Frequently Asked Questions

What visitors ask us before they come up the mountain.

Contact

Who can I contact with a same-day question?

Christos Kordoulas, the refuge's owner and caretaker, answers the phone at +30 697 277 1295.

Getting there & arrival

Where can I park, and is it free?

Parking is free, along the road and in front of the refuge. There is room for about 20 cars, though it gets tight on busy days.

Do I need snow chains or a 4x4 in winter?

The access road is mostly paved, so in good conditions no special equipment is needed. After heavy snowfall, if the road has not yet been cleared, chains are recommended.

What are the check-in and check-out times?

They are flexible and arranged directly with our staff.

On-site facilities

Is there Wi-Fi or mobile reception?

Free Wi-Fi covers the whole refuge; the network name and password are written on a printed note on site. Mobile reception is excellent outside. Inside, the thick stone walls weaken the signal, so texts come through reliably while call quality varies.

Is there electricity, and can I charge my devices?

Yes. Power runs continuously from solar panels with a generator as backup, and there are charging sockets throughout the building.

Is the tap water safe to drink?

Yes. Our drinking water comes from a natural spring about 200 metres above the refuge and is safe to drink straight from the tap.

What are the showers and toilets like?

The women's area has one toilet and one shower; the men's area has two toilets. Hot water is available, but we ask that showers be kept for guests who genuinely need one — water is a limited resource up here.

Is there laundry or a drying room?

There is no laundry service. Wet gear can usually be dried outside when the weather allows, or in harder cases by the fireplace or on the radiators.

Food

Can you cater for vegetarian, vegan or gluten-free diets?

Yes, gladly — gluten-free options are the most limited. Let us know as early as you can: the ingredients have to be carried up to the refuge specially for your stay.

Is there a shop nearby, or should I bring supplies?

There is no shop at the refuge, so bring what you need for the trail. Breakfast, lunch, dinner and snacks can be ordered at the refuge itself.

House rules

Are dogs allowed?

Dogs are welcome outside the refuge but cannot come inside. The sleeping areas are shared, so we ask owners to respect guests who may have allergies.

Is smoking allowed?

Smoking is permitted outside only.

Are children welcome?

Yes — children of all ages are welcome at the refuge.

Is the refuge accessible for guests with limited mobility?

The terrain around it is rugged, but the outdoor areas, the balcony, the living area and the dining room are wheelchair accessible. The toilets and sleeping areas are reached by stairs and are not.

Gear & activities

Do you rent equipment such as crampons, ice axes or snowshoes?

We do not rent gear out, but the refuge keeps a small supply for emergencies. If you genuinely need it, you are welcome to use it.

Can you arrange a guide or an instructor?

We do not organise guiding ourselves, but our staff can point you to qualified professionals in the area.

Are blankets and pillows provided?

Pillows are provided. Blankets only in exceptional cases, so we recommend bringing your own sleeping bag and a pillowcase.

Still have a question?

If something is not covered here, ask us directly — we answer in person.