Theodosis: The Person Behind Mountain Echoes

My Journey

It all began during my student years in Florina. The "mountain bug" became a way of life in 2011, when my need for nature came rushing back into my everyday routine. Ever since, mountaineering has been my life.

I went through every stage of mountaineering training and responsibility that shaped my approach:

• Leadership & Training: As a Board Member of the Athens Alpine Club (EOS Athens) (2016–2018) and Mountaineering & Climbing Officer, I oversaw all of the club's schools. I organized training programs for new mountaineers with a focus on thoroughness and skill development, while also running specialized mountaineering camps in the field.

• Expedition Leadership & Guiding: Founder and lead guide of the Winter Mountain Series (WMS) (2014–2018) for graduates of mountaineering schools. I have led groups on numerous technical and hiking routes (Mount Olympus, Tymfi, Mont Blanc, and others), and I continue as Head Leader for private groups to this day, both in Greece and abroad.

After 15 years in the field and thousands of hours leading large groups, I decided to create Mountain Echoes. My purpose is to pass on this knowledge to our own team, with respect, organization, and a core vision built on mountaineering ethics.

Our Role as Leaders

• The Right Pace: So that our journey is a path to enjoy, not a race against time.

• Sharing Knowledge: We explain the landscape, flora, fauna, and history of each destination, enriching the experience beyond everyday routine.

• Cohesion & Positive Energy: We stay attuned to the group's rhythm, communicate with each participant, and make sure everyone takes part comfortably and enjoys the moment.

What Truly Fulfills Us

The greatest reward is the trust you place in us by choosing to spend your day with us. From the morning meet-up to the final farewell, we feel we're carrying out meaningful work. We're there to ensure the group's peace of mind, so that the experience stays exactly what it should be: carefree and meaningful.

Technical Training & Approach

I firmly believe that on the mountain, safety isn't a choice — it's the foundation. Continuous technical training is a priority for me, both through official schools of the Hellenic Federation of Mountaineering & Climbing (Beginner & Intermediate Mountaineering and Climbing), and through the Expedition Leaders Seminar.

At the same time, the following certifications are, for me, a non-negotiable requirement for any guide:

• First Aid Certification from the Red Cross

• IRATA Level 1 (Rope Access Technician) — July 2026. A certification in rope access and safe movement techniques, which strengthens my ability to handle demanding technical passages and situations that require advanced safety expertise.

My career as a pharmaceutical industry professional (QA Manager) and my MBA gave me the tools to operate with high standards and strict safety protocols. Thanks to this professional background, I take on the full organizational load and preparation, so that you only need to show up and enjoy the journey — free of any worries.

Ready to experience this for yourself? Check out our upcoming routes and join us on the mountain.

Vasilis Tsiotras – Leader & Business Systems Analyst, Software Engineer, CEO & Founder of CENTIVA.

Our relationship with Vasilis began in 2014. He is not just a colleague, but first and foremost a true friend and an integral member of our team. Together, we have spent countless hours in the field and on many climbs, building a relationship of absolute trust. We formed the core leadership duo of the Winter Mountain Series (WMS) from 2014 to 2018, jointly planning and guiding numerous teams through the most demanding winter conditions.

Experience & Responsibility

Vasilis brings a significant mountaineering background, having first engaged with the mountains in 2008. He served as Mountaineering & Climbing Head at the Athens Mountaineering Club (2016–2025). His many years in this position of responsibility and his oversight of the training schools have given him, among other things, the ability to handle any situation in the mountains with absolute composure and expertise.

Technical Training

Following the same educational path, Vasilis has completed the full cycle of EOOA courses (Mountaineering and Climbing for Beginners & Intermediate Level), as well as the Mountaineering Leaders Seminar.

His Approach

Combining the analytical mind of an analyst, his ability to manage his company’s team, and the determination of a mountaineer, Vasilis is the “quiet force” behind Mountain Echoes. His calmness, methodical approach, and ability to accurately “read” the terrain in any situation ensure that every expedition proceeds smoothly, allowing all of us to focus on truly connecting with the experience and nature.

George Gialelis – Member & Photographer

Our journey together began four years ago in the mountains. Above all, he is a true friend and an integral member of Mountain Echoes.

Together, we have served as co-leaders on numerous hiking expeditions, building a relationship of trust based on our shared love for exploration, the mountains, and nature.

Experience & Expertise

A graduate of the School of Tourism Professions, George brings a professional approach to hospitality to every step we take. He has completed the Dry Terrain (ML-1) and Winter Mountaineering (ML-2) courses, and his experience includes ascents of challenging mountains, both in Greece and abroad.

The Man Behind the Scenes

George is the man “behind the scenes.”

He actively participates in every reconnaissance of a new route, mapping the terrain with me before each expedition. He is present in every endeavour, serving as a constant point of reference for the organization and preparation required before the team sets foot on the trail.

The Artist’s Eye

Beyond his mountaineering experience, George is the artist of our group. Through his lens, he captures our moments, transforming the mountain experience into vivid memories. His ability to capture the essence of the journey through photography offers our team a distinctive aesthetic, capturing the beauty of nature in his own unique way.

Fotis Tsakiroglou – Leader & Principal Software Engineer

Our journey together in the mountains began in 2015. He is one of the people who form the core of our team, a true friend, and an integral member of Mountain Echoes. His relationship with the mountains is deeply rooted in experience; it began in his childhood with weekly hikes on Mount Parnitha with his father, a love that has never stopped evolving.

Experience & Training

Fotis has solid technical training, having completed the EOOA Climbing and Mountaineering Schools. His experience was significantly enriched in North Wales, where he was certified in advanced mountaineering skills and mountain safety (Advanced Skills & Mountain Safety). His professional career as a Principal Software Engineer (IBM, Neuropublic) and his graduate studies in Artificial Intelligence attest to a person with strong analytical skills and absolute composure.

The Team’s Social Pulse

Beyond his degrees and certifications, Fotis is the one who brings the social energy to the group. His ease in communication and positive energy are the elements that “bring the team together” from the very first moments. With a kind word and the right motivation for everyone, he manages to create that atmosphere of camaraderie that defines us.

The Essential Role at the Back of the Team

On our outings, Fotis performs perhaps the most crucial role: he is the one who brings the group together. Positioned at the rear of the group, he ensures the team’s cohesion, making sure no one feels left out and providing the necessary emotional support. For us, this role is the most essential, as it guarantees that the entire group will remain united and return home filled with memories and a sense of fulfilment.