Mount Olympos, at 1,952 metres, is the highest point in Cyprus and about 12 kilometres from Pano Platres along a good road. The summit area is home to the Troodos Ski Centre, a small but functioning ski resort that operates from January to March in years with sufficient snowfall. There are several pistes ranging from easy to intermediate; the experience is modest compared to an Alpine resort, but skiing in the Mediterranean has its own absurd appeal.
In summer, the ski lifts are quiet and the summit road is popular with cyclists and hikers. The Artemis trail — a circular 7-kilometre route around the peak at around 1,850 metres — is one of the best walks in Cyprus, passing through gnarled black pine forest and offering views south to the coast. Start from the Troodos village car park for the full loop.