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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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.

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Rock Empire Machki Crampons Review

On January 12, 2016March 19, 2018 By Olympus MountaineeringIn Gear Review, Mountaineering Gear Review12 Comments

My first pair of crampons where the Rock Empire Machki. At the beginning of my mountaineering adventures, I needed a basic still good pair of crampons. As always, I did an extensive research on which pair of crampons would fit my necessities and my budget too and at I ended up purchasing these pair.

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Climbing in Taygetos Mountain

On December 21, 2015July 6, 2020 By Olympus MountaineeringIn Winter Mountaineering7 Comments

Taygetos, is a mountain range in the Peloponnese peninsula in Southern Greece. The highest mountain of the range is Mount Taygetus, also known as the “Profitis Ilias”, or “Prophet Elias”. The name is one of the oldest recorded in Europe, appearing in the Odyssey. In classical mythology, it was associated with the nymph Taygete. During Byzantine times and up until the 19th century, the mountain was also known as Pentadaktylos.

Driving on the highway that leads to the city of Sparti (Sparta, the city of the 300), the view of the mountain is overwhelming. The snowy peaks makes it even more special. After a short break for an early morning coffee in the suburbs of Sparti, we took the road towards the Magganiari Springs. From Magganiari Springs we have been on trail until the main refuge of the Taygetos Mountain. The refuge in the winter remains closed but by arrangements can be arranged to be open for mountaineers and climbers.

Once arrived in the refuge, we have seen the signs of several paths. Our goal was to reach the top of the mountain, the peak known as Profitis Ilias.