Winter Ascent on Artemisio Mountain

On January 21, 2017July 6, 2020 By Olympus MountaineeringIn Winter Mountaineering3 Comments

Artemisio mountain is on the border between Arcadia and Argolis, in the Municipalities of Argos-Mycenae and Tripolis respectively. It forms part of the mountain range that connects the Argolic Gulf with the Corinthian, and as such, it borders with Lyrkeio mountain on the north and with Ktenia mountain on the south. On its west is the plateau of Mantineia. Its tallest peak is 1,771 metres in height.

According to Pausanias, a sanctuary dedicated to goddess Artemis, patron of hunters and wild nature, used to sit on its peak. The Roman traveller mentions the sacred grove of Itamoi, a European Yew that is very toxic, and according to mythology, the goddess used it to poison her arrows; unfortunately, the grove has not survived. Today, very few fir trees survive. The river Inachos has its spring on the mountain, its mouth in the Argolic gulf, and is one of the few springs that can be used for those who decide to climb the mountain.

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Winter Ascent on Mount Mainalo

On January 17, 2017July 6, 2020 By Olympus MountaineeringIn Winter Mountaineering8 Comments

The Mainalo, named after the mythical Maenalus, son of Lycaon, is a mountain range that spans about 15 to 20 km from north to south (southwest of Tripoli to northeast of Vytina) and from east to west from 5 to 10 km (from Zygovisti to Kapsas).

The mountaintop which is also known as Ostrakia elevates at 1,860 m is in the northwest central part. Mainalo is also the tallest mountain in Arcadia. The highest mountaintop is named Profiti Ilia and the height is 1.981 meters above sea level. The entire area is also a parkland.

mainalo_mountain_02 — Trees, Snow and blue Sky

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Winter Ascent on Mount Kaliakouda

On January 14, 2017July 6, 2020 By Olympus MountaineeringIn Winter Mountaineering10 Comments

Mount Kaliakouda is like a twin to Chelidona; seperated only by Karpenisiotis river, the two are of almost equal height. An ideal destination for adventure-seekers, it stands out for the wildness of its nature and thanks to its contiguity with other mountains, it may serve as a base for several days of exploration.

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Winter Ascent on Mount Tymfristos (Velouchi)

On January 9, 2017July 6, 2020 By Olympus MountaineeringIn Winter Mountaineering12 Comments

Mount Timfristos or Velouchi, located between Evritania and Phthiotis prefectures, belongs to the Pindus mountain range and is connected to Agrafa. From its peak you can see the mountains of central Greece, with Vardousia and Kaliakouda to the south and Panetoliko and Chelidona to the southwest. About 50% of Evritania is dominated by forests- a higher percentage than any other greek perfecture-, consisting mostly of firs and some deciduous species on lower grounds.

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Mount Varnoudas Expedition Preparation – Winter 2017

On December 31, 2016July 6, 2020 By Olympus MountaineeringIn Winter MountaineeringLeave a comment

An impressive mountain range at the edge of Greece, which is distinguished for its rich forests, the variety of streams and the large alpine meadows, which host a affluent in endemic and rare species flora.

Varnoudas or Varnous, is spread at northwest of Florina’s prefecture, in the border with FYROM. The mountain constitutes the south endpoint of the larger mountain range of Peristeri (Pelister or Mpampa in Slavic language), which its main volume is situated insider the neighboring country. West of the mountain, are the Prespes Lakes, with the slopes of Varnoudas offering unique view to the basin that is created by the two lakes. At North, the mountain is connected with the rest of Pelister, at east, the foot of the mountain end up to Florina’s plateau and at south, is divided from Mount Vernon, by Vigla’s neck.

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Christmas Ascent on Mount Parnitha

On December 25, 2016July 6, 2020 By Olympus MountaineeringIn Winter Mountaineering5 Comments

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 Aigaleo) that surround the circular plain,in which the city of Athens is built. Mt Parnitha is the talllest and more impressive among the mountains that surround Athens.

Despite its proximity to Athens,it has a much different climate,with lots of heavy rain,many days of snowfall and annual average temperature 5-10degrees C lower than Athens depending on the altitude and the part of the mountain.

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Winter Ascent on Mount Kyllini (Ziria)

On December 2, 2016July 6, 2020 By Olympus MountaineeringIn Winter Mountaineering8 Comments

End of November the first snowfall of this season (2016-2017) took place in Greece and covered almost all Greek mountains with the beautiful white powder. We did not have a second thought and we organised a single day mountaineering ascent on mount Kyllini (Ziria).

Mount Kyllini or Mount Cyllene (or Ziria), is a mountain on the Peloponnesus peninsula in Greece, famous for its association with the god Hermes. It rises to 2,376 m (7,795 ft) above sea level, making it the second highest point on the peninsula. It is located near the border between the historic regions of Arcadia and Achaea—in the northeast of Arcadia, and entirely within modern Corinthia.

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Lakmos Mountain (Pindos)

On March 28, 2016July 6, 2020 By Olympus MountaineeringIn Winter Mountaineering7 Comments

Lakmos is a mountain in eastern Ioannina and western Trikala regional units. The mountain is a part of the Pindus mountain range. Its highest peak is the Peristeri, at 2,295 m elevation. It stretches from the village Krapsi in the west to near Metsovo in the east, over a length of about 20 km (12 mi). The nearest mountains are the Athamanika to the south, the Lygkos to the north and the Mitsikeli to the west. It is drained by the river Arachthos and its tributaries to the north, west and south, and by the Acheloos to the east.

The nearest town is Metsovo, at its northeastern end. Other places in the mountains are Anthousa in the southeast, Anthochori in the north, Megali Gotista in the west and Vathypedo in the southwest.

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Winter Climb in Vardousia Mountain

On March 7, 2016September 3, 2025 By Olympus MountaineeringIn Winter Mountaineering17 Comments

Vardousia is a mountain in northwestern Phocis and southwestern Phthiotis, Greece. Its highest peak, Korakas reaches 2,495 m (8,186 ft), making it the second-tallest summit in Central Greece after Giona. It is a southern extension of the Pindus mountains. It is divided into three main parts: Northern Vardousia, whose highest peak is Sinani at 2,059 metres (6,755 feet), the very steep Western Vardousia, whose highest peak is Soufles at 2,300 metres (7,500 feet), and Southern Vardousia, with the highest peak of Korakas. The whole range measures about 25 kilometres (16 miles) from north to south.

Last weekend, together with a group of friends we have been climbing towards the Korakas peak, starting from Athanasios Diakos village. The first part of the climb is more like trekking under beautiful trees and with wonderful views towards the Vardousia peaks.

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Winter ascent on Dirfi Mountain

On February 29, 2016July 6, 2020 By Olympus MountaineeringIn Winter Mountaineering3 Comments

Dirfi is a mountain in the central part of the island of Euboea, Greece. At 1,743 m elevation, it is the highest mountain of Euboea. The Dirfi gave its name to the municipal unit Dirfys. Its summit is 4 km west ofStropones, 5 km north of Steni Dirfyos and 28 km northeast of the city of Chalcis. There are forests on the lower slopes while most of the mountain is covered with grassland.

We have arrived at Steni village around 9:00 in the morning and from there we drove for about 15 minutes towards the refuge. Due to snowy road, we left the cars in the side of the road and we walked on the snow for about an hour. On that day, snow condition was bad and the weather was rather foggy.