Snowboarding

Now an official Olympic event; competitive snowboarding includes two categories of freestyle and downhill; with the three separate events of slalom, palallel slalom, and giant slalom, with boards of several types used.

Slalom involves speeding through a series of gates arranged variously to test speed, technique, and agility, with the racers in helmets and streamlined clothing and using narrow snowboards.

Freeystyle races use a ramp like that used in skateboard but remodeled into a shape that resembles a half pipe and permits high leaps into the air and all sorts of acrobatic tricks, with grades given according to both the inventiveness and skill in executing these tricks, which have been given names over the course of time.

The sport was introduced in Greece in the 1980s and fast became popular both on professional and non-professional levels with the first games held in 1994 and a national Greek team established in 1996.

Many Greek ski resorts now have snowboarding facilities, with the one in Arakhova (near Delphi) among the most popular, as well as those in Kalavryta (in the Peloponnese), Vasilitsa (near Grevena, in western Macedonia) and Mt. Falakro (in northeast Greece), as well as at Mt. Kaimaktsalan (above).

There are many models of snowboards being manufactured; the freeboard is considered good for beginners because they are soft and wide, and glide smoothly on all types of snow. Specialized equipment for women snowboarders has also been designed, along with appropriate costumes, boots, etc. Some training with a professional, at least to start, is recommended.

Vasilitsa

Vasilitsa is one of the ski resorts with good snow boarding terrain, and a very long season. It is located 45 kilometers from Grevena via paved road, at an altitude of 1750 meters (5740 feet), surrounded by a forest of beech and pine, with 16 ski slopes and trails ranked according to difficulty, and several snowboarding runs including a halfpipe, (the first in Greece).

The first jump contest in Greece was held here.Views from the chair lift in this resort include spectacular views of mountains, lakes, and the Grevena valley. Equipment for many sports can be rented from the schools and alternative tourist agencies that operate at Vasilita, including inflatable snow rafts. Meals, accommodation, and a daycare center are available at the resort.