U Resort moves forward with the redevelopment of Vasilitsa Ski Centre

The Greek Parliament has ratified the concession agreement granting U Resort Vasilitsa, a company within D Group, the right to use, operate, manage and develop the Vasilitsa National Ski Centre.

The agreement was approved on 9 July 2026 and subsequently enacted as Law 5318/2026. It provides for an initial 30-year concession, with the possibility of a single ten-year extension. The legal milestone allows the company to move from strategic planning towards the implementation of its investment programme.

 

 

From a winter facility to a four-season destination

U Resort’s stated objective is to modernize the existing infrastructure and expand Vasilitsa beyond its established role as a winter-sports destination. The strategy envisages a mountain resort that can operate throughout the year, combining skiing with hospitality, outdoor activities, sport and educational programmes.

This transition responds to a broader shift in mountain tourism. As winter seasons become less predictable and visitor expectations change, ski centres increasingly need programmes that are not limited to snow-based activity. The proposed year-round model aims to broaden the destination’s operating period and establish new reasons to visit the wider Pindus region outside the winter months.

The company has not yet released a detailed architectural or construction programme with the press announcement. Consequently, the scope, phasing and design of the individual facilities will need to be assessed as the relevant studies and visual material become available.

Regional development and long-term operation

D Group presents the project as a long-term investment in Western Macedonia and the wider mountain economy. Its objectives include the creation of employment, the attraction of visitors throughout the year and the reinforcement of businesses connected with accommodation, food, sport and outdoor recreation.

The regional impact, however, will depend on more than the modernization of the ski facilities. Accessibility, environmental management, connections with nearby settlements and coordination with the wider tourism network will be central to the project’s long-term performance.

D Group chairman Dr Dimitris Derpanis has connected the investment with his personal ties to Grevena. In the company’s announcement, he describes the project as an opportunity to support the development of his place of origin while creating value for the local community.

Moving from planning to construction

According to U Resort CEO Yiannis Litos, the ratification of the agreement enables the company to begin implementing its operational plan. The company states that the programme will combine upgraded facilities, hospitality infrastructure and new visitor experiences.

U Resort intends to begin the first construction works in spring 2027. This remains the company’s announced timetable and will be shaped by the completion of the required studies, approvals and preparatory procedures.

The redevelopment of Vasilitsa therefore begins with a clear strategic ambition: to retain the destination’s identity as a ski centre while extending its activity across all four seasons. The architectural, environmental and operational decisions that follow will determine how this ambition is translated into a resilient mountain destination.

 

U Resort | D Group