- Search and rescue operation launched on Mount Parnassos.
- Climbers became disoriented in dense fog near Gerontovrachos (2,389m).
- Distress alert sent via emergency number 112.
- Location narrowed using mobile signal data.
- Climbers reported in good health and in contact with authorities.
A large-scale search and rescue operation is underway on Mount Parnassos in Central Greece after a group of climbers reportedly lost their orientation in thick, low-visibility fog near the Gerontovrachos peak.
The mountain rises to 2,389 meters, and weather conditions in the area deteriorated rapidly, leaving the group unable to navigate safely.
The climbers activated emergency services through the 112 system, triggering an immediate response from authorities. Rescue teams mobilized quickly and narrowed down the group’s location using mobile phone signal triangulation.
Despite the dangerous conditions, the climbers are reported to be in good health and remain in constant communication with rescue personnel as efforts continue to reach them.
At high altitude, even experienced hikers can become vulnerable within minutes when visibility collapses. Fog at that elevation does not simply obscure the view — it erases direction, depth, and distance.
Rescue operations in mountainous terrain are complex, time-sensitive, and highly dependent on weather conditions. Authorities continue efforts to escort the climbers down from the mountain safely.
If You Get Disoriented in Fog on a Mountain
1. Stop Moving
Most fatalities happen after people start “trying to find the trail” in low visibility.
Fog on exposed ridgelines can hide:
- Cornices
- Sudden drop-offs
- Ice patches
- Wrong descent gullies
If visibility drops below 20–30 meters: stop, regroup, assess.
2. Stay Together
Never split the group.
Never send the “strongest” person ahead.
Cold, wind, and terrain can turn a 5-minute separation into a permanent one.
3. Create Shelter, Even Temporary
Look for:
- Natural windbreaks (large rocks, leeward slopes)
- Shallow depressions
- Boulder clusters
Avoid:
- Gullies with avalanche risk
- Edges of ridgelines
- Exposed peaks
Even sitting tightly together behind a rock reduces wind chill significantly.
4. Manage Heat Like a Resource
- Put on all dry layers immediately
- Cover the head and neck first
- Keep hands inside sleeves if needed
- Sit on backpacks or rope to avoid direct ground contact
- Rotate outer positions if the wind is directional
Hypothermia kills quietly. Shivering is good. When shivering stops, danger escalates.
5. Phone Discipline
If 112 is called:
- Turn off all other phones
- Use one phone for communication
- Reduce screen brightness
- Put the phone in the inner pocket to keep the battery warm
Cold drains lithium batteries fast.
6. Signal Smart
If the helicopter search begins and the fog lifts:
- Bright colors visible on snow/rock
- Use a whistle in sets of three
- Reflective surface (phone screen, metal) for light flash
Sound travels differently in fog. Conserve energy.
7. When to Attempt Descent
Only if:
- You are certain of orientation
- You have a GPS track
- You are above safe terrain
Blind descent in fog causes more deaths than waiting.
Waiting feels passive. It is often the correct tactical decision.
Why Winter Fog Is So Dangerous on Parnassos
- Rapid weather shifts
- Exposed alpine terrain
- Wind amplification on ridges
- False sense of familiarity
- Tourist traffic assumes ski resort = safe
Gerontovrachos at 2,389m is not a casual hill.
Once fog sets in, landmarks vanish.
Don’t hike alone.
