January in Cyprus stands as a relatively festive month – well, till its 6th day at least, when Epiphany Day is celebrated in the Greek Orthodox world, and then suddenly, everything just goes back to normal. Holiday decorations that adorned cities and homes are undone, people – usually bloated from overindulging, grudgingly go back to their routine, wondering if they can stick to their New Year’s resolutions, pondering if this is indeed the month to mark new beginnings and provide them with yet another chance to get things right!
Usually, people tend to associate Cyprus with scenic, sandy beaches and splendidly cobalt-sapphire-shaded waters. Which is, of course, an undeniable fact. However, it would be an understatement to think that Cyprus is just that. There are always more than one sides to almost everything in life.
The Troodos mountain
The Troodos mountain range stretches across most of the western side of Cyprus. Its highest peak, Mount Olympus, also known as Chionistra, is 1952 meters high and hosts four ski slopes, which are suitable for beginner, intermediate and advanced status skiers. There are no green slopes in Cyprus, however, beginners could start off with the relatively low Sun Valley 1 or Aphrodite slope which falls into the Blue category, continue with Sun Valley 2 or Hermes as well as North Face 2 or Hera, both of which are Blue / Red. Finally, the most experienced skiers could venture a run at the North Face 1 or Zeus route which hosts both Red and Black tracks.
Troodos is only a 40-50 minute drive from Limassol, naturally always depending on the weather conditions. At times, the appropriate 4x4 car might be necessary to assure safety on the snowy or icy roads. However, it is certainly miraculous and quite exceptional for one to get the opportunity to sunbathe in Limassol in the morning while being able to spend the rest of the same day enjoying skiing in a charming, picturesque setting, strewn with pine, fir and cypress trees.
Skiing in Cyprus, besides being pleasurable and stimulating, is also considered to be relatively inexpensive, as a full day pass costs EUR18. The Ski Rental Shop, located at Sun Valley, next to the café/restaurant, caters for almost all preferences, as one could find skis, poles, ski boots, snowboards, snowboard boots and sleighs. Skiing during weekdays, is unquestionably way more gratifying than on weekends, because of the tranquility, peacefulness and serenity experienced. The pistes seem to be available for personal usage, rendering the connection with the frosty, strikingly magnificent landscape, virtually divine and sacred. It is hence definitely recommended compared to the weekends, when due to the crowd both on the ski lifts, slopes and in traffic, the entire experience is downgraded.
UNESCO Heritage
While you get acquainted with the Troodos mountain region, it is worth underscoring the presence of 10 painted churches, classified among the official UNESCO Heritage Sites directory. Sometimes, even the locals fail to appreciate the significance of the island’s religious inheritance, cloaked under the countryside’s flora. The churches in question were erected and depicted between the 11th and 16th century and were made of unprocessed, local stone.
Their façade seems unpretentious, plain, linear and modest. However, once inside, eyes open wide to assimilate the magnificence of the vibrant colors adorning the frescos, from floor to ceiling and wall to wall. The murals, being a distinct characteristic, compared to typical Greek Orthodox churches that commonly exhibit icons of Saints, Martyrs, the Madonna or the Holy Triad, portray events from the Old and New Testament, as well as remarkably enough, paintings of secular benefactors of the church. The illustrations are awe-inspiring and one ought to stop a moment, clear the mind from any redundant thought and breathe in slowly and piously the sensation of the spectacle.