WINTER SPORT CLIMBING:
LEONIDIO
While northern Europe shivers, you'll be scaling sun-drenched Greek limestone above the Myrtoan Sea — over 1,000 routes, mild winter sun, and genuinely something for every level.
- Leonidio
- Greek Winter Limestone
- 23 – 30 January 2027
- 7 Days
- 5a–9a
- Grade Range
- 12
- Max Group Size
- €1,090
- Price
While northern Europe shivers, Leonidio's red and orange limestone sits warm under Mediterranean sun — mild days, quick-drying rock, and over 1,000 routes spread across sectors with genuinely something for everyone.
Warm up at Twin Caves (5a–6c), push into Hot Rock's technical terrain including the famous Mamma Mia (7b+), or go looking for trouble at Mars, where routes run all the way to 9a. Lucas Gangloff — an 8a climber himself, with trad ascents from Wales to Tasmania — tailors each day to exactly where you're at.
Two weeks means real progression time, plus the extras: a welcome dinner of proper Greek cuisine, a rest-day excursion to nearby beaches, and a final night celebrating with the local climbing community.
- Duration
- 7 Days
- Location
- Leonidio
- Grade Range
- 5a → 9a
- Group Size
- Maximum 12
- Coach
- Lucas Gangloff
- Price
- €1,090
One unforgettable week
Peloponnese, Greece
All levels welcome
Small, personalized group
Coach may vary by date
See dates and pricing for available options.
Other Dates
This Course Travels
Sport Climbing Course runs year-round across several destinations. This page covers winter in Leonidio — here's everywhere else it's happening.
- 2wk€1,890
- Sep€1,090
- Oct€1,090
- Dec€950
- 2wk€1,690
- Jan€950
- Jan€1,090
- 2wk€1,990
- Feb€1,090
- Mar€1,090
- 2wk€1,990
- Apr€1,090
- Apr€1,090
- 2wk€1,890
- May€1,090
- 2wk€1,990
- Jun€1,090
- Jul€1,090
- 2wk€1,990
- Jul€1,090
- Aug€1,090
Real Rock, Real Winter Sun
Tufas, Pockets
& Zero Frostbite
No stock photos, no staged sends — just climbers chalking up under blue Peloponnese skies in January.
The Beginner Sport Climber (5a–6a)
Ready to master the fundamentals and build real confidence on rock, starting at the gentle end of Twin Caves.
The Intermediate Climber (6a–7a)
Ready to refine movement efficiency and mental approach to actually break into harder grades, not just log more mileage.
The Advanced Climber (7a+)
Ready to work specific projects with a coach who's sent 8a himself, including terrain at Mars that runs all the way to 9a.
Technique
- Movement specialized for limestone & tufa formations
- Footwork, balance, static vs dynamic movement
- Sidestep, drop knee, flagging, heel & toe hooks
- No-hands rests to save energy on longer routes
- Cleaning anchors — keeping all your gear
Mental Game
- Resetting expectations to break through limits
- Handling nerves & stress under real pressure
- Dealing directly with the fear of falling
- Climbing calls & communication that get your message across
- Managing hesitation into confidence
Tactics
- Belaying & lead belaying, catching falls dynamically
- Planning for onsight, flash, or redpoint attempts
- Knowing when to rest versus when to push
- Efficiency coaching for longer, pumpier routes
- Long-term progression beyond the course
- Day 1
- Welcome & Orientation
Arrival, gear check, welcome dinner with authentic Greek cuisine
- Days 2–7
- Progressive Climbing
Guided sessions across sectors, evening technique workshops & video analysis — rest day optional
| What's Included | 1 Week See dates & pricing | 2 Weeks See dates & pricing |
|---|---|---|
| Climbing days | ~6 | ~12 |
| Individualized coaching & guiding | ✓ | ✓ |
| Welcome dinner | ✓ | ✓ |
| Rest day beach & culture excursion | — | ✓ |
| Access to Mars sector projects (up to 9a) | Limited | ✓ |
| Time for grades to actually stick | — | ✓ |
Leonidio, Greece
The Venue
Vibrant red and orange limestone cliffs rise above the sparkling Myrtoan Sea in this hidden Peloponnese gem — over 1,000 routes across sectors like Twin Caves, Hot Rock, and Mars, spanning pockets, tufas, and crimps.
January means mild days, quick-drying rock, uncrowded crags, and Leonidio at its most authentic — away from the tourist season entirely.
- Nearest Airport
- Athens
- Rock Type
- Limestone
- Climate in Jan/Feb
- 14–18°C
- Style
- Slabs to overhangs, up to 9a
Your Coach
World-Class Coaching
Lucas Gangloff
Meet guideGuide & Coach
A qualified climbing coach with 10 years on rock, Lucas has sent 8a in both Terradets and Rodellar, onsighted 7b+ in Laos, and climbed trad routes from Wales to a sea stack in Tasmania. He lives most of the year out of his van, and believes small details make the biggest difference in coaching.
Results
What Past Climbers Say
Climbing in a t-shirt in January while checking photos of snow back home never gets old. The routes were incredible, but that part might have been the best bit.
Lucas spotted a hip position I'd been getting wrong for years, in about ten minutes. Sent Mamma Mia by the end of the second week.
The rest-day beach trip mid-week was exactly what my skin needed. Came back stronger for it, oddly.
Accommodation & Logistics
We Sorted the Boring Bits
Accommodation
Shared accommodation in local climbing hostels, cottages, campsites, or places run by local climbers. For higher-standard accommodation, send a personal inquiry by email or WhatsApp.
Getting There
Fly into Athens for both arrival and departure. Local transport is organised once you land.
Gear
All safety equipment provided — ropes, draws, helmets, slings. Bring your own shoes and harness if you have preferences; we've got spares if you don't.
Group Size
Maximum 12 climbers. Minimum 3 to run the course — otherwise we offer an equivalent alternative or a full refund.
What's Included
Full Package
- Guiding — local knowledge across all three sectors
- Individualized coaching — technical, mental, and tactical
- Climbing safety equipment — ropes, draws, helmets, slings
- Shared accommodation — local climbing hosts
Not included
- Transportation, local transportation
- Accommodation of any higher standards
- Climbing and travel insurance
- Food & drinks
1090€ one week
FAQ
Common Questions
What level do I need to be?
Basic belay skills and some indoor or outdoor climbing experience. The course covers everything from beginner-friendly 5a routes to advanced 9a terrain, so it genuinely suits a wide range of levels.
Do I need my own gear?
Bring climbing shoes and a harness you trust. We provide belay devices, helmets, and slings, plus a full kit list once you book (down jacket, headlamp, sleeping bag, approach shoes).
Is food included?
A welcome dinner of authentic Greek cuisine is part of the course. Beyond that, breakfast and lunch are self-catered from local shops, and dinner is flexible: communal dinners can be organised, or explore the local restaurants and bars.
Can I book just one week?
Yes — you can book a single week or the full 2-week option. See the dates above for all options and prices.
What if fewer than 3 people book?
We need a minimum of 3 participants to run the course. If numbers don't add up, we'll offer an equivalent (or better) alternative, or a full refund. No hard feelings.
Where do I fly in and out of?
Athens International Airport, for both arrival and departure.
Reserve Your Place
Ready to Skip Winter Entirely?
Winter courses in Leonidio tend to fill up fast. Secure your spot now — or drop us a line first if you've got questions.
Questions first? Email info@rockbusters.net or catch us on WhatsApp — we reply fast.