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.

Ek Tou Anasfalous VI UIAA 90 m. | Trad Climbing in Karathona beach – Nafplio

On April 24, 2023April 26, 2023 By Olympus MountaineeringIn Mountaineering general4 Comments

I woke up early on Sunday, feeling excited about the day ahead. I was going trad climbing with a few friends, and I couldn’t wait to get out to the crag and test my skills on the rock face.

After packing all my gear and double-checking my equipment, I hopped into my car and drove out to the crag. As we arrived, I could feel the adrenaline pumping through my veins. I was ready for the challenge.

We took some time to scout out the route and assess the rock quality. We discussed the type of protection we’d need to place as we climbed, and I felt reassured that we were all experienced and knowledgeable about trad climbing techniques.

Ek_Tou_Anasfalous_Web_Images_29 — Topping up the route

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Climbing in Castle Thermisia (Kastro Thermisias) – Ermionida, Argolis (2023 Update)

On March 31, 2023August 24, 2025 By Olympus MountaineeringIn Climbing6 Comments

If you’re a climbing enthusiast looking for a breathtaking view, Castle Thermisia Crag is the place to be. Located in the Peloponnese region of Greece, this crag offers stunning vistas of the surrounding mountains, valleys, and the sea. The rock formations are also incredibly diverse, making it an ideal spot for climbers of all skill levels.

The crag is located just a short drive from the city of Ermioni. This makes it easy to combine your climbing adventure with some sightseeing and relaxation in the area. In fact, you can even see surrounding areas such as Nafplio, Hydra, Spetses, Epidauros, Poros and Dokos.

There are several climbing routes available at Castle Thermisia Crag, ranging in difficulty from 5a to 8c+/9a. The majority of the routes are sport climbing routes, with well-maintained bolts and anchors for safety.

Climbing_Castle_Thermisia_Crag_01 — C. Vrochidis projecting Careless Corsair (project)

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Petzl Connect Adjust Review

On March 28, 2023August 31, 2025 By Olympus MountaineeringIn Gear Review3 Comments

Trad climbing, also known as traditional climbing, is a style of rock climbing where the climber places their own protective gear into the rock as they climb. It is considered a more advanced and committing style of climbing compared to sport climbing, where pre-placed bolts are used for protection. With many years of experience in trad climbing comes the knowledge of the necessary gear to use in order to climb safely and efficiently.

The most essential gear for trad climbing includes a helmet, climbing shoes, harness, climbing ropes, carabiners, quickdraws, slings, and cams or nuts. A helmet is crucial for protecting the head from falling debris or rockfall. Climbing shoes are also essential, as they provide the necessary grip and precision for climbing. A harness is used to attach the climber to the rope, and a climbing rope is used to catch the climber in case of a fall. Carabiners and quickdraws are used to attach the rope to the protection, while slings and cams or nuts are used for protection.

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Mount Artemisio – Winter Mountaineering ascent via the North-West Couloir

On February 20, 2023 By Olympus MountaineeringIn Winter Mountaineering5 Comments

As I trudged up the snow-covered slopes of Mount Artemisio, I felt a surge of excitement and anticipation coursing through my veins. It had been a year since I last set foot on mountain covered with snow, and the thrill of the winter mountaineering activities that awaited me was almost too much to bear.

As I gazed out over the rugged terrain, with the crisp winter air stinging my cheeks and the snow crunching beneath my boots, I knew that I was exactly where I belonged – among the mountains.

In this post, I will recount my recent winter mountaineering ascent via the North West couloir of Mount Artemisio in Argolis, Greece.

Join me on this exhilarating journey as I navigate the treacherous slopes and take in the breathtaking beauty of this majestic mountain.

Winter_Mountaineering_Climb_Mountain_Artemiisio_North_West_Couloir_10 — Enjoying the view and getting ready for the challenge

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PETZL Hirundos 2022 – Climbing Harness Review

On January 25, 2023September 1, 2025 By Olympus MountaineeringIn Gear Review7 Comments

Not very long time ago, I wanted to purchase a new harness in order to substitute my old -and loved- harness, the Mammut Ophir. In that time, I wanted to have an all around harness, with emphasis on trad and multi-pitch climbing and therefore I got the Petzl ADJAMA.

Although the Petzl ADJAMA is a great and very comfortable harness, due to the fact most of the days I spend them on sport climbing crags, I also got the new Hirundos model by Petzl.

Petzl_Hirundos_Harness_2022_New_Review_18 — Petzl Hirundos Harness 2022 with Gear

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Public VI- UIAA, 90 m. | Trad Climbing in Varasova

On January 16, 2023 By Olympus MountaineeringIn Mountaineering general2 Comments

Visiting the area of Mt. Varasova is always very pleasant and while being there, is always great to try to do as many routes as possible. This is what we have actually done at the beginning of 2023.

Early morning we climbed Kalydonios Kapros (V+, 100 m) and upon a short break for a snack and a refreshment we decided to go and climb another route, Public.

Trad_Climbing_Varasova_Public_01 — View of the rock

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La Sportiva Katana Laces 2022 Climbing Shoes Review

On January 13, 2023 By Olympus MountaineeringIn Gear Review8 Comments

During the past few years, while I have been constantly getting better in climbing, I have been tempted to try and test different kind of climbing shoes. My first pair as a beginner was La Sportiva Tarantula, which was a great pair of shoes for my first “baby steps” in the climbing activities. Upon that, I have tried various other models, such as the Anasazi VCS by 5.10 and the Simond Rock+ and the La Sportiva Otaki. Till this day, most of the times I use the Simond Rock+ and I have been extremely happy, though after a long testing period, I can not say the same about La Sportiva Otaki. Therefore, once again, I did an extensive research, mainly via my network of fellow climbers. My choices where the following two, the La Sportiva Katana Laces (2022 model) or the La Sportiva TC Pro.

LaSportiva_Kataki_Laces_2022_New_Review_01

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Kalydonios Kapros V+ UIAA, 100 m. | Trad Climbing in Varasova

On January 7, 2023September 1, 2025 By Olympus MountaineeringIn Mountaineering general1 Comment

During the winter time, I mostly enjoy to go for Winter Mountaineering activities and the initial plan for the first outdoor trip of 2023, was to visit and climb Mt. Olympus. Though, this year, here in Greece we had minimum snowfalls so far and taking also into the account the high temperatures (for this time of the year), we decided to change our plan and instead of visiting Mt. Olympus for Winter Mountaineering, to visit Mt. Varasova for Trad Climbing.

Our plan was to climb as many multi-pitch routes, in traditional style, thus we selected route in the range of V UIAA and VI UIAA.

Trad_Climbing_Varasova_Kalydonios_Kapros_31 — View of the Rock

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Skytali V+ UIAA 35 m. – Trad Climbing in Arma – Mt. Parnitha – Attica

On November 21, 2022September 5, 2025 By Olympus MountaineeringIn Mountaineering general3 Comments

Every now and then I try to visit one of my favourite outdoor locations of Greece, and specifically Mt. Parnitha which is located just 30 minutes far from Athens city centre. Mt. Parnitha is located in Attiki province, 25km N from the city of Athens. It is one of the 4 mountains(the others are Immitos, Penteli and Poikilo) that surround the circular plain, in which the city of Athens is built. Mt Parnitha is the tallest and more impressive among the mountains that surround Athens.

During my previous visits in Parnitha, I had the pleasure to climb in the area of Flabouri, but this time I want to visit and climb in the area of Arma.

Parntha_Agios_Kiprianos_Koromilia_Tamilthi_Alogopetra_190511_668 — Tamilthi Peak – View towards Arma

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Taygete – 6 pitches, 6b+ 205 m. | Multi Pitch Climb in Pleiades Crag – Katafyki Ravine – Ermioni

On November 1, 2022September 3, 2025 By Olympus MountaineeringIn Climbing, Mountaineering general11 Comments

Autumn in Greece is a lovely season and especially for outdoor activities such as rock climbing. Recently, I got again the chance to go to explore a newly established route in the area of Ermionida and specifically by Katafyki Ravine. On May 2022, I had the opportunity to climb a beautiful multi-pitch route, MAIA which is located on the west wall in the ravine of Katafyki, and specifically, between the Katafyki Main Crag and the Petrogerakas Crag.

In Katafyki ravine there are more than 70 sport climbing routes and a handful of multi-pitch routes. Most of the routes were established around 2000-2001 from Jim Titt.

Recently and with the active involvement of the local climbing community, the need of more multi-pitch routes arose and after MAIA one more new route was established and bolted in a crag named “Pleiades“. The name of this new route is Taygete.