Tag: Winter Mountaineering

Mount Varnoudas Expedition Preparation – Winter 2017

On 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 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.

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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 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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Salomon Speedcross 3 Review

On By Olympus MountaineeringIn footwear, Gear Review2 Comments

Training is an important part of any kind of mountaineering activity, and that consists of various options, such as running, and specifically trail running. Although I do not particularly like to run on mountain trails -I much more prefer to enjoy the views and the surrounding environment- I understand the importance of this type of exercise. For this type of activity I use the Salomon Speedcross 3 purchased from Ali Express. Some say these shoes are genuine but with some minor defects, instead others claim are rip-off Salomon models. Either case, this will be a review for the specific shoes.

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New pair of Salomon Speedcross 3

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The Ultimate Guide of Hiking and Mountaineering in Greece

On By Olympus MountaineeringIn Hiking & Trekking7 Comments

You can explore Greece’s variety of landscapes, remote coves and the ruins of ancient cities, walking!

The core of Mainland Greece runs from the European Long Distance Walking Path Ε4 (- GR), beginning from the Pyrinaia it arrives in Greece via Yugoslavia, at the Nikis guard-post in Florina. The E4, crossing the Peloponnese, stops at Gythio and continues on to Crete. The mountain-climber is thus given the opportunity to see the enjoy of the Greek scenery and the wealth of Greek nature.

The highest elevation along the total route is the peak of Olympus Skolio (2,911 m). Highest peak of Greece is Mt.Olympus Mytikas at 2917m. The ideal period for hiking along the Ε4 in Greece is early mid spring. Mid to late spring is probably the best time of year for hiking in those areas, since summer and early fall are normally very hot and dry, and late fall through early spring are cold and rainy. The last years in Greece, hiking and mountaineering activities have become very popular and on the famous routes and during high season, you will certainly meet many more hikers from Greece, and not only.

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Hionovouni Mountain (south Parnonas)

On By Olympus MountaineeringIn Hiking & Trekking3 Comments

From the beautiful seaside village of Kyparissi, it is hard to imagine that hidden amongst the surrounding cliffs lies a large fir forest on a mountainside offering a number of lovely hikes. The entirety of Mt. Hionovouni (south Parnonas) comprises a Natura habitat and was once filled with human activities, as evidenced by the many huts and goatfolds and terraced fields, most of them now abandoned. A series of paths, based on the original network, provide an opportunity to enjoy these traces of human endeavour and to enjoy the wonderful landscape. The main route forms part of national hiking path 33 that crosses Hionovouni from the village of Kremasti to Lambokambo. Most of these routes where discovered and established by famous Greek mountaineer Tasos Mitsios.

After careful planning, we established the round route we wanted to follow and with the help of a map, a GPS unit and the well signed paths we initiated our ascent to Mount Hionovouni.

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Mount Olympus Expedition Preparation – Fall 2016

On By Olympus MountaineeringIn Hiking & Trekking2 Comments

Mount Olympus formed itself after the gods defeated the titans in the Titan War, and soon the palace was inhabited by the gods. It is the setting of many Greek mythical stories. Olympus was not shaken by winds nor ever wet with rain, nor did snow fall upon it, but the air is outspread clear and cloudless, and over it hovered a radiant whiteness.

Our previous ascent on the top of God’s Mountain took place in 2014 and it’s about time to visit again the highest and one of the most beautiful mountains of Greece. On our previous ascent, we took one of the most common routes -starting point Gortsia- but this time we are planning to ascent the north face of the mountain.

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LOWE ALPINE Cholatse II 55-65 Review

On By Olympus MountaineeringIn Gear Review, Hiking Gear Review9 Comments

One of the most used items when mountain climbing or hiking is the backpack. The backpack is the “core” of any trip and any mountaineering expedition. There are many different types for various activities, in diverse colours and on numerous sizes. The backpack I have been using since 2014 is the Lowe Alpine Cholatse II 55-65.

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Summer in Geraneia Mountains

On By Olympus MountaineeringIn Hiking & Trekking2 Comments

Mount Geraneia is a mountain range in Corinthia and West Attica, Greece. Its highest point is the peak Makryplagi, elevation 1,351 m. It covers the northern part of the isthmus between the Gulf of Corinth and the Saronic Gulf. It spans 5–10 km from north to south and 30 km from east to west.

The geography of Geraneia includes forests in the south, the west and the northern part at an elevation of under 900 to 1,000 m. Barren land is in the central part. The grasslands and some bushes lies to the northwest. Farmlands and some barren land lies to the south.

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Starting Point from Pisia Village

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Artemisio Mountain

On By Olympus MountaineeringIn Hiking & Trekking3 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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