The 2017-2018 school year started with the annual Mount Olympus climb for the 6th form and IB II students. Over two different weekends, September 23-24 and September 30-October 1, 116 students, 11 faculty and staff, 7 fellows, and 1 alumnus, all conquered the historic mountain of the Greek Gods. On the first day, the group filled up their water bottles with the fresh, natural water of the mountain, donned their backpacks, and began climbing. After a few hours, they reached the Zolotas refuge tucked into the mountain 1.000 meters up where they shared stories over cups of hot chocolate, played with the two dogs outside the refuge, and huddled together for warmth before turning in for the night. The next morning, the group woke up at 06:00 to a sunrise on top of the clouds while fueling up on breakfast before the next segment of the climb. Braving cold temperatures, steep inclines, slippery rocks, and dramatic altitude increases, the group marched upwards 1.000 more meters to reach the top of Skolio, the second-highest peak of Mount Olympus. At the top, the group caught their breath, stopped for photos and even experienced a fresh dusting of snow on the second weekend. The group then climbed back down to the refuge, ate a quick lunch, and then made it safely back down the mountain before nightfall. In total, both groups ascended and descended an altitude of approximately 4.000 meters in less than 36 hours, an incredible feat! A big thank you to all of the staff, faculty, and guides who ensured this climb was conducted in a responsible, safe, and enjoyable manner.
