Ski touring trip
CRETE
GREECE
Südtirolalpin
IFMGA certified mountain and ski guides
South Tyrolean Mountain and Ski Guides Association
Email suedtirolalpin@gmail.com
Price from:
€1,800
per person for 5 or more participants
Duration:
8 days
Crete – Ski touring trip
Finest corn snow above the Mediterranean – on Crete a very special ski touring destination awaits
Crete
A truly special corn snow playground awaits us on the Greek island of Crete. Carving smooth corn snow turns right down into the olive groves, always with the azure waters of the Mediterranean in view, and in the evening talking shop over Greek wine about the ski technique you showed off on these perfect slopes.
Crete is definitely an exotic ski touring destination that not everyone has on their radar straight away. Yet the conditions on this island, so far south, are actually not bad at all: high mountains rising almost 2,500 metres out of the Mediterranean. In the coldest months, especially December, there is a lot of precipitation, which in good winters builds up a deep snowpack. This can then last into April on the slopes of these otherwise barren scree mountains.
On top of that, the climate produces corn snow conditions you would normally only expect in southern ski touring areas such as the Abruzzo. It is exactly this mix that makes it so appealing: southern light, Greek composure and surprisingly good ski terrain. If you fancy something other than the usual classics, this is just the place for you.
HIGHLIGHTS
✧ Finest Mediterranean corn snow
✧ Perfect ski terrain on peaks up to 2,500 metres high
✧ Greek hospitality
✧ The finest olive oil and varied, very healthy cuisine
✧ All in all, a combination of everything that makes Crete a truly special ski touring destination
INFO
Services
Included in the price
- All organisation, planning, bookings and reservations are handled in advance by the mountain guide
- Professional guiding on site by an IFMGA certified mountain and ski guide
- Mountain guide's fee
- Accommodation
*the final trip price depends on availability, individual client requests and current market prices for accommodation
- Rental car
- Travel and accommodation for the mountain guide
Additional costs for participants
- Flight to Crete
- Personal expenses on site (food, drinks...)
- Touring skis, skins and ski boots can be rented from a rental shop on request
- Individual tips
* Other rental equipment available on request for €20 per item for the entire trip
Facts
Location
Crete
Best time of year
February - March
Duration
8 days
Meeting point
Crete - Chania Airport
Requirements
- Ascents of 800 - 1,300 metres
- Skiing on groomed pistes (parallel turns) should be no problem
Documents
- Valid passport (a national identity card is also sufficient)
Otherwise, no special entry documents are currently required for EU citizens.
PRICE
Participants:
5 - 8 people
smaller groups or individual guiding gladly on request,
a second mountain guide for groups of 6 or more
Price from
€1,800
per person for 5 or more participants
* Price guarantee for trips from the annual programme.
For individual requests, the price is a guide price. The actual trip price may vary depending on season, availability and individual services.
PROGRAMME
Explorer trips explained
In March 2027 we are planning a ski touring trip to Crete for the first time. It is an Explorer trip. Here is a quick explanation of what that means: if you are easy-going, see yourself as an asset to a group rather than a burden, and stay relaxed even when things don't run perfectly smoothly, then welcome to our Explorer trips.
Explorer trips go to destinations we have not visited ourselves yet. Or to exotic destinations that are hard to plan because of unpredictable circumstances. We have a rough programme in mind, but we will be very open to changes of plan or experiments. That is exactly part of the idea here: not pinning everything down to the last detail, but making the most of the best options on the spot – depending on conditions, snow and the mood in the group.
Open to surprises
Why would I want that? Good question ... What could possibly go wrong? Exactly. If you see it that way too, we look forward to your booking. This trip is all about discovering a rather unusual ski touring destination together and staying flexible along the way. Instead of a rigid schedule, there is an open framework within which we choose suitable tours depending on conditions. That leaves room for spontaneous decisions, good conditions and exactly the kind of days you love to look back on later.
Walking time: 3–5 h | ↑ 800–1,300 m | ↓ 800–1,300 m | Difficulty: WS–ZS (guide value per day)
Sounds good, but not quite perfect?
No problem: this programme is just one idea of how the trip could look. The length of the trip can be extended or shortened as you wish. I will gladly put together an individual programme for you or your group, tailored entirely to your ideas and wishes.
Simply request your dream trip using our enquiry form.
Any changes to the itinerary that may become necessary for various reasons (weather, conditions, accommodation availability, etc.) are always made in consultation with the participants.
DESTINATION FACTS
Crete
Capital: Heraklion
Population: 624,000
Area: 8,000 km²
Currency: Euro
Language: Greek
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS (FAQS)
Who is this ski touring trip to Crete suitable for?
The trip suits ski tourers with solid fitness who enjoy open-ended programmes. Depending on the tour, each day involves around 800–1,300 metres of ascent and roughly 3–5 hours of walking. If you are flexible and fancy a rather unusual ski touring destination, you will have a great time here.
How fixed is the programme on an Explorer trip?
Deliberately not completely fixed. We have a rough plan, but on Crete we stay open to changes if conditions, snow or logistics make something else more sensible. That is exactly the character of an Explorer trip: discovering an exciting destination together without nailing down every single day months in advance.
What equipment do I need to bring?
The detailed packing list comes with the confirmation email. The essentials are, of course, your ski touring equipment and suitable clothing for spring tours. Any missing equipment can be rented from Südtirolalpin for a small wear-and-tear fee.
Looking for a different trip? Send us your request
MOUNTAIN AND CLIMBING TRIPS
# CRETE # GREECE # SKI TOURING TRIP # MOUNTAIN GUIDE