Tymfristos

2,315 m

Greece

Also known as Velouchi, Велухи, +6

Velouchi · Велухи · Τυμφρηστός · Monte Timfristos · mont Tymphreste · ტიმფრისტოსი · Тимфристос · Timfristós Óros

Elevation: 2,315 m
Prominence: 1,120 m
Difficulty: 2/10; Hike
Best Season: Jun–Sep
Routes: 1

Routes

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The short standard ascent of Velouchi's highest point: from the chalet of the Karpenisi ski centre (about 1,870 m), 12 km above Karpenisi, the red-marked M12 trail climbs past the ski pistes and along the rim of the Kakorema ravine to the summit (2,315 m). About 1.6 km and 450 m of ascent; 1–1½ hours up, under an hour down.

Elevation Profile

Distance: 2.4 km; one way
Ascent: +449 m; start → summit
High Point: 2,315 m
Time Up: 1h 48m; DIN 33466
Time Down: 1h 12m; DIN 33466 · same way back

Drive from Karpenisi to the Karpenisi ski centre at Diavolotopos (about 11–12 km, 15–20 minutes); there is a large car park, and the chalet is the first building on the right. The M12 trail (red marks) starts between the chalet and the Takis Flengas lift, climbs towards the Iraklis piste, crosses it and passes under the Iraklis chairlift. The path then runs close to the edge of the Kakorema, a large ravine: keep well back from the rim, and watch children closely. Beyond halfway a few steeper, stony stretches follow; the last part eases onto a gentle slope and an almost flat hollow just below the summit, Psili Korfi (2,315 m), the highest point of Evrytania. Allow about 1 hour 10 minutes at a steady pace, up to 2 hours with stops. Descend the same way in about 50 minutes. In winter the ski centre operates and the route crosses pistes; above them the slopes are exposed to wind and avalanche, and crampons and an ice axe are needed. A longer and quieter alternative follows the ridge from Agioi Apostoloi over Koumpi (about 7 km, around 3½ hours up), which in winter includes an exposed traverse.

Start

Χιονοδρομικό Κέντρο Καρπενησίου1,866 m

KTEL buses run from Athens and Lamia to Karpenisi; no bus to the ski centre, so a taxi is needed for the last 12 km.
Parking at the trailhead

Stages

Day	Stage	km	m ascent	m descent	Time
1	Χιονοδρομικό Κέντρο Καρπενησίου → Τυμφρηστός	2.4	449	0	1h 48m

Waypoints

Parking:
Χιονοδρομικό Κέντρο Καρπενησίου1,866 m
Ski centre chalet and car park at Diavolotopos; position from the OSM 'Velouchi' hamlet node at the ski centre base, approximate
Summit:
Τυμφρηστός2,315 m
Psili Korfi (Ψηλή Κορφή), the main summit of Velouchi

Key Passages

Crossing the Iraklis piste
Rim of the Kakorema ravine
Steeper stony stretches above halfway

Equipment

0/6 packed

Technical

Crampons and ice axewinter and spring snow above the pistesRequired

Safety

Sun protectionRequired

Footwear

Hiking shoes with well-treaded solesRequired

Clothing

Windproof layer and long-sleeve topthe summit is windyRequired

Other

0.5–1 litre of waterno water on the routeRequired
Trekking polesRecommended

Downloads

Route confidence 65%

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Overview

Tymfristos, better known as Velouchi, is the mountain above Karpenisi and the highest point of Evrytania (2,315 m). A ski centre at 1,850–2,200 m makes the summit, Psili Korfi, one of the most accessible 2,300 m tops in Greece: about an hour's walk from the car park.

Velouchi (Tymfristos) rises immediately north-east of Karpenisi in Evrytania, central Greece, at the southern end of the Pindus. Its highest point, Psili Korfi, is usually given as 2,314–2,315 m. The Karpenisi ski centre occupies a high plateau at Diavolotopos on the west side, between about 1,850 and 2,200 m, reached by a 12 km paved road from the town. West of the ski area lies a small alpine pond, the Drakolimni of Velouchi.

The mountain is mainly grassy and stony above the fir forests, cut by deep ravines such as the Kakorema. From the summit the view takes in Karpenisi, Kaliakouda and Chelidona, the Kremasta reservoir to the south-west and, in clear weather, much of central Greece.

The summit from the ski centre is a short, easy outing that suits beginners and families with older children, provided they stay away from the ravine edge. Longer ridge walks start from Agioi Apostoloi or from lower down near Karpenisi on trail M12, which starts at Agia Paraskevi.

Climbing Notes

In summer the ascent from the ski centre needs only normal hiking fitness: 450 m of ascent and about 1–2 hours up. Carry water (there is none on the route) and a windproof layer for the summit. Afternoon storms are common in summer. For a full day, walk the whole M12 from Karpenisi or the ridge from Agioi Apostoloi via Koumpi.

In winter the ski centre is open and the summit is a common winter and ski-touring objective, but the upper slopes are windswept and can be icy, with avalanche risk in gullies; crampons, ice axe and winter experience are needed. Snow can linger in shaded spots into early July.

Season

Best Jun–Sep

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: Good
November: Possible
December: Possible

Jan: Ski centre open; winter ascent with crampons and ice axe
Feb: Winter conditions; ski touring
Mar: Spring snow; avalanche risk in gullies
Apr: Snow patches; variable conditions
May: Snow melting; wildflowers
Jun: Good conditions; some snow in shaded spots
Jul: Best season; start early to avoid storms
Aug: Best season
Sep: Stable weather
Oct: Cooler; first snow possible
Nov: Early winter conditions
Dec: Winter conditions; ski centre season starts when snow allows

Access & Permits

Getting There

Karpenisi

Athens (ATH)

Car: Karpenisi to the Karpenisi ski centre, about 12 km of paved road (15–20 minutes); large car park
Public transport: KTEL buses from Athens and Lamia to Karpenisi; taxi to the ski centre

Hazards

Weather
Avalanche
Exposure