Chamitis

2,065 m

Greece

Also known as Tsanaktsi, Χαμίτης

Tsanaktsi · Χαμίτης

Elevation: 2,065 m
Prominence: 1,376 m
Difficulty: 2/10; Hike
Best Season: Jun–Oct
Routes: 1

Routes

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The classic and easiest way up Vermio's highest summit: from the 3-5 Pigadia ski centre (1,430 m) up a piste and then the E4 path through tall beech and oak to the EOS Naoussa refuge (about 1,820 m), then over open alpine meadows to the saddle below Chamitis and up between rock outcrops to the 2,065 m top. About 2½ hours up; return over Tsanaktsi and Voulgara.

Elevation Profile

approximate line

Distance: 4.3 km; one way
Ascent: +660 m; start → summit
High Point: 2,065 m
Time Up: 2h 47m; DIN 33466
Time Down: 1h 56m; DIN 33466 · same way back

Start at the car park of the 3-5 Pigadia ski centre, 17 km from Naoussa. Climb the 'Paradeisos' piste (take care if lifts are running) to about 1,550 m, then turn right onto a clear E4-waymarked path heading west through a forest of tall beech and oak. At about 1,720 m, near the Balkoni locality, it meets a forest road; follow it left (south) to the EOS Naoussa refuge at about 1,820 m, roughly 1½ hours from the start. Leave the road on the path to the right and climb gently over alpine meadows. Marker posts are sparser here, but route-finding is easy in clear weather. Heading west-south-west, the path reaches a broad plateau at about 1,960 m on the saddle between Grammeni Petra and Chamitis. Climb south-east among rock formations to the rocky but easy summit, about an hour from the refuge. For the loop back, follow the broad ridge south-east for about 30 minutes to Tsanaktsi (Tsanakis, about 2,052 m), with a stand of Bosnian pine on its south flank, then east for about 40 minutes to Voulgara (2,000 m) above the ski pistes. Descend steeply down a piste (about 1 hour) or take a longer path further east to the base (about 2 hours). There is no water on the route.

Start

Χιονοδρομικό Κέντρο 3-5 Πηγάδια1,424 m

No bus to the ski centre; KTEL buses and trains reach Naoussa, 17 km away, then taxi.
Parking at the trailhead

Stages

Day	Stage	km	m ascent	m descent	Time
1	Χιονοδρομικό Κέντρο 3-5 Πηγάδια → Χαμίτης	4.3	660	23	2h 47m

Waypoints

Parking:
Χιονοδρομικό Κέντρο 3-5 Πηγάδια1,424 m
Hut:
Καταφύγιο ΕΟΣ Νάουσας1,818 m
Summit:
Χαμίτης2,065 m

Key Passages

'Paradeisos' ski piste
E4 path through beech and oak forest
EOS Naoussa refuge
Alpine plateau and saddle below Chamitis
Rocky summit outcrops

Equipment

0/5 packed

Technical

Crampons, ice axe or snowshoesin winter and spring; avalanche awareness on steep slopesRecommended

Footwear

Hiking bootsRequired

Clothing

Windproof and waterproof layersopen, exposed alpine plateauRequired

Navigation

Map or GPS tracksparse marker posts above the refuge; easy to go astray in fogRecommended

Other

1.5–2 litres of water per personno water on the routeRequired

Downloads

Route confidence 71%

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Overview

Chamitis (2,065 m) is the highest summit of Mount Vermio in central Macedonia, a rocky top on the broad alpine plateau of Upper Vermio above the beech forests of Naoussa. An easy, waymarked E4 hike from the 3-5 Pigadia ski centre reaches it in about two and a half hours.

Vermio is a 254 km² mountain mass on the borders of Imathia, Kozani and Pella, rising between the plains of central Macedonia and the basins of western Macedonia. The Kastro and Arapitsa ravines cut it into Upper (northern) and Lower (southern) Vermio. The highest ground is the gently undulating crest of Upper Vermio, a series of high plateaus and rounded tops: Chamitis (2,065 m), Tsanaktsi or Tsaknakis (about 2,052–2,054 m), Mavri Petra (2,027 m) and Troulos (2,016 m). Historically the mountain had no single dominant summit and was known by the names of its individual heights.

The slopes carry beech, oak, fir, chestnut and pine, with Bosnian pine on Tsanaktsi, and above the treeline open meadows and rock outcrops. More than 1,200 plant species and about 120 bird species have been recorded, and the whole massif (25,500 ha) is the Natura 2000 site GR1210001 'Oros Vermio'. In antiquity Vermio was known for its white marble, still quarried in the south and west.

Two ski centres, Seli and 3-5 Pigadia, make the high ground easy to reach. From 3-5 Pigadia, 17 km above Naoussa, the E4 long-distance path climbs to the EOS Naoussa refuge and the summit plateau, so Chamitis is a straightforward half-day walk in summer and a popular snowshoe or ski-touring objective in winter.

Climbing Notes

In summer this is an easy day: about 650 m of ascent and 4½–5 hours for the loop from 3-5 Pigadia over Chamitis, Tsanaktsi and Voulgara. The paths are well waymarked (E4 signs and marker posts) to the refuge and more sparsely above, where fog can make the featureless plateau confusing, so carry a map or GPS track. There is no water on the route. Walking on the pistes needs care when the ski lifts are running. In winter the plateau is snow-covered from about December to April: snowshoes or skis, crampons and ice axe, avalanche awareness on the steeper slopes and a good forecast are needed, as wind and whiteout are common. The EOS Naoussa refuge (30 beds) can be used by arrangement with the club.

Season

Best Jun–Oct

January: Possible
February: Possible
March: Possible
April: Possible
May: Good
June: Best (best window)
July: Best (best window)
August: Best (best window)
September: Best (best window)
October: Best (best window)
November: Possible
December: Possible

Jan: Snow; ski touring and snowshoeing for experienced parties
Feb: Snow; ski touring and snowshoeing
Mar: Spring snow; avalanche risk on steep slopes
Apr: Snow lingers on the plateau
May: Late snow patches
Jul: Afternoon storms possible
Oct: Autumn beech colours
Nov: First snow and short days
Dec: Winter conditions; ski season starts with enough snow

Access & Permits

Hut Booking

EOS Naoussa refuge (about 1,820 m, 30 beds): often used for club and sports activities; arrange use and check it is open with EOS Naoussa beforehand.

Fees

Overnight charge at the EOS Naoussa refuge (by arrangement with the club)

Rules

Natura 2000 site GR1210001 'Oros Vermio': stay on paths and do not disturb wildlife
Take care on ski pistes when the 3-5 Pigadia lifts are operating

Getting There

Naoussa

Thessaloniki (SKG)

Car: from Thessaloniki to Naoussa, then 17 km of mountain road to the 3-5 Pigadia ski centre
Train or KTEL bus to Naoussa; taxi to the ski centre

Hazards

Weather
Avalanche

Huts & Shelters

Καταφύγιο ΕΟΣ ΝάουσαςRefugeBooking required
30 beds
1,820 m