Its no coincidence that Elatochori in Pieria is one of the most beloved winter destinations. The wild beauty of the landscape and the views toward Mount Olympus impress, while the ski resort attracts ski enthusiasts to its slopes.
Perched on the Pieria Mountains, which are the continuation ofMount Olympusto the northwest, Elatochori is a wonderful nature-lovers destination for winter getaways. The traditional village is built at an elevation of about 800 meters, in a landscape of wild mountain beauty.
Just 25 km. from Katerini and 100 km. fromThessaloniki, ElatochoriPieriagives you the chance to enjoy serenity, crisp air and strolls in the untouched nature of the Pieria range, as well as winter sports at the ski center of the same name - one of the countrys newest- located at 1.400-1.800 meters with a wonderful view towards Mount Olympus, the shores of Halkidiki and the Aliakmon.
Elatochori: A magical escape to the Pieria Mountains
Elatochori consists of two settlements, the old and the new. The village’s first name was Skouterna, from the residents’ engagement with woolen fabrics (skoutia), which they processed or traded in various parts of Greece.
The traditional settlement was destroyed when the entire village was burned by the Germans on 27 January 1944. With the start of operations at the ski center, the old settlement experienced significant tourism development. Stone-built guesthouses and tavernas serving local specialties, in harmony with the nature that embraces the settlement with beech, chestnut and oak trees, compose a beautiful scene. Next to the traditional settlement lies todays settlement of Elatochori at an elevation of 850 meters.
In Old Elatochori stands the Byzantine Church of St. Nicholas, which was built in 1776. Inside there is a rare carved wooden iconostasis as well as several Byzantine icons, which are preserved to this day. Another spot worth seeing is the old watermill, where the residents of Elatochori ground corn and wheat to produce flour. In New Elatochori, the Folklore Museum houses a collection made up of donations from residents, family and historical heirlooms, household utensils, everyday objects and tools.
For lovers of nature and the mountains, Elatochori offers a range of activities for all seasons. There are many waymarked trails (Eratos, Apollo, Muses) to explore, through dense forests, springs that carve impressive gorges and waterfalls (Sotiri Rema, Kremastos), mountaineering routes to the summits of the Pieria range, forest roads for cycling and a climbing area.
The Elatochori Ski Center
The Elatochori Ski Center is located on the northeastern side of the Pieria Mountains, at the location «Papa Chorafi» at an elevation of 1.400 - 1.800 meters, in an idyllic setting with views of the Aliakmon, the Polyfytos artificial lake, Mount Olympus, the Thermaikos Gulf and Halkidiki. It is a short distance from the village and is one of the most beautiful small ski centers in Greece.
The ski center’s facilities include 10 runs with varying vertical drop and different levels of difficulty so that both experienced, demanding skiers and beginners are satisfied. There is also a snowboard slope and a sledding run. It features a two-seater aerial lift 1287 m. and there are also two surface lifts.
At the Elatochori Ski Center, the renovated two-storey chalet operates with a café-bar and a restaurant, ski schools and a first-aid clinic. More information here
