D GROUP at the Event of the Region of Western Macedonia in Syntagma
The dynamic transition of Western Macedonia into a new era was sealed by the highly successful event held on Thursday, September 24, at the Multi-Purpose Hall of the Syntagma Metro Station. The event, which brought together top institutional representatives, was highlighted by the flagship presentation by the President of D GROUP, Dr. Dimitris Derpanis, who announced the strategic master plan for the “next day” of the Vasilitsa National Ski Center.
Joining Forces for a “Region in Transition” The event showcased a cohesive vision for the area. Opening remarks were delivered by the Alternate Minister of National Economy & Finance, Mr. Nikos Papathanasis, and the Deputy Minister of Tourism, Ms. Anna Karamanli, emphasizing the importance of tourism and economic upgrading. The Regional Governor of Western Macedonia, Mr. Georgios Amanatidis, analyzed the plan for “a region that is changing,” while the Vice-Governor of Tourism, Culture, and Environment, Dr. Politimi Farmaki, highlighted the region’s authenticity as “a place you always return to.” Dozens of local government officials from Kozani, Grevena, and Florina were also present, confirming the support of the local community.
The Driving Force: The Vision of D GROUP and Dr. Derpanis The highlight of the event, which turned the Region’s vision into a tangible reality, was the speech by Dr. Dimitris Derpanis. The President of D GROUP presented the plan of U Resort, a company belonging to the Group, which is undertaking—through a €36 million investment—the complete redevelopment, radical modernization, and operation of the Vasilitsa Ski Center for the next 40 years.
“Our plan concerns a total transformation that will help Western Macedonia, Epirus, and the country as a whole,” emphasized Dr. Derpanis, analyzing how Vasilitsa is being transformed into a 4-season mountain destination that connects visitors with the natural wealth, tradition, and new culinary trends of Pindus.
The transformative projects, scheduled to break ground on April 1, 2027, include:
Model Hospitality: Creation of a 4-star hotel unit, a state-of-the-art chalet, and a luxury alpine village.
Skiing Excellence & Recreation: Modernization of the ski lifts—starting immediately with the historic “Filippos” line—and the creation of an iconic umbrella bar at the highest peak.
Accessibility for All: Redesign of smart parking facilities with absolute emphasis on equal and unobstructed access for People with Disabilities (PwD) across all facilities.
Investment in High-Performance Sports: Creation of a cutting-edge gym and an indoor Olympic-sized swimming pool—facilities that will serve as an altitude training center for national delegations and professional teams.
Conference Tourism: Construction of an exhibition center and amphitheater to host high-profile events.
With this strategic investment, D GROUP and U Resort demonstrate in practice their trust in the potential of Western Macedonia, creating a destination of international prestige.
