Author: Olympus Mountaineering

In Greece, curled up within the majestic mountains, lies a treasure trove of insights waiting to be discovered. From the art of winter mountaineering to the thrill of trekking, from the peacefulness of hiking to the challenges of rock and alpine climbing, there is a world of adventure waiting to be explored. My humble endeavor is to provide you with a glimpse into this world, to guide you through the rugged terrain and share my experiences with you. If you wish to join me on this quest, I welcome you with open arms. Simply send a message using the form below, and let us embark on this journey together.

Summer Hike in Skiritida Forest, Arcadia

On By Olympus MountaineeringIn Hiking & Trekking1 Comment

It’s summer time and here in Greece weather can be quite warm. Actually hot! Very hot!. The weather forecast was for 39 C degrees. Therefore we took the decision of visiting the Skiritida forest, instead of hitting a hot (from temperature) beautiful Greek beach.

Skiritida is an ancient place. It is located in southern Arcadia. It has Mainalo to the north, to the east is Parnonas and to the south lies the passage between Parnonas and Taygetos. Picturesque villages nestle on the slopes, Vlachokerasia, Kerasia, Kaltezes, Kollines.

Skiritida_Forest_Vlachokerasia_01
Starting point

Continue reading “Summer Hike in Skiritida Forest, Arcadia” →

Agrafa Mountains – Five Towers ascent

On By Olympus MountaineeringIn Hiking & Trekking10 Comments

Agrafa is a mountainous region in Evrytania and Karditsa regional units in mainland Greece, consisting mainly of small villages. It is the southernmost part of the Pindus range.  The Agrafa region is famous for its complete autonomy throughout the entire 400 years of Ottoman Turkish occupation of Greece. The word agrafa literally translates to unwritten which means unregistered or uncharted; because the Ottomans were unable to conquer this region, the area and its population were not recorded in the Sultan’s tax register. As a result the people were usually free to conduct their business and customs as they pleased without Ottoman influence.

Agrafa_Five_Towers_01
Beginning of the trail

Continue reading “Agrafa Mountains – Five Towers ascent” →

LOWE ALPINE Mountain Attack 35-45 lt. Review

On By Olympus MountaineeringIn Gear Review, Hiking Gear Review, Mountaineering Gear Review13 Comments

This past winter I was searching for a backpack that I could use it for 2 days (one night) trips to the mountain. This new backpack I wanted to have several features for winter mountaineering and to be within my budget. The previous years, for such excursions I was using the Lowe Alpine Cholatse II 55-65 lt backpack. This backpack was great, though the 55-65 litres where never filled up and therefore I did not want to carry extra weight and volume on my back.

Lowe_Alpine_MountainAttack_35-45_Review_01
Lowe Alpine Mountain Attack 35-45 front view
Continue reading “LOWE ALPINE Mountain Attack 35-45 lt. Review” →

Erymanthos Mountain Spring Ascent

On By Olympus MountaineeringIn Hiking & Trekking16 Comments

Erymanthos is a mountain range in the southern part of Achaea and the northeastern part of Elis. With an elevation of 2,224 meters, it is the fourth-tallest mountain in the Peloponnese peninsula. The summit is located on the boundary of Achaea and Elis. Historically, Mount Erymanthos was part of northwestern Arcadia, where it was the second-tallest mountain range. The northern portion belonged to the historic Achaea.

Erymanthos_Mountain_2017_01

Continue reading “Erymanthos Mountain Spring Ascent” →

La Sportiva Bushido Unboxing Preview

On By Olympus MountaineeringIn footwear, Gear Review1 Comment

As a mountaineer, I like to keep my body in good shape and good condition. Thus, training is an important part of the whole mountaineering experience. Part of my training process is trail running. I try to complete 10k on daily basis including uphills, downhills uneven terrain etc. So far I have been using the Salomon Speedcross 3 which I have been very happy with, though do to the fact I run more often on hard rocky surfaces I needed a bit stronger outsole. Having done the appropriate research I have decided to go for the La Sportiva Bushido trail running shoes.

LaSportiva_Bushido_Uboxing_Review_01
La Sportiva Bushido packaging

Continue reading “La Sportiva Bushido Unboxing Preview” →

Quechua TECHFRESH 50 Men’s Hiking T-Shirt Review

On By Olympus MountaineeringIn Apparel Reviews, Gear Review10 Comments
Quechua is a sub-brand of the Decathlon brand. Is perhaps one of the most successful -not High-End- brand in the hiking world. I personally own several Quechua products such as trousers (review will follow up in the future), day backpacks, small backpacks, sweaters and T-Shirts etc. One of my favourite items is the TechFresh 50 T-Shirt.

Quechua_TECHFRESH_50_01
Quechua TechFresh 50 colour options

Continue reading “Quechua TECHFRESH 50 Men’s Hiking T-Shirt Review” →

Mount Kyllini (Ziria) Spring Ascent with Snow

On By Olympus MountaineeringIn Winter Mountaineering21 Comments

It was end of November when we last visited the peak of Mount Kyllini (Ziria). That was our first winter mountaineering ascent for the 2016-1027 season. Now, end of April, and following up our ascent to Doussias peak of the so called “small” Mount Ziria, we decided to reach the second higher peak of Peloponnese.

Mount_Killyni_Ziria_01

Continue reading “Mount Kyllini (Ziria) Spring Ascent with Snow” →