A Greek mountaineer narrowly escaped death after canceling a planned climb at the last moment, avoiding an avalanche that killed four fellow climbers in the Vardousia mountain range in central Greece.

The man, identified only as Angelos, had initially planned to join the group but decided not to go shortly before their departure. The four experienced climbers continued with their ascent, believing weather conditions would allow them to reach one of the area’s peaks. They never returned.

Speaking to local media, Angelos said the group had agreed to take advantage of a brief break in winter weather, which happened to fall on Christmas Day. However, work obligations in his village prevented him from leaving. He explained that there had been no fixed plan regarding how far the group would climb, adding that the others ultimately chose to head toward a higher and more exposed summit.

After learning that his friends were missing, Angelos immediately went to the mountains to search for them. He said he remained on the slopes for several hours, walking more than 40 kilometers in difficult terrain before rescue teams arrived.

Reflecting on the conditions, he noted that recent snowfall followed by freezing temperatures and sudden sunshine had created extremely dangerous conditions, making an ascent unsafe. He said he would not have attempted the climb even if he had been able to join them.

Describing the area as highly dangerous under such weather patterns, Angelos said his survival does not feel like a second chance, but rather a life forever changed by loss. He added that the tragedy cost him the life he knew.