PATAGONIA BIG EXPLORATORY
BACKCOUNTRY SKIING & SNOWBOARDING
Join us this coming July-September for an exploratory expedition into the heart of Patagonia to ski and splitboard five different areas in Chile and Argentina, including El Chaltén.
The trip starts in San Carlos de Bariloche. On Day 1, after going through gear checks, we will meet for a team briefing followed by a welcome dinner. The next morning the jeep takes us to the trailhead and we will hike/skin up to the iconic Refugio Frey (Frey Hut). Days 3-5 we will be skiing several technical couloirs, reviewing avalanche rescue skills, and practicing rope skills and glacier travel.
Day 6, we will drive on the famous Ruta 40 to El Chaltén to ski the complex glaciated terrain around Fitz Roy and Cerro Torre, in one of the most awe-inspiring ranges on the planet (Days 8-10).
Day 11 — crossing into Chile, we will push deeper into the remote Cerro Castillo region, where we will ski the Portuzuelo Ibáñez pass before enjoying a well-earned asado and rest on Day 13. From there, a technical approach to Campamento Nuevo Zelandés to access the terrain on the west face of Cerro Castillo (Days 15-19).
Another rest period on Days 20-21 sets the stage for the final leg of the expedition — Monte San Lorenzo (3,706m). We have planned to spend a week exploring the massif, but will adjust to the group’s timeline. Reach out to us to discuss the options.
ITINERARY
Day 1 – arrive Bariloche
2 – hike Frey Hut
3-5 – skiing Frey Hut
6-7 – drive El Chalten
8-9 – ski El Chalten area
10 – ski El Chalten, drive Calafate
11 – cross border to Chile and drive into Cerro Castillo area
12-13 – ski Portuzuelo Ibanez mountain pass
14 – rest day, asado in Cerro Castillo
15 – hike to Campamento Nuevo Zelandes
16-19 – ski the area of Campamento Nuevo Zelandes
20 – rest and recovery
21 – drive to Puerto Guadal, rest
22 – drive to Monte San Lorenzo
23-30 – ski Monte San Lorenzo (3,706m)
31 – drive back to Cerro Castillo and spend the night
32 – fly Balmaceda to Buenos Aires or Santiago, fly home
* Number of days is flexible. Reach out to us to discuss your schedule (!)
Dates
July-August 2025 (32 days) – inquire
Region
Patagonia
Difficulty
Moderate
Price
Inquire
Trip Deposit:
US$1,000
Leader
To be announced
Group Size
Minimum 4 riders/skiers
Additional Trip Information
Gallery
Frequently Asked Questions
View some of our frequently asked questions
July-August is winter in Patagonia. We choose these months for powder snow conditions.
We generally tour 800-1500 meters (2600-5000 feet) a day, skiing one to two big lines a day. Ask us about how to prepare for this.
Pumas live throughout Patagonia.
PATAGONIA
Patagonia is divided between Argentina and Chile, each offering unique geographical features. In Argentina, the region includes the provinces of Chubut, Neuquén, Río Negro, Santa Cruz, and Tierra del Fuego. Chilean Patagonia stretches over 1,000 miles north to south, encompassing regions such as Araucanía, Los Rios, Los Lagos, Aisén, and Magallanes.
The region’s climate varies from arid to semi-arid and temperate to cool temperate, with the Andes playing a crucial role in determining these patterns. The mountains create a barrier for humid air masses from the Pacific Ocean, resulting in abundant precipitation on the Chilean side and a rain shadow effect leading to arid conditions on the Argentina side.
The region boasts multiple national parks, such as Torres del Paine in Chile and Los Glaciares in Argentina.
Efforts to conserve Patagonia’s unique landscapes and biodiversity continue, with various initiatives aimed at balancing development, environmental preservation and rewilding to ensure the region remains a natural treasure for future generations. Tompkins Conservation website is a great resource to start study about the topic.
