About
Snowflake Winter School
Snowflake Winter School is a dynamic company founded in November 2015 by 10 experienced ski & snowboard instructors. In it's current form, the ski school is run by Kostis Papadakakis.
Having a total experience of more than 100 years in the mountain, the method of teaching and instructing is done with a unique personal touch. By having a professional career in various ski schools in Greece and Europe, the instructors decided to create their ski school. We are pleased to meet you at Mt. Parnassus - Kellaria, at the 1950m station. (Aphrodite Lift).
Having a total experience of more than 100 years in the mountain, the method of teaching and instructing is done with a unique personal touch. By having a professional career in various ski schools in Greece and Europe, the instructors decided to create their ski school. We are pleased to meet you at Mt. Parnassus - Kellaria, at the 1950m station. (Aphrodite Lift).
Kostis Papadakakis
Kostis Papadakakis is a mountain professional whose life has been shaped by snow, slope and summit. Raised on Crete, he found his true terrain in the alpine world and went on to study at the School of Physical Education & Sports Science (ΤΕΦΑΑ). He holds certification in ski and touring-ski instruction, and for more than two decades has lived and worked on Mt Parnassos (Greece), where he now leads Snowflake Winter School and manages M.Defner mountain hut.
A pioneer of freeride skiing in Greece, Kostis organised some of the country’s first freeride contests and continues to serve on the organising team of Pierra Creta. His professional philosophy blends skilled instruction with a love of the mountain lifestyle — always welcoming, always attentive to terrain, safety and the experience of his guests.
Kostis’s philosophy is that the mountain is not just terrain—it is a place of connection, challenge and community. Whether teaching beginners, guiding experienced freeriders, or organising events, he brings a deep respect for nature and terrain, alongside the technical skill required to manage mountain risk and deliver memorable experiences.
Beyond teaching, Kostis also manages the historic mountain hut M. Defner a base ideal for ski touring and back-country experiences, accessible from the resort yet offering true mountain ambience.
Away from the slopes, Kostis is also a passionate beekeeper: tending hives in the mountain environment and cultivating a deep connection to the rhythms of nature, flora and altitude.
A pioneer of freeride skiing in Greece, Kostis organised some of the country’s first freeride contests and continues to serve on the organising team of Pierra Creta. His professional philosophy blends skilled instruction with a love of the mountain lifestyle — always welcoming, always attentive to terrain, safety and the experience of his guests.
Kostis’s philosophy is that the mountain is not just terrain—it is a place of connection, challenge and community. Whether teaching beginners, guiding experienced freeriders, or organising events, he brings a deep respect for nature and terrain, alongside the technical skill required to manage mountain risk and deliver memorable experiences.
Beyond teaching, Kostis also manages the historic mountain hut M. Defner a base ideal for ski touring and back-country experiences, accessible from the resort yet offering true mountain ambience.
Away from the slopes, Kostis is also a passionate beekeeper: tending hives in the mountain environment and cultivating a deep connection to the rhythms of nature, flora and altitude.
Sophie Gritsis
Sophie has been a dominant figure in Greek alpine skiing, holding the title of Greek National Champion for 10 consecutive years, as well as Balkan Champion. She has been a proud member of both the Greek National and Pre-Olympic Teams, and continues to compete today as a National Masters athlete and an active member of EWAS (Empowering Women in Alpine Skiing, EU Program).
Her coaching career is equally distinguished — Sophie has served as a National and Olympic Team Coach, as well as Chef de Mission for the Alpine World Championships and the Paralympic Games. Additionally, she has contributed to the sport as a Technical Delegate and Course Setter in numerous international competitions.
Beyond her athletic and coaching excellence, Sophie has worked as a Professor of Physical Education in high schools and as a Visiting Professor at the Kapodistrian University of Athens (KUSS), Department of Sports Sciences. She has also played key roles in several Organizing Committees for both the Olympic and Paralympic Games.
In the private sector, Sophie is the Owner of Archipel Club, a shipping company. She holds a degree from KUSS, an ENSA Alpine Skiing Diploma, and a Master’s in Sports Management from the University of Technology Sydney (UTS).
Fluent in Greek, French, English, and German, Sophie brings international perspective, leadership, and deep expertise to every role she undertakes.
Her coaching career is equally distinguished — Sophie has served as a National and Olympic Team Coach, as well as Chef de Mission for the Alpine World Championships and the Paralympic Games. Additionally, she has contributed to the sport as a Technical Delegate and Course Setter in numerous international competitions.
Beyond her athletic and coaching excellence, Sophie has worked as a Professor of Physical Education in high schools and as a Visiting Professor at the Kapodistrian University of Athens (KUSS), Department of Sports Sciences. She has also played key roles in several Organizing Committees for both the Olympic and Paralympic Games.
In the private sector, Sophie is the Owner of Archipel Club, a shipping company. She holds a degree from KUSS, an ENSA Alpine Skiing Diploma, and a Master’s in Sports Management from the University of Technology Sydney (UTS).
Fluent in Greek, French, English, and German, Sophie brings international perspective, leadership, and deep expertise to every role she undertakes.
