«The upgrading and modernization of the facilities of the Kalavryta ski center, which is a municipal enterprise, is a complex project and the largest project implemented in a ski center in recent years. That is why we estimate that when the projects are completed, there will be a greater increase in visitor numbers, with positive results for the local economy and the further development of the region.».
This is what the director of the Kalavryta ski center, Alexis Agrios, stresses, speaking to the Athens-Macedonian News Agency, noting at the same time that «the last ski season was the best in the history of the ski resort, since we had more than 100% increase in turnover, as well as in individual departments, such as those of catering, entertainment, tickets, skiing and visitors».
In fact, as he explains, «during the last ski season, the number of tickets for the ski resort reached about 100,000 and we estimate that the number of people who came to the ski resort's facilities exceeded 250,000».
Regarding the projects for the upgrading of the ski resort, Alexis Agrios tells APE - MPE that «we are now in the final stage of all procedures» and adds:
«A fund has been approved since 2018, through the public investment program of the Region of Western Greece, which exceeds 20 million euros. At the moment we have completed a sub-project of one million euros, while the call for tenders and the finding of the contractor for the large part of the project, the cost of which exceeds 18 million euros. Now, the entire project file has been sent to the Court of Auditors and we are waiting for the audit process to be completed so that the contract can be signed and the procedures can begin.
As Alexis Agrios underlines at this point, «we hope that if all procedures are completed in the time we expect, then at the end of the coming winter season, that is, in April 2023, the works will begin at the ski resort».
Regarding the projects that will be implemented at the Kalavryta ski resort, Alexis Agrios describes to RES - MPE:
«The modern equipment will include the replacement of the two main lifts of the ski resort, namely ‘Achilleas’ and ‘Styga’.
In particular, the ‘Achilles’ will become a ten-fold detachable cabin for the transport of visitors and skiers from the base to the middle of the ski resort, while the ‘Stiga’ will become a six-fold detachable chair for transport from the middle to the top of the ski resort. This means that the carrying capacity of these two main lifts is quadrupled, while the transport time is reduced to approximately 80%.
For example, now it takes Styga 16-17 minutes to climb from the middle to the top of the ski area, while after the modernisation it will take only five minutes.‘.
Also, the director of the ski resort tells RES - MPE that «at the moment each lift can serve around 800 to 1,000 people per hour, while after the upgrade will serve more than 2,000 people from each lift, increasing the number of transits that each skier will make per hour».
Furthermore, according to Alexis Agrios, «the project includes the creation of a new substation, which will provide energy for the operation of all modern facilities, while a generator will be installed so that the operation will not stop in case of a power failure».
At the same time, he adds that «a new chalet will be created in the middle of the ski center, which will have balconies with panoramic views of the entire Corinthian Gulf, while some other works will be done to shape the slopes and the placement of snow barriers, so that we can hold the snow».
Regarding the completion of the work, Alexis Agrios tells RES - MPE that «the contract is two years», adding that «before each ski season, according to the contract, all the individual sections that will be created should be completed, so that the ski resort can operate smoothly in the winter season and be fully operational, either with old or new lifts».
At this point Alexis Agrios points out to RES - MPE that «the first sub-project that has already been completed concerns the purchase of modern paving machines, worth one million euros» and continues: «These machines are the most modern that currently exist in Greece and have helped the ski resort of Kalavryta to have the most perfect and well groomed slopes in Greece».
Also, according to the Region of Western Greece, was funded, through the public investment program, the delivery of three crawler vehicles for transportation of disabled people, four self-propelled snow ploughs and two motorized snow sleds, including one with a rescue stretcher.
Referring to the issue of traffic in the ski resort of Kalavryta, Alexis Agrios tells AP - MPE that «I estimate that there will be an increase in traffic, so we will constantly try to serve the greater demand that will be created, so that people who will come, to enjoy their excursion to Kalavryta, to come back and at the same time to create a connection with all visitors.».
Returning to the issue of traffic, the director of the ski resort stresses to RES - MPE that «we hope that this year will be a very good year, despite all the difficulties, due to the energy crisis and inflation», adding:
«After all, last year we started with difficulties, because of the measures in place to protect against COVID-19, but we did very well, as it was a record year. We hope to have another good year in terms of snow and at the same time we are trying to find solutions to overcome any obstacles and offer the public a competitive product.».
Regarding access to the ski resort, but also to Kalavryta, Alexis Agrios points out to APE - MPE that «now Kalavryta is a safe destination for the movement of visitors after the construction of the Corinth - Patras motorway, the upgrading of the road with new asphalt leading to the ski resort, and the works that have been carried out and are being carried out on the road that connects the area with the new motorway».
Meanwhile, on the occasion of the obstacles that had been presented, regarding the procedures for the implementation of the project, the regional governor of Western Greece, Nektarios Farmakis, had pointed out that «the ‘battle’ for the modernization of the Kalavryta ski center that was in danger of being lost was finally won.» adding that «the modernization and its development will ‘run’ on solid foundations and the result will benefit both the region and the wider Achaea and Western Greece.
