Myths and reality about snow – ski centres: The case of Tzoumerka range

Myths and reality about snow – ski centres: The case of Tzoumerka range

The purpose of this study is the analysis of the requirements for the development of not only a simple winter ski center but rather an all-season activities park, open all year long in the area of Tzoumerka. A literature review about the evolution of ski-related activities in Greece is first presented. Then, the specifications for the establishment of winter ski centers are analyzed and useful information is given about the new centers, which are under development, additionally to the fifteen existing ones. In the following, the question whether the winter-ski tourism is a matter of development or degradation for a specific area is analyzed, the current practice is evaluated on the basis of previous case studies, existing infrastructure, information technology and networking, and an optimized land planning of a ski center in the Tzoumerka area is attempted, based on both spatial and economic criteria. The associations of the proposed project with the progress of constructions of the two main road networks (Egnatia odos and Ionia odos) are also examined. Finally, the objectives of the proposed development plan are described in detail and its feasibility is estimated.