Hiking Mount Olympus

Sept. 15-16 & Sept. 22-23

Students kicked off the fall semester by inaugurating their final year at Anatolia College with a beloved tradition, the annual Mount Olympus hike. Over the course of two weekends, 103 6th form and IB2 students and 20 faculty and staff faced steep ascents, rough terrain, and high altitudes in their quest to conquer the mythological mountain. The first day, hikers ascended more than 1000 meters through idyllic green forests to reach the Zolotas refuge, where they relaxed as they watched the sunset and played with the refuge puppy, Tiramisu. The next day, the groups ascended another 1000 meters through steep rock plains to reach Skolio, the second-highest peak of Mount Olympus. Both weekends experienced ideal weather with no wind, rain, or snow in sight, and when they reached the top, hikers enjoyed a blue, sunny sky and a panoramic view that stretched all the way to the Aegean. The hikers then descended to the refuge for a quick lunch before hiking back to the base. Overall, the groups ascended and descended a total of 4,000 meters in less than 36 hours and returned ready for school on Monday! Thank you to all of the staff, faculty, and guides who ensured the climbs’ safety, timeliness, and enjoyment.