Mount Olympus Winter Climb
5.0
(4)
On this Mount Olympus winter climb, you will reach the Mytikas summit with certified, local guide, Akis, on an unforgettable 3-day journey of snow and ice with stunning views of the sea.
Private
Olympus
3 Days
Jan - Apr, Nov, Dec
High
Intermediate
Highlights
- Climb to the highest point in Greece, the Mytikas needle, in winter.
- Enjoy a demanding and rewarding climb through snow and ice on Mount Olympus.
- Catch amazing views of the sea from snowy and icy heights.
Description
This 3-day Mount Olympus winter climb is a special ascent for those who wish to experience this majestic and mythical mountain in winter conditions.
The icy and snowy 3000m-high massif rises straight from the sea and is waiting for you to tackle its slopes. The climb is demanding but also rewarding and will give you a true mountaineering experience. You can find a detailed itinerary below.
To join this ascent, which is a lot more difficult in winter than in the summer, you need to have prior skills and a good fitness level. You should be able to hike or climb 300-350m of vertical ascent per hour, with a backpack of 12-15 kg. Furthermore, you will need to know how to use crampons and an ice ax.
So, are you ready to takle the mythical Olympus summit in winter? Then contact me today and I will happily guide you.
Or, join me during the warmer months on a 2-day hike to the top of Greece!
Price includes
- Guiding fee
- Mountain guide expenses
Price details
- The price includes harnesses and helmets. The price does not include crampons, ice axes, and avalanche beacons witch are available for rent.
- Also included in the price: Transfer Litochoro Mt Olympus - Litochoro
Meeting point
Itinerary
Day 1: Litochoro-Muses Plateau
We will meet at Litochoro town early in the morning and from there, transfer to the trailhead.
We will begin to hike towards the Muses Plateau via the North Easy trail.
Once we arrive, we will settle in an emergency refuge at 2700m alt. where we will spend the night.
Duration: 8-10 hrs Vertical ascent: 1500m Terrain: snow and ice
Day 2: Mytikas summit
We will wake up and set off to the highest point in Greece via the East Gully.
The final push is a steep 50-degree gully which gives access to the top of the majestic Mytikas needle.
After reaching the summit, we will descend and return to the refuge.
Vertical ascent : 350m Duration : 6 hrs Terrain : Snow and Ice
Day 3: Final descent
After sunrise, we will pack and we will return to the valley via the North East trail – this is also a reserve day to climb to the summit in case of bad weather.
Vertical Descent: 1500m Duration: 5 hrs Terrain: Snow and Ice
Equipment you will need to bring
Crampons
Ice axe
Water bottle
Backpack
Poles
Sunglasses
Goggles
Avalanche eqmnt
FAQs
What experience and how fit do I need to be to climb this mountain? Is this program suitable for children or older people?
The winter climb of Mount Olympus is a demanding mountaineering ascent involving snow, ice, and low temperatures. You need to be in good physical condition, capable of climbing for 10-12 hours per day on steep terrain. Previous experience using crampons and ice axes is required.
What is the best time of the year to climb this mountain?
The best time for a winter ascent is from January to April, depending on weather and snow conditions. Each year can vary, so we will assess conditions closer to your chosen dates.
Are there any other special requirements such as permits/insurance/vaccines that we need to consider before the tour?
For insurance, you can review the options proposed by Explore-Share's partner. They offer rescue and travel coverages. More information is available here: https://partner.globalrescue.com/exploreshare/.
Can I join a group?
There are no scheduled group tours for the winter climbs of Mount Olympus. All ascents are private in order to maximize the safety since the conditions are more challenging with snow and ice
Will I need to bring any technical equipment of my own? Is it possible to rent equipment, and if so, what would be the approximate cost of that?
You need to bring the following equipment: a backpack (40-50 liters), winter mountaineering boots suitable for crampons, thermal underwear, shell jacket and pants, sleeping bag, 2 pairs of gloves, a beanie, ski goggles, a warm jacket, and a headlamp. I provide a helmet, harness, and ice axes. Crampons can be provided if your boots are compatible.
What happens in the event of bad weather?
The trip will only take place under good weather conditions. If conditions are not safe, we may reschedule or choose an alternative route, such as climbing other peaks like Skolio or Agios Antonios.
Can I rent equipment locally?
Yes, you can rent some equipment at the 55peaks shop in Litochoro, including mountaineering boots. I can also provide certain items like crampons, helmet, and ice axes if needed.
What are some recommended accommodations near our adventure location?
About the guide
Akis
4.8
(67)
Mountain Guide
I come from Greece and always remember myself as a kid in the mountains…
Now, I am a Certified Mountain Guide HMGA, member of the Hellenic Mountain Guides Association (License number A.N 867/37, Nr 19 FEK (A)621-999/28-11-07) also a Mountaineering – Ski Mountaineering and Climbing Instructor, member of the Hellenic Federation of Mountaineering & Climbing (H.F.M.C).
My passion for the mountains led me on numerous hikes, ski tours, and rock and ice climbs in Greece, the Alps, France, Switzerland, Italy, and Bulgaria, with many new routes under my signature.
The beautiful valleys at the foot of Mount Olympus – Greece are my home, and the flanks above are the playground to follow my mountain love, may it be ice-climbing, ski touring, hiking, or alpine climbing. For me, it is the perfect terrain to train, play and guide.
I teach mountaineering, rock climbing, and ski mountaineering in various Climbing Schools & Mountaineering Associations, and I spend a lot of wintertime as a ski instructor. I love to share my passion with guests and guide hikers, mountaineers, climbers, and ski tourers all year round.
I am married to Mariza and we have a daughter and two sons together.
I speak Greek, English, and French.
Languages
Greek | French | English
Certificates
HMGA
What people are saying about this trip
Pitenis
Akis Parousis is one of the best mountain guides in Greece , but first of all he is one of the best partner!!!!
Kwie-Hoa
Gear list is incomplete. Sleeping bag, head lamp, clothing type etc lacking. Food, snacks?? No gear check. Day 1: 2 hour drive to trail head. At 4 pm arrived at refuge. Guide wasn't very interactive or explanatory about surroundings. Waking hours was akward and guide on phone most of the time. Day 2: poor weather. Excellent guiding! Cut trip short due to poor visibility. Arrived back in Litochoro around 5 pm. Guide helped me get settled in my motel. Day 3: I chose to hike E4 myself. Meals: boiled tortellini with grated cheese x 1. Breakfast (after asking): dry bread with chocolate spread. No hot beverage offered. If I knew, I could have brought my own stove and prep my own meals and hot tea. I only brought power bars and snacks for during hikes. Suggestions: better gear list, gear check, explanation and orientation of route and area, clarification of what can be or cannot be expected of meals. Akis is the best guide in a challenging situation when you can't talk or see because of a blizzard.
Riley
Had a great trip with Akis. The primary objective of a Mt Olympus summit was not possible due to snow conditions, which happens sometimes in the mountains. So Akis came up with a great alternative of a climb up Skolio, St Antonio, and Kristakis peaks. We had fun, made all 3 summits on a blue sky day, and got home safely. Great trip all around.
Nicholas
Akis was a great guide and truly knows the mountain like the back of his hand. He is very realistic which I appreciated and knew what to do in every situation. Couldn’t recommend a better guide. This was a life changing experience!
Ruzenka
Excellent service from the start of the booking until the day of trip. Pablo answered all of my questions prior trip, which helped me to prepare for the adventure. Trip slightly changed due to weather condition, but Akis ensure that it was enjoyable and safe. Akis is a high skilled professional very friendly and kind guide.
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