slopes and lifts are there?
The ski area has two sectors, operated by the Cyprus Ski Club:
| Sector | Lift | Length | Slope |
|---|---|---|---|
| North Face | Zeus chairlift | 380 m | Zeus, an FIS-homologated slalom piste (advanced) |
| North Face | Hera T-bar | 262 m | Hera (North Face II) |
| Sun Valley | T-bar | 125 m | Aphrodite (Sun Valley I) |
| Sun Valley | T-bar | 140 m | Hermes (Sun Valley II) |
| Sun Valley | Baby lift | Short | Beginners' area |
Lifts open at 09:00 when pistes are open. Runs are short by Alpine standards, so expect plenty of lift rides. The Cyprus Ski Federation also holds an annual international FIS slalom race on the Zeus piste.
Can you hire equipment and take lessons?
Yes. The Cyprus Ski Club runs a ski shop at Sun Valley, open through the week in season, with alpine skis, boots, snowboards and cross-country skis for hire. There is also a ski school; ask about lessons when you arrive, or contact the club in advance in busy periods.
Lift pass and hire prices are published by the Cyprus Ski Club each season. Check the current price list on its website rather than relying on older figures.
What to bring
- Waterproof jacket and trousers, gloves, a hat and goggles or sunglasses
- High-factor sun cream: the sun is strong at altitude, even in January
- Warm layers for waiting and for the drive
- Snacks and water, though there is a chalet café at the Zeus lift and the Dias restaurant
How do you drive up safely in winter?
- Check road status first. After heavy snow, the police can close or restrict roads to the Troodos, and the Cyprus Ski Club site shows the status of each route.
- Carry snow chains or use a suitable vehicle when snow is forecast, and know how to fit them.
- Leave early. On sunny weekends after snowfall, many families drive up to play in the snow, and traffic and parking around Troodos Square become difficult.
- Fill up before you climb and keep the tank well above empty in case of delays.
- Watch for ice on shaded bends, especially in the late afternoon.
When is the best time to go?
Weekdays in January and February after a fresh snowfall offer the best conditions and the smallest crowds. Mornings are usually best, before the sun softens the snow.
What else can you do in Troodos in winter?
- Winter walks on the Artemis and Atalanti trails around Mount Olympus, with proper footwear; see our Artemis trail guide.
- Waterfalls at their best after winter rain; see our Troodos waterfalls guide.
- Mountain villages such as Platres, Kakopetria and Kyperounta, with tavernas and log fires; read our Platres area guide.
- Painted churches of the Troodos, a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
What to do next
- Check winter events, from Epiphany to Green Monday, on our events page.
- Make sure your health cover is in place before you hit the slopes; see our GESY guide.
- Explore more outdoor activities in our sports and outdoor activities guide.
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Contains affiliate linksFrequently asked questions
Can you ski in Cyprus?
Yes. Cyprus has one ski area on Mount Olympus in the Troodos Mountains, usually open from early January to the end of March when there is enough snow.
How many ski runs are there in Troodos?
The ski area has two sectors, Sun Valley and North Face, with named slopes including Zeus, Hera, Aphrodite and Hermes and a beginners' area. Four lifts serve them, plus a baby lift.
Can you hire skis in Troodos?
Yes. The Cyprus Ski Club runs a ski shop at Sun Valley with skis, boots, snowboards and cross-country equipment for hire during the season.
How far is the Troodos ski area from Limassol?
About an hour by car, similar to Nicosia. From Paphos allow around 1.5 to 2 hours.
Is Troodos good for beginners?
Yes. Sun Valley has short, gentle slopes and a baby lift, and lessons are available. Advanced skiers will find the North Face runs short compared with Alpine resorts.
