Winter Hike on Mount Helicon (Elikonas)

On January 28, 2019September 23, 2025 By Olympus MountaineeringIn Hiking & Trekking, Winter Mountaineering8 Comments

It has been quite some time since the very first post here on the Olympus Mountaineering blog, and so far it has been a really nice “journey”.

I personally, enjoy all kind of outdoor activities in Greece, from Winter Mountaineering, Rock Climbing, Wild Camping up to Thru-Hikes and I am certainly glad when people from abroad get in contact with the Olympus Mountaineering blog in order to receive various information for the Greek mountains.

Few days ago, a person from Poland got in touch with us and kindly asked if it would be an option to join us on our next mountaineering activity. Although, I rarely accept to go on the mountains with people I do not know, after a short chat, I understood this person was serious enough and had enough knowledge for a winter mountaineering activity.

elikonas_helicon_mountain_winter_hike_20190126_170829_976 — Beautiful Landscape on Mount Helicon

Continue reading →

Alpine Climb on Mount Xerovouni via Central Couloir

On January 23, 2019August 28, 2025 By Olympus MountaineeringIn Winter Mountaineering8 Comments

One more weekend arrived, and it was time to hit the trail once again. We had plenty of options in our mind, such as Alpine Climb on Gerontovrachos (mount Parnassos), Dirfi mountain or the continuation of Dirfi, Xerovouni mountain.

Xerovouni is a limestone mountain in central Evia and is essentially a continuation of Dirfy mountain complex. Its highest peak, Portaris, is 1,453 m high.

Although Xerovouni is not a very high mountain, due to its proximity to Athens, many hikers and climbers visit it. In addition, in Xerovouni there are plenty of trad climbing routes, that during winter time most of these routes become the perfect playground for rock & ice climbing activities.

xerovouni_evia_alpine_climb_20190120_193636_469 — Beginning of the trail towards Xerovouni

Continue reading →

Winter Mountaineering Climb in Strogoula via Agrofylakas Couloir (Tzoumerka-Athamanika)

On December 24, 2018August 31, 2025 By Olympus MountaineeringIn Winter Mountaineering4 Comments

It’s almost Christmas time and also the end of one more exciting mountaineering year here in Greece. This past year, we have been to many different mountain peaks and mountain range, but one of the few that we have never visited before, were Athamanika or Tzoumerka Mountains.

Athamanika mountains, also known as Tzoumerka, are part of Pindos mountain range located at the boundaries of the regions of Thessaly and Epirus. Both the physical landscape and the traditional settlements set Athamanika mountains as one of the most popular tourist destinations in Greece.

Winter_Climb_Tzoumerka_Athamanika_Stroggoula_Agrofylakas_Couloir_20181222_174112_515 — Stroggoula as seen from the refuge of Pramanta

Continue reading →

Winter hike and mountaineering climb on Gardiki Peak (Arête of Chelmos/Aroania)

On December 10, 2018December 10, 2018 By Olympus MountaineeringIn Hiking & Trekking, Winter Mountaineering4 Comments

Winter is back! And we are very happy for this for the simple fact that most, if not all, the high mountains of Greece, are fully covered with this beautiful water vapour frozen into ice crystals, Snow!

It was beginning of December, and as first winter mountaineering climb, we have decided to visit the third consecutive peak of the Arete of Chelmos (Aroania), Gardiki.

Gardiki (2.182 m), is part of the Aroania (Chelmos) mountain complex. Aroania/Chelmos (2355m), stands proud with its biggest section extending to the Kalavrita area. Is the third highest mountain in the Peloponnese and its natural beauties, the rare species of plants, birds and animals make it stand out. Its rich biotopes are protected as a Natura 2000 site. The mount attracts a large number of visitors mainly due to the ski-center that is situated in Vathia Lakka, 14 km. east of Kalavrita and the climbing routes. It offers an unsurpassed experience since there nest landscapes of unique beauty, traditional settlements, archaeological areas, caves and rivers. The mountain is suitable for excursions round the year.

Gardiki-Zarouchla-Aroania-Arete-Helmos_20181210_070937_703 — Startin Point – Zarouchla village

Continue reading “Winter hike and mountaineering climb on Gardiki Peak (Arête of Chelmos/Aroania)” →

Cumulus Incredilite Endurance Hydrophobic down jacket Review

On April 23, 2018March 30, 2018 By Olympus MountaineeringIn Apparel Reviews, Gear Review16 Comments

Winter season is over quite some time now, though I have decided to purchase a new jacket for the upcoming winter mountaineering season here in Greece, but also for my upcoming travels in other countries. Once again, I have been searching for the best possible option in order to fulfil my needs and personal taste. My research included also the major outdoor brands such as Mountain Hardwear, Marmot, The North Face, Rab, Mountain Equipment, Montbell etc., though once again I have ended up buying one more product from the upcoming Polish brand, Cumulus.

Cumulus_Incredilite_Endurance_Hydrophobic_New_Review_6235 — Cumulus Incredilite Endurance Hydrophobic Down Side view

Continue reading “Cumulus Incredilite Endurance Hydrophobic down jacket Review” →

Cumulus Minilite Down Vest Review

On April 9, 2018March 29, 2018 By Olympus MountaineeringIn Apparel Reviews, Gear Review4 Comments

It has been more than 2 years of time that I was looking to get a down vest. The possibilities within this field are many, or better, the market is overloaded with down vest products. As I usually do, prior of purchasing any new product, I search the market and the offerings of the various brands and based on previous experiences and knowledge I take a decision. This is the process I have followed also in order to select and buy a down vest, which is the Cumulus Minilite Down Vest.

: Cumulus Minilite Down Vest Side View

Continue reading “Cumulus Minilite Down Vest Review” →

Winter Mountaineering Activities | Season 2017 – 2018 Summary

On April 1, 2018July 6, 2020 By Olympus MountaineeringIn Winter Mountaineering2 Comments

Winter is gone, spring has come. One more season of winter mountaineering activities have been concluded in Greece and this is a short summary post with the highlights of this year’s Winter Mountaineering activities. If you wish to see the individual posts which contain detailed information and more photos, you can click to the following links:

Vardousia_Lion_Gully_Olympus_Mountaineering_5387 — Vardousia Mountain

Continue reading “Winter Mountaineering Activities | Season 2017 – 2018 Summary” →

Aroania (Chelmos) Winter Mountaineering Ascent

On March 25, 2018March 25, 2018 By Olympus MountaineeringIn Winter Mountaineering12 Comments

It has been quite some time ago since we have last visited Aroania / Chelmos (Helmos) and although officially is spring time, we have managed to achieve one more ascent on winter mountaineering conditions. On our previews visit to this mountain we had approached it from the village Peristera and we have passed through the spectacular waterfall of Styga (Ydata tis Stygos). Instead, this time we have decided to approach the mountain from the Ski resort of Kalavryta and move towards the highest peak of Chelmos, Psili Koryfi 2.355 m.

Aroani_Chelmos_Helmos_Winter_Mountaineering_5957 — Kalavryta Ski Centre

Continue reading “Aroania (Chelmos) Winter Mountaineering Ascent” →

Vardousia Mountains Alpine Climb via Lion’s Couloir

On March 12, 2018September 4, 2025 By Olympus MountaineeringIn Winter Mountaineering12 Comments

Vardousia (Greek: Βαρδούσια) is a mountain in northwestern Phocis and southwestern Phthiotis, Greece. Its highest peak, Korakas (Greek: Κόρακας) reaches 2,495 m (8,186 ft) above sea level, 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.

The Vardousia is drained by tributaries of the river Spercheios to the north, the Mornos to the east and south, and the Evinos to the west. The Panaitoliko mountains are to the west, Tymfristos to the northwest, Oeta to the east and Giona to the southeast.