Vourinos (1866m) is a relatively unknown massif which delineates the border between the Kozani and Grevena prefectures, north of Polyfutos reservoir, and is usually considered an extension of Askios since they are separated from each other by the narrow pass of Bara.
The wider area of Vourinos is of great geological and ecological importance on account of its unique bedrock, a result of a collision between the European and African plates some 170 million years ago. Today, the lush valleys host eight species of endemic flora and protect, under the Natura designation, another 33 avian species.
Vourinos is a destination for hiking and climbing favored by residents of Kozani and Siatista, although it remains a characteristically wild and sparsely inhabited locale.
Access
With Vourinos being situated between Egnatia Odos (A2) to the north and Kozani to the east, the access to its lower flanks is easy, and achieved via the regional roads of Bara - Vari, and Kozani - Aiani respectively. The approach to Ntrisinikos is mainly possible via Bara from where access to the refuge is possible, while the sport crags of Lefkopigi and Analipsi are approached from Kozani.
Accommodation
Vourinos features a single refuge, with a total capacity of 50 beds, located at Tsiama place and at an altitude of 1360m on the north side of Ntrisinikos. It is operated by the Siatista Mountaineering Club.
Routes overview
The unique lithology of Vourinos has led to the separation of route development between alpine adventure routes on the peaks and limestone sport climbing around its foothills. In total there are 32 recorded rock-climbing routes of difficulties from 3b up to 7a+, on limestone or harzburgite, and one alpine climb graded II 2+, with heights from 9m to 400m and a variety of orientations.
On the summit of Ntrisinikos there are three established routes, featuring low difficulty traditional climbing on either rock or mixed terrain, with the most spectacular option being the scrambling route “Great ridge of Bourinos” (IV-, 350m) which tackles the exposed arete composed of serpentine harzburgite.
In contrast, the four sport climbing crags offer a wide range of difficulties on classic limestone terrain with average to good quality rock. The most popular crag is near Lefkopigi, with 18 routes, while the cags of Bara at Samari, at Analipsi, and of Palaiokastro each feature between one and seven low to moderate difficulty routes. To repeat any of the sport routes found around Vourinos, a 70m rope and 14 quickdraws are required.