With temperatures rising to 27C in mid November, who would expect snow in Cyprus a month later? Since Thursday, it's been snowing on Troodos, almost uninterruptedly. Right slap in the middle of the Mediterranean island of Cyprus towers Mt Olympus. At just under 2000m it's able to collect enough snowfall from late December to March to have its own resort.
Originally built and operated by the British army after the Second World War, the 60's saw the Cyprus Ski Club take over the resort and have since installed more lifts and expanded the terrain. It's about an hour drive from Nicosia, Larnaca and Limassol and a short drive from Troodos village. The snow doesn't tend to last too long once on the ground, with rocks showing through after about four days without snow. However when the snow is good, there are a few trees to board through. The 4- drag lifts are old but seem to keep going all season without a hitch.
The slopes can be busy at the weekends and holidays, but it's normally extremely quiet during the week with just a few people on the slopes. Locals are only just beginning to take up snowboarding and up till now, ski equipment has been available to rent at the store situated next to the cafe adjacent to the 'sun valley' run.
In my area, on the southern coast, it was freezing early this morning, but I thouroughly enjoyed an early-morning jog along Mackenzie Beach. It was 8 degrees Celcius at 7:30 am today, and couldn't believe that there was one person swimming in the sea!
I'll be away on holiday for the next two weeks and I know I'll miss you! May the bright, twinkling lights upon your Christmas tree - natural or artificial - reflect positivity and happiness in your life throughout the year. Merry Christmas!
I never knew it can snow in your place. Good thing for us here in this side of the USA, we're not having snow at Christmas, not yet, although it can snow anytime after that (as the forecast says). I'm sure you'll enjoy your Christmas holidays with your husband and family. Merry Christmas!
Posted by: A Twitter User | December 22, 2012 at 04:07 PM
In Amsterdam, we generally enjoy relatively mild winters although temps can drop below freezing. No snow right now but I hope it will surprise us on Christmas eve! Have a wonderful Christmas holiday, Anastasia.
Posted by: Alexia M | December 22, 2012 at 08:02 PM
We are heading to the mountains tomorrow and spending Christmas at the cottage - only a few minutes away from Troodos. Thanks for sharing these wonderful photos. Have a great time. Merry Christmas!
Posted by: Lakis Ioannou | December 22, 2012 at 08:12 PM
I am dreaming of white Christmas, with every Christmas card I write. May your days be merry and bright,and may all your Christmases be white. Merry Christmas.
Posted by: Laura | December 22, 2012 at 08:43 PM
Warmest thoughts and best wishes for a very Happy Christmas to you and yours. May love, happiness and joy follow you always. Merry Christmas!
Posted by: Constantinos T | December 22, 2012 at 09:07 PM
Wishing u & your loved ones peace, health,happiness & prosperity in the coming New Year.
Posted by: Mrkmakth | December 22, 2012 at 09:18 PM
Wow!! I didn't knew it can snow in Cyprus! Here in North Italy it snowing very often but this December we didn't have much snow. Your photo from the beach is sooooo romantic! Merry Christmas and a happy new year
Posted by: Lisa A | December 22, 2012 at 09:41 PM
It has been a hectic, productive, and jam-packed year for me -one filled with both excitement and with sadness. For the last few days of the year, I hope that your holiday is filled with peace, family, and good times. Love you!
Posted by: Jeff | December 22, 2012 at 10:01 PM
Hope your holiday is a memorable one. Come back with lots of photos! Happy Christmas!!!
Posted by: Christina | December 23, 2012 at 11:48 AM