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!
Private
7 Days
Jan - Apr
High
Advanced
Highlights
- 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
- Transport during the trip
- Transportation start and back
- Mountain guide expenses
- Luggage transfer
Price details
- Not included : Flight tickets, extra meals, bottled water and drinks consumption.
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
Equipment you will need to bring
Crampons
Water bottle
Backpack
Helmet
Poles
Ski equipment
Sunglasses
Goggles
Avalanche eqmnt
Climbing skins
FAQs
What experience and how fit do I need to be to climb this mountain?
You need to be extremely fit for this tour.
Is this program suitable for children or older people?
No, this trip is not suitable for children or older people.
What is the best time of the year to climb this mountain?
The best time of the year to climb this mountain is from January to April.
Can I join a group?
No, this is a private tour.
How will accommodation and meals be handled during the trek?
Meals and accommodation are not included in the price of this trip.
What is the average distance and altitude in this tour?
The average distance and altitude are 4-6 hours, and 1000 m per day.
What is the meeting point?
The meeting point is in Crete Island - Heraklion City.
What are some recommended accommodations near our adventure location?
About the guide
Akis
4.8
(66)
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 Akis
Alyson
Amazing experience, wonderful guide and easy booking! Trip was all we hoped it would be and more.
Akis Parousis is one of the best mountain guides in Greece , but first of all he is one of the best partner!!!!
Fantastic trip. Very well organised, and couldn’t have gone any better. Akis was exceptional, and made sure we all had a great time. Thank you.
An amazing trip with a lovely small group and beautiful mountains! The views and terrain are spectacular, and you will feel safe and supported at all times (especially in the summit section where ropes and helmets are needed). Our guide Vasilis was knowledgeable and friendly, and I would highly recommend this trip to hikers or those who want to push themselves.
This trip was absolutely brilliant! Akis is a true professional at his craft and his assistant bill was too who came on the second day for the climb. The people I met while on this was unbelievably nice. I’ve loved every bit of this.
Join our newsletter!
Stay up-to-date on the best adventures.