Climbing Olympus safely in 2026

What happened on Mount Olympus in 2025 and 2026?

News reports describe at least four fatal falls: in April and June 2025, and in May and August 2026. Three of them were on the summit block, in Zonaria or between Louki and Kakoskala.

In April 2025 a 47-year-old climbing with a group lost her footing on hard-to-reach ground near Refuge A; her group called 112 and 24 firefighters took part in the recovery, iefimerida reported. In June 2025 a 60-year-old woman climbing with a German group fell in the Zonaria area. Twelve specialist firefighters, Litochoro firefighters and volunteers worked through the night, and she was flown out from the Plateau of the Muses, according to Greek City Times. In May 2026 a 25-year-old left Refuge A alone for Mytikas with snow still near the summit. To Vima reported he had no snow boots, carried wooden sticks instead of poles, and kept going after the refuge keeper and a returning couple told him to turn back. He was found in Zonaria after a search of several days.

In August 2026 a 40-year-old hiker lost his way on the descent and fell into a gully between Louki and Kakoskala, Athens Times reported. Rescuers needed a helicopter for each of these. Investigations into causes are for the authorities, not us. The patterns are what matter.

When is Mount Olympus free of snow?

Roughly from late June to early October on the summit routes. Snow can arrive in early October and linger in gullies into June.

Above 2,000 m the mountain carries snow for about nine months of the year. Last season's first snow fell around 2 October 2025 above 2,500 m. In May the paths to Refuge A are mostly clear while Zonaria, Louki and Kakoskala still hold old snow. That is what makes spring deceptive: a warm day at Prionia, ice on the summit block.

Snow on Olympus means ice axe, crampons, mountaineering boots and the skill to use them, plus avalanche risk. Refuge A's own season page warns against winter trekking unless you are experienced and self-sufficient. If there is snow on the route and you did not pack crampons, the decision is already made. Our winter refuges post covers what is open until spring.

Why do you need a helmet on Mytikas?

Because of rockfall in the Louki couloir and on Kakoskala, mostly knocked down by climbers above you. Topoguide calls the helmet required for Louki.

Louki is a gully about 150 m high, taking 30 to 45 minutes at a normal pace, with four steeper steps. Topoguide grades the first and third steps as easy climbing, second to third alpine degree, and notes the first is polished and slippery. Refuge A describes the last stretch as "somewhat dangerous" because of falling rock. On a busy August morning there can be several parties stacked in the gully.

You can rent or borrow a helmet at Refuge A. Wear it from Zonaria, not just in the gully. Kakoskala, the ridge route from Skala, is less of a rockfall trap but more exposed. Many parties go up one way and down the other; whichever you choose, follow the red arrows and yellow-red paint, and pick the descent before you leave the summit.

What time should you start a Mytikas climb?

At first light from Refuge A. The summit section takes about three hours up, and afternoon thunderstorms are common in July.

From Refuge A to Mytikas is about 3 km and 818 m of ascent, roughly three hours. Refuge A opens at 06:00. Visit Olympus warns that fog comes in suddenly and storms build in the afternoon, especially in July, while the base can sit above 30 C. Wet limestone in Louki is a different climb from dry limestone.

Our rule of thumb: be off the summit block by late morning in July and August, and set a turnaround time before you leave the hut. Carry 2 to 3 litres of water; the open section below the refuge is hot and sunny. If cloud is building over the peaks at breakfast, do Skala and Skolio and leave Mytikas for another trip.

Is it safe to climb Mount Olympus alone?

In midsummer, with experience and other parties on the route, people do. Off season, with snow, or without scrambling experience, do not go solo.

The May 2026 accident is the clearest warning. The refuge keeper told the press: "There was no reason to continue, the mountain will still be there." A partner, or another party within shouting distance, is what turns a slip into a rescue instead of a multi-day search.

Tell the refuge your route and expected return. Check the forecast the evening before. Save 112, the European emergency number, which reaches Greek emergency services in English; Prionia has emergency phones at the trailhead. Mountain rescue on Olympus is done by Fire Service specialist units, Litochoro firefighters, Hellenic Rescue Team volunteers and helicopters, and each operation above takes hours to reach the casualty.

Should you climb Mount Olympus with a guide?

If you have not scrambled on exposed rock before, yes. Two guided options run in the June to October window, both with helmets provided.

The two-day Mytikas hike climbs from Gortsia via Petrostrouga to the Plateau of the Muses, sleeps at Apostolidis and goes for the summit only if the weather is suitable, with ropes on the technical parts. It is not suitable for people over 60 or under 18, and cancellation carries fees by date. The one-day summit from Kalyvia starts on the quieter western side: a 4x4 to the Christakis hut at about 2,400 m, then a guided climb with helmet and harness in a group of up to 8. Skolio is the fallback.

A guide is not a guarantee. What a guide adds is a turnaround decision made by someone who has seen the route in every condition, and rope on the bits where people fall. For training and fitness, read how hard it is to climb Mount Olympus.

One long day from the west side: 4x4 to the Christakis hut, then a guided climb to Mytikas in a group of up to 8, with helmet and harness.

★ 5.0 · 9 hours · from $231

Explore the one-day summit climb → Tour details

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