The recovery operation for the bodies of four climbers who lost their lives on Christmas Day in the Vardousia mountains has been completed, with the victims now being transferred to the Athens forensic service for autopsies that are expected to clarify the exact cause of death.
The tragedy has cast a shadow of grief after the four mountaineers — three men and one woman — were killed when they were buried by an avalanche while attempting to reach the Korakas peak.
Autopsies Underway, Asphyxiation Considered Likely Cause
According to initial assessments, the bodies did not show visible traumatic injuries, leading authorities to believe that the climbers may have died from asphyxiation after being trapped under several meters of snow.
Following a marathon rescue operation, the victims were transported to Itea and then to a hospital, where their deaths were officially confirmed. Due to the difficult terrain where they were located, a helicopter was required for their evacuation.
The Timeline of the Tragedy
The climbers had set out with the goal of reaching Korakas, the highest peak of the Vardousia range. Evidence gathered during the investigation indicates that they made a last-minute decision to follow a more demanding and exposed route.
Their tracks were visible up to a certain point before disappearing abruptly, prompting authorities to suspect an avalanche — a scenario that was later confirmed. The bodies were discovered late on Friday night, December 26, just below the summit, close to one another.
Rescuers noted that the victims were found together, almost embracing, suggesting that the avalanche struck suddenly and left them with no time to react.
Challenging Rescue Operation
Speaking to public broadcaster ERT, the commander of the 7th EMAK rescue unit, who led the operation, described a painstaking and gradual effort to move the bodies to a safe location, enabling their airlift to the area of Itea, where ambulances were waiting.
Addressing questions about the climbers’ experience and familiarity with the area, he stressed that caution is essential at all times, underlining the unpredictability of mountainous terrain — even for seasoned mountaineers.
How the Avalanche Formed
The Hellenic Federation of Mountaineering and Climbing (EOOA) expressed deep sorrow over the deaths and provided an explanation of the conditions that led to the fatal avalanche.
In a statement, the federation attributed the incident to a dangerous combination of weather and ground conditions. Fresh snowfall accumulated on an older, frozen layer of snow, while a brief period of milder weather beforehand further destabilized the terrain. These factors, according to the EOOA, proved deadly, triggering the avalanche near the Koprisies area.
The federation also publicly acknowledged the contribution of mountain guides and instructors who played a crucial role in locating the victims and assisting in the demanding rescue operation.
The Vardousia mountains form part of the southernmost extension of the Pindus range in Central Greece. Korakas, their highest peak, rises to 2,495 meters above sea level, making it the second-highest summit in the region after Mount Giona.
