Ski touring in the Pindus mountains, Greece (6 days)

Follow Iraklis, HMGA-certified mountain leader, on this 6-day ski touring trip in Greece. Spend an unforgettable winter adventure in the impressive peaks of the Pindus Mountains!

Pindus Mountain Range

6 Days

Feb

High

Intermediate

Highlights

Discover the breathtaking Pindus mountain range.
Climb to the top of impressive Greek peaks.
Ski on top-quality snow with an expert guide.

Description

Are you looking for an unforgettable winter adventure in Greece? Then this trip is for you! Join me on this 6-day ski touring experience in the Pindus Mountains!

Located in north-western Greece and southern Albania, the Pindus Mountains (also Pindos or Pindhos) stretch for 160 km along the border of Thessaly and Epirus. The region of Zagori (or Zagoria) is a perfect destination for adventurers who want to ski on these amazing peaks, away from the crowds.

For this 6-day trip (4 of ski touring) we will meet at Ioannina, the largest city of the Epirus region. The following days, we will climb and ski on a unique alpine terrain with top-quality snow. The mounts of Gamila, Smolikas (the second highest of Greece) and Vasilitsa will amaze any winter sports lover!

In addition, we will spend the nights in beautiful and charming villages like Mikro Papigko (or Mikro Papigo), Tsepélovo and Pades. The last day, we will have some extra time in Ioannina, where you can visit the Pamvotida Lake or enjoy the artistic and cultural life of the city. For more information, check the complete itinerary below.

Keep in mind that for this trip you need to be a confident backcountry skier and have a good fitness level. Also, all participants must have a basic avalanche rescue training.

If you want to explore a virgin area, join me for this ski touring adventure in Greece. Let me take you to the best spots of the Pindus Mountains!

And if you are looking for a shorter adventure, check out my 4-day version of this trip.

Price includes

Guiding fee
Mountain guide expenses

Price details

Not included: accommodation, transfers, meals, tranceivers and beacons, backcountry skis, boots and poles

Itinerary

Day 1: Ioannina - Mikro Papigko

Meeting in Ioannina and transfer to Mikro Papigko. Check in, equipment check, and rest.

Day 2: Gamila Summit

Ascent to the Gamila summit (2,497m). Then we ski down from 4 to 5 hours and go back to our next accommodation. Overnight in Tsepélovo (1080m).

Day 3: Goura Summit

After our daily breakfast, another famous and challenging mountain will be waiting for us: Goura (2.467m). Starting from Skamneli’s Village, we’ll get to the summit in a few hours. Amazing descent.

Day 4: Smolikas Summit

After breakfast, we ascent to the mystical Dragon Lake (2100m), located at Mount Smolikas (2,637m) . We will start from the village with a small bus transfer until we find snow and the chance to skin up! Fantastic descents. Return to Pades for the overnight.

Day 5: Vasilitsa Summit

After our daily breakfast, we head up to the top of Mount Vasilitsa (2.249m). The Vasilitsa Ski Resort is the starting point of this stunning ski touring day.

Day 6: Transfer to Ioannina

Early in the morning we get back to Ioannina, arriving at 10.30am. Once there, you will have free time to enjoy the city.

Details

More info

Please bring: Clothing for outdoor activity Camping gear (sleeping bag, backpack) Extra clothing Snacks + water

Meeting point

Ioannina, Greece.

About the guide

Iraklis

4.8

(7)

Mountain Guide

I was born in Piraeus, but I work and live in Ioannina, a city located by a lake and surrounded by mountains. I am passionate about nature! And I love exploring it any time of the year while hiking, rock climbing or skiing.
I started mountaineering & climbing at the age of 18. Since then, I have climbed most of the slopes and peaks of the Greek mountains.

Some of the experiences that changed my life were climbing Μatterhorn’s north face, as well as being on the Greek expeditions at Pamir - Khan Tengri and Κorzinefskaya, Κumunism as a member of the National Greek Expedition Everest 1996.

I am an IFMGA Mountain Guide, member of the Vorarlberg Mountain Guides Association (Austria) and Instructor of Ski Mountaineering and Rock Climbing for the Hellenic Federation of Mountaineering & Climbing (Greece).

Guiding people that seek for unique experiences in nature and sharing my passion for the mountains of my country with them really makes me enjoy my job… it’s like having fun with friends!

Languages

Greek | English

Certificates

HMGA | IFMGA

Request more information

What people are saying about Iraklis

Thuy

Justin

I had a great day with Iraklis. We did Pillar of Dreams and he definitely knew the route. I felt safe the entire time and would climb with Iraklis again if I’m ever fortunate enough to make it back in the area. Meteora is amazing and well worth the trip

Daniel

Iraklis is an excellent guide very knowledgeable and personable but unfortunately it was sprinkling (rain) on and off so our full day trip turned into 2 h 2 pitch climb. We are looking forward to the pictures he took

Irina

Great time climbing Ostkante route in Meteora with Iraklis.

Niklas

Thank you Iraklis. I had a great day climbing with you in the beautiful landscape of meteora. Thanks Gauthier for organising.