This week, Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis and Tourism Minister Olga Kefalogianni cut the ribbon on the newly upgraded Lailias Ski Center, which got a major upgrade that will push it beyond a mere winter destination.
A Serious Glow-Up for the Greek Alps
Backed by a nearly €10 million investment from the Recovery and Resilience Fund, the Lailias mountain resort now features modernized facilities, fresh equipment, and a major push toward energy efficiency.
But the real game-changer for travelers? Accessibility. Minister Kefalogianni said the mountain belongs to everyone, and “a person with limited mobility should be able to enjoy the mountain with his family.” The new infrastructure ensures that visitors with limited mobility can experience alpine air and activities with their loved ones and friends, rather than just watching from the lodge.
Beyond the Snow: A 12-Month Mountain Experience
The days of ski centers sitting empty and quiet from April to November are officially numbered. To make this happen, the government recently passed legislation allowing these centers to operate year-round. That means the lifts aren’t just for snowboards and skis anymore; they’re being repurposed for summer sightseeing, mountain biking, and alpine walking.
They’ve also rolled out a brand-new legislative framework called the Sustainable Mountain Tourism Destination. that turns ski centers into year-round hubs. The legislation opens the door for low-impact boutique hotels, traditional mountain refuges, and yes—glamping. Imagine swapping your winter boots for hiking sandals and staying in a luxury tent right in the heart of the Macedonian forest.
The Bigger Picture for Northern Greece
Lailias isn’t doing this alone. It’s part of a broader national push that’s also upgrading the Anilio Metsovou, Parnassos, and 3-5 Pigadia ski centers. For the first time ever, the Tourism Ministry is even running a dedicated promotional campaign specifically for mountainous Greece, putting these hidden gems on the global map.
Kefalogianni stated that this isn’t just about boosting national tourism numbers. It’s about keeping the lights on in mountain villages year-round. More visitors in the summer and shoulder seasons means steady work for mountain guides, full tables at local tavernas, and a vital economic boost for local producers. More importantly, it gives young people a reason to stay and build their lives in places like Serres, rather than heading to the crowded cities.
“For us, the success of this investment will be seen here, in Serres: in the visitors who will get to know Lailias and will want to return, in the professionals who will have work more months of the year and in the young people who will be able to plan their future in their place.”