A Christmas mountaineering trip ended in tragedy in the Vardousia mountains of central Greece, claiming the lives of four young climbers. Among them was 31-year-old Theodora Kaplan, whose mother shared her heartbreak and memories of her daughter’s adventurous spirit.
Speaking to Mega TV, Kaplan’s mother described warning her daughter about the dangers of the climb. “I told her, ‘Theodora, don’t go, it won’t end well,’” she recalled. Her daughter, passionate about mountaineering, reassured her: “Don’t worry, Mom… I will die happy if I reach the top.”
The four climbers set off from the village of Athanasios Diakos on Christmas morning, aiming for Korakas peak. While weather conditions initially appeared favorable, the area contained fresh, unstable snow over older icy layers. The combination of steep terrain and high altitude contributed to a sudden avalanche that engulfed the group.
The victims were found buried under the snow in close proximity to each other, suggesting the avalanche struck swiftly, leaving no time to react. Rescue teams required helicopters to access the remote location and recover the bodies.
Preliminary reports indicate that the climbers showed no external injuries, leading authorities to suspect suffocation under the snow as the cause of death. Autopsies are scheduled to confirm the exact circumstances.
The Hellenic Federation of Mountaineering and Climbing (E.O.O.A.) expressed deep sorrow over the loss and highlighted the dangerous combination of weather and terrain factors that caused the avalanche. The federation also commended the mountain guides and instructors who played a crucial role in locating the victims and assisting in the rescue operation.
