FAST AND LIGHT – Speed Hiking Tour

TOUR DETAILS

• TOUR ITINERARY

  Our day begins early, 05.30am (or to be arranged) by meeting on Litochoro’s central square (you will receive information on how to get there) (please contact us if you require assistance for transportation arrangements to/from Litochoro). After a short briefing on our day’s tour we will drive towards the trail-head (Prionia 1100m). Our aim is to gear up and be ready to start as early as possible.
  
  Gomarostali trail (Gomari in Greek means mule, so Gomarostali was the place where the mules used to rest while loggers would take the trees down) starts directly from Prionia and is the shortest (total length 4.5km) but steepest (elevation gain +1600) route for getting on the Muses Plateau (2650m). This trail is not so crowded, but is in very good condition. The first part (about 1.4km) goes through beautiful thick mixed and pine forests. Soon we reach the alpine zone. Flora is different now and rare, except a species of fir trees known as Robolo. These resistant fir trees grow at high altitudes and are able to withstand strong winds and snow. Terrain is tough and good pacing is key to conserve power for the rest of our adventure. Short stops is generally a good strategy and gives us the opportunity to enjoy the scenery. We can already view Mytikas and the surrounding peaks as we climb up. On the last section of the trail, just before we enter Muses Plateau, there is a steep rocky part which requires rock scrambling. It does not require any previous experience and there is a steel cable installed on the rock (via ferrata) which helps to ascend safely and fast (we supply you with a helmet and a climbing harness for added safety).
  
  As we leave Gomarostali trail behind us and we enter the Plateau we view the iconic Throne of Zeus! This is not easily described in words and for sure is one of the tour highlights. If we are lucky we shall meet the permanent inhabitants of the mountain, the rare Rupicapra. The Rupicapra is a species of wild goat, currently facing extinction. Typically, these goats live and graze together in large groups. Seeing the Rupicapra in their natural habitat is always a special experience!
  
  Hardest part of the climb and most of the total ascent is achieved! We will have the chance for a short brake on Kakkalos hut, to replenish our water supplies (Note that there is no water along the route) before we head our way to the summit. We will traverse below the Throne and Stefani peak on a narrow trail until we reach the base of Louki where we will prepare our gear for the final ascent to the summit.
  Louki is a narrow and steep gully of 200 vertical meters that will lead us straight to the summit. Louki is a UIAA level 3 technical scrambling/climbing route and is the most popular route for climbers heading to Mytikas. Some scrambling experience is required, but technically is not demanding. We will always be close to you offering guidance and will also be short-roping you during ascent and descent in order to maximize safety. All climbing equipment will be supplied by us (helmet, climbing harness, rope).
  Summiting Mytikas (2918m) is always a rewarding and maybe emotional experience. Stunning view and amazing scenery is our solely prize for all our hard climb so far! We spent some time to enjoy the view and take some photos and we are off on our way down.
  Descenting Louki will get us back on the main and popular trail called Zonaria. Zonaria is a long traversing path of hard and loose rocks that if you wish we can pick up the pace or even run. Our route will soon meet the European E4 trail which we will follow on our way down until we reach the Spilios Agapitos hut (2100m). A short stop will be necessary to replenish our water supplies and maybe have something to eat.
  We only have another 4.5km and a -1000m of descent to reach the car park in Prionia. Tired muscles for sure but we need to keep going. We are now below the alpine line, and the trail goes through beautiful pine and mixed forests. The terrain is becoming easier, still rocky but with many parts of hard packed dirt, so we can keep a relative good pace.
  As soon as we hear the sound of water flowing, this means that we are almost there! Few minutes later we arrive at Prionia where our adventure is finished! Well done, you did it! From Prionia to the summit of Olympus and back, in just a day!
  We drive our car and head back to Litochoro.

• WHAT IS INCLUDED

  • Experienced English speaking guide
  • Backpack or running vest
  • Guide's expenses
  • Trekking poles
  • Local Transfer Litochoro to Prionia & Prionia to Litochoro.
  • Safety Climbing Equipment (helmet, climbing harness, rope)
  • Photos and videos during the activity
  • VAT

• WHAT IS NOT INCLUDED

  • Personal expenses.
  • Meals, snacks and beverages on the refuge.
  • Optional gratuities to the tour leader/guides
  • Anything not mentioned as included
  • Transfer to/from Litochoro (contact us if you need assistance on your arrangements)
  • Accommodation in Litochoro before/after the hike (contact us if you need assistance on your arrangements)
  

• WHAT TO BRING

  Try to be as light as possible, but bare in mind that weather conditions in alpine environment may quickly change
  • Hike or trail running shoes (a good traction/non-slippery sole is highly recommended)
  • A water bottle or camelbak
  •1.5 lt of water - energy snacks/jels or other snacks.
  • A windbreaker or waterproof jacket (windbreaker pants are also advised)
  • A second dri-fit (technical) t-shirt
  • Sunglasses, hat, sun-cream
  • Warm gloves, beanie hat (advised)
  Additional equipment list depending the period or weather conditions may be applied and will be communicated beforehand to the participants.
  If you lack part of the equipment listed, please contact us to make the necessary arrangements.

• F.A.Q.

• DISCLAIMER

  The itinerary of this activity is designed for a completion of the route in under 12 hours.
  The guide reserves the right, without penalty or money refund, to modify or alter the published itinerary whenever, in his judgment, weather conditions warrant, or if it is necessary for the comfort or safety of participants or in case of a sudden team member illness/injury.
  The tour guide has the right to interrupt or totally stop the scheduled activity, if a team member does not comply with the safety rules the guide sets, or if his/her actions puts in danger the rest of the group.
  The guide is not responsible for any accident because of participant's mistake or ignorance.
  Please keep in mind that if the participant(s) lacks the required fitness or skill level, or in case of injury, the guide will be required (en route) to alter the course in order to ensure a safe completion and arrival to the end point (Prionia). If that will not be possible, the guide might be required to arrange the participant to spend an overnight stay on one of the refuges. In that case the additional costs are covered solely by the participant. Please also keep in mind that the tour guide is there primarily for helping you enjoy this mountain adventure, but is also responsible for your safety, so any decisions made or instructions given by the guide should always be respected and followed.
  Always make sure to check with your guide beforehand regarding the trip level and requirements.