The ambitious project to build a new skiing centre in Sun Valley, Troodos, has been "frozen" following the government’s withdrawal of a previous commitment for funding amounting to €2 million out of the total €3.7 million cost.
According to what Mr. Andreas Eleftheriou, head of the Building Construction Committee for the new establishment, told “Entrepreneurial Limassol”, the Cyprus Ski Federation received a letter from the Ministry of Finance shortly after the new government took office, indicating that the €2 million grant could not be provided.
Mr. Eleftheriou added that since then, the Federation has been in negotiations with the President of the Republic, the Ministry of Finance, and the Cyprus Sports Organization (KOA) to find a solution. He mentioned that a meeting with the President of the Republic took place, who was supportive of finding a way to implement the project. The President of the Cyprus Ski Federation, Mr. Dinos Leukaritis, who is leading the negotiations, stated, "Unfortunately, despite the promises made to the Federation, no progress has been made so far."
The Cyprus Ski Club signed contracts with the construction company for the skiing centre project on October 20, 2022, with a total cost of €3.7 million. Mr. Eleftheriou stated that the contract has not been terminated but remains pending. The building (when and if constructed) will include a ski equipment rental shop, a conference room, a 500-square-meter café-restaurant, common areas, and even a mezzanine for children in the ski academies. The structure will feature stone, wood, and glass, allowing visitors to enjoy views of the snowy landscape.
Mr. Eleftheriou described the project as a “gem” planned for the Troodos mountain peak, designed to harmonize with the area’s character, and it would be a shame if it were not realized. Beyond the development of winter tourism, the project is expected to enrich summer tourism and stimulate activity in the mountain communities, reducing urban migration and unemployment.
Mr. Eleftheriou pointed out that skiing is a growing sport, with high visitor numbers both in winter and year-round. It should be noted that the club has set up a temporary facility on-site for skiers convenience. According to the Mountain Area Development Plan (which serves as a guide for the government), KOA is responsible for the project from the state side, as it is considered a sports facility.
Currently, the project is not progressing for two main reasons: firstly, the Ski Club must secure its portion of the funding; and secondly, to qualify for state funding, the building must be transferred to the Ski Federation, licenses must be reissued, and then state funding can be provided. This is to avoid being classified as State Aid by the European Union, which would disapprove of such funding.
