Sun, sand and mountains: Snow sports instructor level 1+2 in Greece

Mountains and snow aren't exactly the images that most people associate with Greece. But the country has much more to offer than just stunning beaches and ancient ruins: high mountains and beautiful ski resorts.

Anwärter Ausbildung in Parnassos mit Ausbilder Stefan Wallner und Lukas Gruber

In recent years, a small but passionate snow sports community has developed in Greece. For almost a decade, this community has been supported by the professional training of snow sports instructors from the Austrian Snowsports Academy. The goal: to further promote enthusiasm for winter sports in Greece.

Skigebiet Parnassos

With great anticipation and plenty of motivation, the two Snowsports Academy instructors, Lukas Gruber and Stefan Wallner, set off again this year for Parnassos, a resort two and a half hours northeast of Athens. Even if you, as a winter sports enthusiast, haven't heard of this ski area before, it's a true winter sports paradise, boasting 17 lifts and 36 kilometers of groomed slopes, which are normally located at high alpine altitudes and covered in meters of snow. However, as in recent weeks across Central Europe, the weather here was also exceptionally mild, which took its toll on the snow. But this didn't dampen the fun: the lack of snow was simply compensated for by the country's exceptional hospitality.

Arachova, the center of the ski resort, proves to be a kind of "Ischgl of Greece"—a place of luxury and sophisticated hotels, surrounded by breathtaking mountain scenery. Here, Lukas and Stefan met their students, mainly Greeks, who, although initially nervous, quickly showed their enthusiasm and openness.

Stefan Wallner und Lukas Gruber in Parnassos (Greichenland)

The practical training went smoothly, even though the two instructors were faced not only with the students but also with the unexpected challenges of the Greek winter. From searching for winter tires to improvised four-wheel-drive excursions into the mountains, Lukas and Stefan demonstrated their flexibility.

What impressed her time and again was the composure and calmness of her students, who remained motivated despite sometimes adverse circumstances. At the end of the education, 16 newly qualified, proud ski and snowboard instructors were congratulated this year, ready to share their passion for snow sports in Greece.

Overall, Lukas and Stefan's stay in Greece was not only a professional experience but also a personal enrichment. The culture, the people, and the unexpected challenges made this trip an unforgettable experience that further ignited their passion for snow sports and their love for Greece. We're already looking forward to the course next winter!

Photo credits: Stefan Wallner and Lukas Gruber

Further information about the international courses in English: https://booking.snowsports.at/de/snowsports-academy/courses-held-in-english/