KALYMNOS GREECE MULTI-PITCH CLIMBING RETREAT
Join us for a week long adventure on the Greek island of Kalymnos! Kalymnos is a world class climbing destination known for its picturesque seaside climbs and relaxed island life. Chill vibes and great food are the norm. Kalymnos is most famous for it's steep tufa climbing, but it is also home to a bunch of 5 to 10 pitch 5.9 & 5.10 routes with just about the best views of any place we've ever climbed. It also has a large variety of climbs from 5.7-5.14, so there is something for everyone. No multipitch climbing experience is required.
Unlike most other Kalymnos retreats, we keep our trips to a low ratio. With a max of two climbers to each guide we can focus on what you are excited about. Each day we will have the chance to choose between getting high on some long multi-pitches or sampling some of the amazing single pitch climbing.
All guides are AMGA Certified Rock Guides
Dates:
Join us November 28 - December 5th 2024 (Two spots left!)
Prerequisite
Experience climbing outside is recommended but not required. Multi-Pitch experience not required.
Course Ratio
Max 2:1
Trip Length
8 Days
Cost
$2950 for a shared room
$3350 for private room
TRIP ITINERARY
DAY 1 (TRAVEL DAY)
We will provide lodging for the night before the trip, please plan to arrive sometime before dinner. We will meet as a group in the evening for a welcome dinner to get to know each other and chat about logistics. If you don't want jet lag to affect your first couple days of climbing, we recommend flying into Athens or another place in Europe a few days before the start of the trip and exploring!
DAY 2
Our goal for the first day will be to get warmed up to the climbing and teach or review some baseline skills. If you want to lead on the trip we will review this and do safety checks. This day could involve craging, or a shorter multi-pitch climb.
DAYS 3 - 4
For the main portion of the trip, we will cater to individual/group interest. Each day we can choose between single pitch and multipitch climbing. We can focus on technical skills, work on pushing our movement and/or refine our mental techniques for climbing. If you would like to learn to lead single or multi-pitch sport climbs we can teach and practice those skills as well
DAY 5
This day will be an optional rest day. There are many fun things to do on Kalymnos including renting scooters or bikes and touring the island, visiting historical sites, and sitting on the beach. We can also review technical skills like leading multi-pitch climbs or technical self rescue. We will also always have the opportunity to climb this day.
DAY 6 & 7
More climbing!
DAY 8 (TRAVEL DAY)
Time to head home!
WHAT'S INCLUDED
INCLUSIONS
6 days of professional instruction by AMGA certified Rock Guides
Lodging in a shared house with other participants (We can work with you to accommodate upgrades)
Breakfast and Dinner each day during the trip.
Use of group technical equipment such as ropes, rack and quickdraws.
EXCLUSIONS
Airfare/flight
Transportation to and from the airport. We are happy to help in arranging this.
unch and snacks, however we can provide transportation to the grocery store
Meals on travel days
Personal Climbing Equipment (harness, helmet, climbing shoes, we can supply some rentals and are happy to work with you to make recommendations on what/where to buy)
Trip Insurance
Guide Gratuity
HOW TO GET TO KALYMNOS
There are a few ways to get to Kalymnos:
Fly to Athens then book a flight directly from Athens to Kalymnos with Sky Express. There are only direct flights 3 times a week. We specifically scheduled this retreat around these flights. This is likely the cheapest option.
If you are flying from another European city it is possible to fly to the island of Kos and take a 30min ferry from Kos to Kalymnos. If flying from Athens to Kos by the time you pay for the flight, taxi from the airport to the ferry, and the ferry, it is only a little cheaper than flying direct to Kalymnos and takes way more time. There are flights everyday to Kos.
You can string together a bunch of ferries, this is a cool way to see more but it will take longer and may be less reliable this time of year. If you want to visit Turkey before or after you can take a ferry from Bodrum to Kos and Kos to Kalymnos. Or you can also island hop from Athens to Kalymnos.
ISN'T THE NORMAL SEASON FOR KALYMNOS OCTOBER?
While a lot of climbers travel to Kalymnos in October this also means the climbing is quite crowded. Travelling a little outside the busy season means we'll have our pick of any climb, no waiting in line, and it will be a more peaceful and enjoyable atmosphere. The weather in Kalymnos is quite temperate. In Novermber/December it is slightly cooler, and better climbing temperatures. There is a bit higher of a chance of rain, but the rain tends to be short lived, the rock dries fast and there are plenty of sheltered caves to climb in. Of course we can never guarantee the weather, but we think you'll enjoy being here in the off season.
DO PEOPLE USUALLY SIGN UP SOLO OR IN GROUPS?
A lot of people sign up alone. It can be intimidating to travel to a new place alone with a bunch of strangers, be assured a lot of folks are in the same boat. It is a great way to network and meet new people.
HOW MANY PEOPLE SIGN UP? WHAT IS THE TYPICAL DEMOGRAPHIC?
If a trip fills, we will typically expect around 4 - 6 people on a trip. We usually get a relatively even split of men and women. Historically, the average age has been mid 20's through mid 40's. Though we have had people of all ages sign up, even some in their 70's! Minimum age for this trip is 18.
WHAT IS THE TYPICAL EXPERIENCE LEVEL PEOPLE WHO SIGN UP HAVE?
This retreat is open to people of all experience levels, whether its your first time climbing outside, or are looking to break into 5.12. The low ratio on this trip will allow us to split up into small groups and cater to everyone's goals.
HOW MUCH WILL I GET TO LEAD?
We pride ourselves on providing solid instruction and giving people the opportunity to grow. While its certainly not a requirement for the trip, we are happy to mix in some instructional curriculum for those interested. Kalymnos can function as a great classroom, whether its your first time climbing outside, or your looking to lead multi pitch routes on your own!
HOW HARD DO I NEED TO CLIMB TO GET THE MOST OF THIS TRIP?
Kalymnos has classic routes at all grades. To get the most out of your trip, we would recommend that you should be able to climb 5.9 in a gym without falling. This shouldn't be viewed as a hard and fast rule, but will set you up with a good baseline to have a wide range of climbs within your grasp. Reach out to us if you are unsure if this retreat is a good fit.
WHAT IS YOUR CANCELLATION POLICY
We have a strict cancellation policy for international trips. See our Terms and Conditions page for a more detailed outline on what this looks like. We highly recommend you purchase trip cancellation insurance.