Print's Not Dead: Tiny Scenes - Greece

The first mag of the season has hit shops, which means some new Print's Not Dead features online for all that juicy content that we couldn't fit in the mag, and a reminder that print's not dead!

We have a new page in the mag where we shed some light on places to snowboard that are often overlooked by the media. The goal is to enlighten you on local scenes that are no less radical for being tiny. First up is the ancient land of Hellas, which you probably know as Greece. It's
a totally original experience to go snowboarding in Greece, so head there with your homies for your next shredventure!

Airport to Snow:

Renting a car will keep things simple. Otherwise, after landing take the metro (Proastiakos) from the airport to Syntagma, then a bus to Arachova (3 hours) to get to Parnassos. Another option is taking a bus to Kalavryta (3:30 hours). Buses to the closer resorts are with Klaoudatos Ski Bus, and you can hop on one in many different spots around Athens.

When:
Late January to end of March, but you will have to visit the Oracle of Delphi for an in-depth and precise snow forecast.

Powder:
Kalavryta is good for freeriding when there's a lot of snow. You'll need local assistance in Parnassos to find good spots. Vasilitsa in northern Greece can get pretty deep but it's very far from Athens, albeit closer to Thessaloniki (second biggest city). Misty hills of Vassilitsa. Photo: RSP

Park:
Best for park is Vasilitsa, Parnassos and Kalavryta all have parks but don't expect anything special.

Jib City:
On the coldest, snowiest days, usually in mid-February, check out Parnitha in the northern suburbs of Athens. It's a big hill which sets up a little park. Plus there are lots of jibs around there in abandoned hotels and even tree runs with jibs. Bribe some locals to take you there.

How much:
30 – 35 euros on average for a day pass at a resort.

Avalanche Danger:
Worry more about being caught in an avalanche of Tzatziki.

Check out some N.D.K. riders scoring some fresh mountain feta last year in the hills Kalavryta:


Sleeping:

Parnassos - check out the apartments in Arachova and Amfiklia.
Vassilitsa - check in the village of Smiksi or else your best bet is the rider-run Natura Hotel in Naousa. 
But in general the locals will try to help you out or let you crash at their place.

Homegrown Brands:
Nope.

Local Immortal Heroes:
George Felekis, Mike Augeris, Spyros Pelonias, Gerasimos Avramidis, Dimitris Maniatis, Konstantinos Vasiliadis, Chamomilias, Dimitris Liossis, Sokratis Bounovas, Zoi Tsivou, Makis Lelekis, Savvas Apostolides, Zygomitroi bros, Christian Manousarides ….

Gnarly Groms:
George Ouzounis, Dimitris Mavrokefalos a.k.a. SnowJim, Antonis David, Dimitris Pappas, Nikos Plytas, Peter Vaxevanakis, Dora, Panto, Spyros Badios, Sporos

Check out this little profile on George Ouzounis, this kid's got potential!


Good Eats:
Souvlaki Rules!

Don't Ever Eat:
The Kokoretsi, unless you like lamb guts! Nothing goes to waste, Kokoretsi for the kids!
Local brew:
Mythos, Alpha and Fix are some of  the main beers. There's a kiosk (periptero) on every corner stocked with cheap beer if you are in a big city.

Fire Water:
Ouzo, Tsipouro and Rakis will leave you in rough shape and off your board the next day if you imbibe too vigorously, so save it for the last night when you have an early flight the next morning! Careful when ordering long drinks at clubs at Parnassos, who knows what they put in that shit... Best bet there is to try some of the local mountain wines.
Christian Manousarides BS180 Japan at Kalavryta. Photo: RSP
Don't Ever:

Trust the taxi drivers, ask for the price of the fare before or right when you get into the taxi. Also, the way most people in the world say "Hello" with an open hand facing out is actually a major insult in Greece.

Don't Forget:

To taste the local mountain sausage.

Don't Bring:
Your heavy outerwear and thick thermals.
Alex Grymanis pressin' that tail at Kalavryta. Photo: RSPDefinitely Bring:
Sunscreen.

First line of National Anthem:

"Se gnoriso apo tin kopsi". Translated to English: We knew thee of old…
(Contextually, "I recognize you from the sharpness…" meaning the sharpness of the blade of the swords used by their ancestors. Written by Dionysios Solomos in 1823.)

Swearing 101:

Malaka: Wanker or masturbator/ asshole/jerk
Ay Gamisou: Go fuck yourself
As to Thialo: Go to hell
Vlaka: Moron
George Ouzounis BS5 at Vassilitsa. Photo: RSP
Weekend Warriors:
All come from Athens.

Summer Shralp:

You can try to hike up Mount Olympus!

Lost in Translation:
English is easy to get by with in Greece.
Mike Avgeris tossin' up an olive oily frontside at Parnassos. Photo: RSP
Weird Habits:
Many people, young and old, alleviate their stress or anxiety by flipping worry beads called Kombolois between their fingers. If you are sitting on a bus and roll by a church you may witness a lot of people crossing themselves in very rushed manner all at once.

Locals Suck At:

Driving.

Locals Rip At:
Feta cheese and general hospitality, the Greeks are quite welcoming. Try the local butchers for some quality meats.
It's hard to get fed up with Feta, so you're lucky that it's everywhere!
From 1-10, how accepted is it to light up a doobie (1=totally illegal, 10= legal)?
That would be a 1, the laws are strict so be smart or go in the woods. But rumor has it that it might be legalized soon.

From 1-10, how easy is it to find?

6, just ask the boarders chilling at the side of the ski lift.

Local Crews:

Silent Progression http://www.silentprogression.tv/blog/
Eternal.Dopeness. http://eternaldopeness.blogspot.com/

Hospital Standards:
OK.

Old Mountain Tale:
This is Greece! There is a congregation of Gods sitting at the top of Mt. Olympus looking down on your ass, so don't fuck around, you mere mortal!

Best Jam:
Luna Fest in Vasilitsa. They build one of the best parks Greece will see all season.Dimitris Maniatis styles out a nose boner wall rider at Vassilitsa. Photo: RSP
Typical Hill Sighting:

A guy on a 90's board with a tight 80's fluorescent suit.

Why Shred Greece:

Pure nature, great views and good people. If conditions are good you can ride almost all the way down to the sea for a swim in some places.

Down Days:

The villages in the foothills will have you snapping away photos till your finger falls off. Delphi is a must-see village, with the Oracle's Temple near Parnassos. Otherwise visit the islands or partake in some leisure protesting/rioting in Athens.The Oracle's Temple at Delphi, bring some offerings for an accurate weather forecast
Bathroom Etiquette:
If you're lucky you just might still find yourself pooping standing, i.e. playing golf with your turds.

Shred Slang:
Ekeiiiii” actually means “there” but local riders use it when someone stomps a good trick.

Busted Board:
Daniel, or just "D" to his friends, is an old-school rider who is famous for his expertise and knowledge on fixing/waxing boards. Most of the locals get their boards serviced by D. Ask the local riders to find him in Parnassos or Kalavryta.

Media Scum:
silentprogression.tv
goodtimesmag.gr
thespot.gr
Check Stavros Athanasopoulos's blog post for a image overview of most of the greek resorts - truelifemag.blogspot.com

Illustrations by Simon Riviere