Skiing in Parnassos


The ski centers of Parnassos are the best organized and equipped in Greece. They offer many possibilities for exciting descents both on and off the trails. They also provide convenient starting points for winter climbs of Gerondovrachos and long crossings with skis (see ski mountaineering section below). The Kellaria Ski Resort is equipped with three chair lifts, two ski lifts, and one closed lift. The Fterolakka Ski Resort has two chair lifts, two ski lifts, and a chair lift connecting it to Kellaria. The roads leading to the ski resorts are adequately signposted. Bars, restaurants, and ski rentals shops operate at the resorts. A small ski resort belonging to the Athenian Club of the Friends of Skiing (Ski Club) operates on the northeastern side of Gerondrovrachos.

Ski Mountaineering
Parnassos is the first mountain in Central Greece on which skis were used for winter ascents. Greek mountaineers in the '30s explored the mountain, locating about ten routes that begin at the HAC hut, have a long descent, and end up in one of the villages on the eastern or the northern side of the mountain. These routes were repeated by later mountaineers, some of whom connected their names with the annual repeat of certain descents, such as Makis Idosidis and the Velitsa Gorge.
  • 1. The Descent of Velitsa
    Starting point: Hellenic Alpine Club hut.
    Ending: Moni Aghias Marinas or village of Tithorea.
    Altitude difference for the ascent, 600 m.
    Altitude difference for the descent, 1,100m (on skis).
    Time, 7-8 hours.
    First done by K. Natsis and I. Panorgios in 1937. The best known ski mountaineering route in Greece. The starting point of the route is at the HAC hut. Climb to the peak of Gerondo-vrachos, following the Ski Club pylons. From Gerondovrachos, descend to the base of Tsarkos. Put on the skins (used to prevent the skis from backsliding) here and reach the Kotroni-Tsarkos col. Stop here to admire the wonderful view of the Velitsa Gorge, wild scenery that reminds us of areas like Mount Gamila, just beckoning for a descent. Alternatively, climb to the summit of Tsarkos to enjoy a wonderful descent from an altitude of 2,415 m, which is pretty steep in the beginning. After descending Tsarkos, take the right side of the ravine below a distinctive hollow rock. Avoid descending through the dolines as you gradually lose height. This side of the ravine is shaded by the Treis Tsoubes ridge and holds more and better quality snow. After reaching the forested slope, keep to the right toward the central ravine that comes from Sideroporta. The Tsares spring is here, and here the skiing usually ends. After hitching skis to backpack, walk to the Monastery of Aghia Marina (1h30), or to Tithorea (2h). The Velitsa route can be started from Fterolakka where there is usually more snow, while the ridge of Gerondovrachos is often bare of snow even in the middle of winter. To do the route from Fterolakka, begin from the ski resort and go southeast. Leaving Liakoura to your left and Kotroni to your right, climb Tsarkos. Carry on as previously described.

  • 2. The Moni Ierousalim Descent
    Starting point: HAC hut. Alternatively, Kellaria or Fterolakka.
    Ending: Moni Ierousalim – Davlia.
    Altitude difference for the ascent, 800 m.
    Altitude difference for the descent, 1,200 m.
    Time, 7-8 hours.
    Additional equipment: crampons and ice axe are useful.
    First done in March 1931 by K. Natsis, D. Baud-Bovy, and friends. This route probably is the first traverse made on skis in this country. The pioneering Greek climbers - skiers were searching for routes offering a gentle ascent and a long descent. Such is the traverse HAC hut (1,900m) - Mavra Litharia (2,334m) - Moni Ierousalim (900m). Kostas Natsis and his friends, however, had to begin from Arachova on foot. After climbing Tsarkos peak, as described in the previous route, descend towards Sideroporta. Subsequently, climb to Baitanorachi, near the Mavra Litharia peak. Remove the skins and throw yourselves into the pleasure of the descent of the - steep in the beginning (30o-35o)- southeast slope. Then a gentle ravine leads us to the Monastery of Ierousalim. We stress that the Moni Ierousalim descent is difficult and even dangerous when the weather is hot because of its southern orientation.

  • 3. Nipsi
    Starting point: Fterolakka ski resort.
    Ending: Tithorea village.
    Altitude difference for ascent, 700 m.
    Altitude difference for descent, 1,400m.
    Time, 5-6 hours.
    First known traverse by Yiannis Panourgias (April 1994).
    Head towards Liakoura and climb to the peak of Raidolakka. After enjoying the wonderful view of the Velitsa ravine, move north towards the Nipsi peak (1,996m), leaving it to your right. A path resembling an airstrip unwinds before you. This snowy strip has been created by avalanches that have swept the slope clean of trees. The entrance to the strip is spectacular and sudden. We prefer the right side since it is shaded by firs the snow is of better qua-lity. At the end of the strip and after 5 minutes of carrying the skis on your back, you will reach a dirt road. An hour’s walk will take you to Tithorea.

    An alternative to the three above mentioned routes begins at the end of the ski lift at Kellaria. That way you save 1 to 2 hours.

  • 4. Liakoura
    Starting point: Fterolakka.
    Altitude difference, 800 m.
    Time, 4 hours.
    First ascent on skis, 16 April 1931. A pleasant route. Ideal for a solitary outing or for beginners.

  • 5. Gerondovrachos
    Starting point: the HAC hut (1,900 m).
    Altitude difference, 600 m.
    Total time, 3-4 hours.
    First ascent on skis, 23 February 1931 (the first winter ascent on skis done in Greece). The climb is pretty steep and tiring from the beginning, and the slope is often bare of snow. If you do find snow, however, the descent from the peak is one of the most beautiful in Greece, offering an unlimited view of the Corinthian Gulf and the mountains of the Peloponnessos.
Avalanche Warning
Increased danger of avalanches has been recorded on the route from Fterolakka to Liakoura (immediately after the ski resort) on the Tsarkos - Moni Ierousalim route (on the descent from Mavra Litharia) and all along the descent from Nipsi. The specific identification of these particular areas does not mean that the rest of the mountain is without danger from avalanches. This is especially true when the conditions are dangerous, such as after heavy snowfall.


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