Olympus Ski Center (Vrysopoules)

The Vrysopoules Ski Center (Vrysopoules) belongs to the Greek army and is the only ski resort on Olympus. It was established in 1934 and has been used for training Greek army officers since 1960, at an altitude of 1.805 m, over the “Mavratza” gorge on the southern side of Olympus, we come across the Vrysopoules refuge. It’s located on the installations of the Military Alpine Combat and Ski Training Center (KEOAX). Visitors must show a valid identification form in order to enter, while overnight stays require special permission from the Special Forces Directorate. With a hosting capacity of up to 30 persons, the Vrysopoules refuge features a restaurant and is accessible by car, albeit all vehicles must be parked outside the military base. The Olympus Ski Center is still in operation on the premises of KEOAX. It features three slopes (red) with three lifts (two T-bar single seat lifts and one baby lift) whose use is provided free of charge to the public.

Christos Kakalos Refuge

The Plateau of the Muses is dominated by the refuge “Christos Kakalos” at an altitude of 2,650 meters. Its name honours the first guide of Olympus and conqueror of the mythical mountain, Christos Kakalos. Kakalos accompanied the first conquerors of Olympus, the Swiss Frederic Boissonas, a famous photographer and publisher, and Daniel Baud-Bovy, author and art critic, who reached the highest peak of Olympus on August 2, 1913.

Christaki Refuge

The Christakis Refuge located at the “Megali Gourna” basin, at an altitude of 2.550 meters. They’re an excellent starting point towards Mytikas, the highest peak of Mt. Olympus, as well as other peaks, such as Agios Antonios and Skolio. There are 16 beds (1o in the refuge, 6 in the bivouac). The refuge features wireless radio, a fireplace, a dining table and chairs, while the bivouac also has a fireplace. Both are accessible by road from Kalyvia.

Olympus National Park Information Center

The first introduction to the mountain of gods takes place at the Olympus National Park Information Center, located in Litochoro. Through a plethora of digital images, exhibits, multimedia apps and slideshows, visitors can derive a wealth of useful information regarding paths and routes, data on landscape morphology, fauna, flora, climate, the history of the first ascent, etc. The center also provides, upon request, organized tours with its certified mountain guides.

Agios Antonios Refuge

The emergency refuge “Agios Antonios” is located on the Agios Antonios summit, at an altitude of 2.817 m with a housing capacity of up to nine persons. Emergency refuges provide shelter during severe weather conditions and are equipped with first aid supplies. The refuge was built in 1961 by the Aristotle University’s School of Physics and Mathematical Sciences in order to conduct meteorological observations related to the climate of Mt. Olympus.

Giosos Apostolidis Refuge

Located on the Muses plateau, at an altitude of 2.697 m, it constitutes the starting point for conquering Mytikas, the highest peak of Mt. Olympus, and the peaks Profitis Ilias and Stefani. Climbing enthusiasts can enjoy their favorite adventure on the steep slopes of Stefani and Skolio. The refuge can host up to 80 persons, featuring a fully-organized kitchen, restaurant, lounge with fireplace, enclosed balcony with sofas and tables on the upper floor, landline phone and toilets. The shelter’s water is not drinkable, yet bottled water is available from the kitchen. During the winter season, the refuge’s outside area remains open in order to serve as an emergency shelter.