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skiing in Crete
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7 days skiing in Crete Island, Greece

Enjoy skiing in Crete with certified local guide Akis. Skin up to experience awe-inspiring views from the highest spots on the island before skiing back down to delight in the perks of the Mediterranean on an unforgettable 7-day adventure in the birthplace of mighty Zeus!


TRIP TYPE

Private

DURATION

7 Days

OFFER PERIOD

Jan - Apr

FITNESS LEVEL

Fit

SKILL LEVEL

Advanced

PAYMENT METHODS

Credit Card, Wire Transfer and more!

  • Experience the high mountain snow and fresh sea breeze of Crete.
  • Discover amazing landscapes and local Cretian spots on a ski touring adventure.
  • Taste the local cuisine and wine, and participate in the vibrant local culture.

Description

Would you like to experience an unforgettable adventure in a land full of mythology and mystery? Then come skiing in Crete with me on this 7-day program designed to show you the most amazing spots on the island’s snow-covered peaks.

Crete is famous for being the birthplace of Zeus and the land of King Minos. However, its Mediterranean coastline and beautiful mountains also make it a top spot for ski touring adventures in the winter.

On this 7 day program, we will visit Mount Ida – Psiloritis and The White Mountains, where some of the highest mountains in Crete are located. Skinning up and skiing down the fresh snow will only be part of the fun. You will also have the chance to taste delicious Mediterranean homemade cuisine, drink otherworldly wines, participate in traditional dances, and experience the hospitality of the locals. You can find a detailed itinerary below.

In order to join this adventure, you will need to have a good fitness level and have the ability to skin uphill for 300-350m/hour.  Additionally, you will need the skills to ski on powder, hard, or corn snow with a backpack. Of course, I will be there to help and guide you every step of the way!

So, are you ready to go skiing in Crete and discover awe-inspiring landscapes as well as a unique culture? Then contact me now and let’s start planning this exciting adventure together! I look forward to being your guide.

Or, if you prefer an option for the warmer months, I also offer programs to go hiking in Crete!

Price includes

- Guiding fee

- Transportation start and back

- Transport during the trip

- Luggage transfer

- Mountain guide expenses

Price details

Not included : Flight tickets, extra meals, bottled water and drinks consumption.

Secure your spot with just 25% payment

48-hour free cancellation with 30-day advance booking


Itinerary

Day 1: Meeting in Crete Island - Heraklion City

Meeting with the guests in Heraklion and pick up from the hotel or airport. Travel towards the Cretan mainland, aiming to the foot of Mount Ida – Psiloritis. Settle down in a traditional hotel and briefing about the schedule, dinner, and overnight stay.

Day 2: Mount Ida - North East Traverse

Breakfast at the guest house and transfer towards the mountain. Today we will ski tour the north east face of Mount Ida via gentle slopes in a unique mountain and sea ambience. The traverse includes a sequel of 3 peaks, Kousakas 2209m – Voulomenou 2267m & Agathias 2424m, and ends with a magnificent descent to the car level.

Duration: 5 – 6 hours
Vertical ascent: 1000m

Late afternoon transfer to the hotel – dinner – overnight.

Day 3: Mount Ida - Ascent the Very Top of Crete 2456m

Breakfast at the guest house and transfer towards Mount Ida.
In a low pace rhythm – in order to enjoy the sea views – and setting an elegant track, we will ascent the very top of Crete at 2456m altitude.
The small summit chapel, welcomes the guests and we will spend some time on the summit for relaxation, pictures, and picnic with local Cretan cheese, delights, and Raki…

Duration: 4 – 5 hours
Vertical ascent: 1000m

Ski back to the car level and transfer towards The White Mountains – settle down in a traditional guest house.
Dinner – Briefing and overnight.

Day 4: The White Mountains - North East Traverse

Breakfast at the guest house and transfer towards the north east side of White Mountains. The panorama of the high peaks (Kastro 2219m & Kakovoli 2215m), attracts us in a magnificent summit traverse, with excellent views both in the Aegean Sea and the African coastline.
I will choose the finest and most aesthetic descent for you, almost to the village level.

Duration: 4 – 5 hours
Vertical ascent: 1000m

Day 5: The White Mountains - South Side Massive

Breakfast at the guest house and transfer towards in the deep heart of the Cretan White Mountains. As we approach the snow line it is time to stick the skins and skin up the magnificent terrain that gives access on the southern massive.
The diversity of the scenery is huge… so close to the sea but also full of snow around. After the high peaks traverse we will ski down to the valley, towards a small mountain refuge, nestled at the foot of the high summits.
Settle down – overnight stay.

Duration: 5 – 6 hours
Vertical ascent: 1000 – 1200

Day 6: Last day-The White Mountains Peak 2453m

The fresh mountain and sea breeze is by our side, as today we will skin up to the very top.
Ready for the huge descent, everything seems daring and dramatic… as it looks like a jump into the Mediterranean Sea !!!

Duration: 4 – 5 hours
Vertical ascent: 600m

Ski back to the village – settle down to the guest house – dinner – overnight stay.

Day 7: Transfer to Heraklion

FAQs

What are some recommended accommodations near our adventure location?

We understand that finding the perfect place to stay is an essential part of your adventure experience. To help you with this, we’ve curated a list of three highly recommended hotels that offer comfort, convenience, and a touch of local charm. These accommodations are well-suited for adventurers looking to relax and rejuvenate after an exciting day of exploration
Hotel Matina Kamari Greece
See rooms
Bellonias Villas Kamari Greece
See rooms
9 Muses Santorini Resort Perissa Greece
See rooms

About the guide: Akis

Guide profile image

Akis

4.80

(59)

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

Request more information

What people are saying about Akis

Kwie-Hoa

3.00

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.

Rachel

5.00

My partner & I have just returned from a 2 day hike up Mount Olympus with Akis. The trip was fabulous. Akis is a brilliant guide and he had a great team to help him. Akis is very experienced & willing to help with anything you need, but his style is very un-instrusive so if you want a relaxed trip with someone who loves the mountains and inspires confidence that you are in safe hands, he is your man. Highly recommended.

Odelya

5.00

Akis was a wonderful guide. He cared a lot about the people and about the right pace for everyone. He made sure that we are safe and he was smiley and friendly. Climbing Olympus isn’t an easy one, but definitely something to be on your bucket list.

Cynthia

5.00

Akis and Bill are very professional, technically skilled, have vast knowledge of Mt. Olympus, gentlemen and have high emotional intelligence. They guided me all the way and understood my strength and weaknesses. Akis pushed me to my potential which I didn’t know I have. Bill was patient and accommodating. We finally made it to Mytikas; the highest peak of Mt. Olympus! I really enjoyed the scrambling going up and down. May childhood experience of climbing trees helped a lot 😊☺️. I found a new passion because of this trip - rock climbing. I would highly recommend this tour and the guides (Akis and Bill), you will be “in good hands” with them.😊 Caution: This tour is for fit people, been working out regularly, and have tenacity to walk at least 2-3hrs with 30L bag. Follow the instructions of Akis on what to bring. He knows the forest very well and can anticipate the weather. Good luck to all who are interested to join this climb. All the best. Cynthia C.

Nir

5.00

Great guide. Amazing road. Feels safe and nice. We climbed the mt myself and son 13 yo. Recommend without hesitation.

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