Trad climbing in Patagonia: 4-day Introductory course in Bariloche

Craig, an IFMGA-certified mountain guide, offers this complete 4-day introductory trad climbing course around the Frey Hut in Bariloche, so you can acquire all the basic skills needed to become an independent climber!

Private

4 Days

Jan - Mar, Dec

High

Intermediate

Highlights

Acquire the basic skills necessary to perform trad climbing independently
Amazing views of the massif’s characteristic orange granite spires
Learn the tricks of the trade from an experienced guide
Rappel down the granite spires

Description

Cerro Catedral (Cathedral Mountain) is said by many to be one of the top areas for rock climbing in all of South America. Its characteristic orange granite spires make for a spectacular and unique view and offer climbing opportunities of innumerable shapes and forms. The name “Cerro Catedral” actually comes from this very amphitheatre of spires, towering proudly above the scenery.

This 4-day introductory course is aimed at those who already possess beginner skills in lead climbing (5.8 level, 5th French grade) and who want to acquire the complete skill set necessary to become an independent trad climber.

While taking in the unique splendour of Cerro Catedral with its endless granite spires and backdrop of snow-covered volcanoes and alpine lakes, you will learn many aspects of the trad climbing style. This includes movement skills, how to place solid gear for protection and building bomb-proof anchors, so you can feel comfortable to start doing your very own, independent climbs.

In this tour, we will begin with a 3-4 hour hike from the Catedral Ski Resort up to the cozy Frey Hut (1700m/5577ft), with its friendly locals and warm ambiance. From the hut, we have access to a great number of varied and interesting cracks, where we can practice a multitude of skills and enjoy climbing the diverse scenery.

To summit the legendary spires, we will climb several multipitch routes and make good use of all the learning opportunities, both when going up and returning down. On the way down, we’ll enjoy and master how to rappel!

After a fulfilling day of rock climbing on the spires, the Frey Hut offers great pizza and wine among friendly locals and fellow climbers, to fulfil us in other ways and prepare us for the adventures awaiting the following day.

Book this trip now for the opportunity to learn all you need to know to become an independent trad climber while summiting the beautiful, honey-coloured granite spires of Cerro Catedral.

Also interested in summitting the highest mountain in Bariloche? Check out my Mount Tronador 3-day guided climbing tour as well!

Price includes

Guiding fee

Price details

Price includes ropes, all protective gear and harness (if necessary), chalk bag and helmet. Bring your own shoes.
Accommodation and meals in the Frey Hut are not included. Please note that guests are expected to cover the guide's expenses.

About the guide

Craig

4.8

(11)

Mountain Guide

UIAGM-IFMGA guide in Argentina

I grew up in Buenos Aires to Scottish parents. I was lucky to travel and camp all around this beautiful country hence developing a great passion for the outdoors.

So once I finished my degree in Physical Educacion and also had a Trekking Guide certification (1997), and after spending my summers as a climbing bum up at Frey, I decided Bariloche was the place I wanted to live in.

My passion has allowed me to pursue my dreams of climbing some big walls in Yosemite, the Bugaboos, some faces in the Alps and Dolomites and other closer to here in Brasil, Peru and Bolivia.

I spent a few season working down in Southern Patagonia, El Chalten at the Base of Fitz Roy and Cerro Torre. Here I learned my skills in dealing with all the minor details of managing groups.

Later when Argentina proudly became part of the IFMGA/UAIGM, I took part in the first course/promotion and got certified as a Technical guide (2005).

I’ve been leading trips with NOLS and Outward Bound for the last decade almost and got to learn the soft skills for personal development which has made my expertise as a Guide a lot richer.

Now settled for sometime in Bariloche with a family (two beautiful daughters Sarah and Camila), I’ve decided to work more and more for myself and directly with potential clients and future friends.

Focusing mainly in tailor made programs specially developed for each individual interest. Backcountry skiing, Mountaineering, Rock cimbing, etc!!!

Looking forward to sharing some great times together!!!

Languages

English

Certificates

AAGM | UIAGM | IFMGA

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What people are saying about Explore-Share

Man

Climbing with guide Guillaume was absolutely a highlight of my 2-week Europe vacation. Originally, we were planning on climbing in the Calanques, but the park was closed due to wind and fire danger. Guillaume chose another amazing location (Pic de Bretagne) based on my climbing abilities and preferences and kindly offered train station pick-up and hotel drop off, which I appreciated very much. The multi-pitch route we did was not only fun but also the right amount of challenge, which I thoroughly enjoyed. The communication from the team (Gauthier) was prompt and clear—highly recommend!

Maxine

Luis Silva was a great climbing guide and belayer! He taught me how to do moves that were difficult and encouraged me to try routes that were challenging for me! Because of his encouragement, I managed to complete these routes! I really enjoyed the climbs and completed 8 routes in the Sesimbra/Azoia area. The weather was perfect, no direct sun and cool enough to enjoy the climbs. Explore-Share made booking an outdoor climbing experience in Lisbon extremely easy. Luis, our guide, was fantastic, and the platform’s organization was flawless.

Valeriya

You’re simply the best!!! :))) Explore-Share made everything easy and stress-free. Will definitely use again.

Joshua

We had Léo as a guide for our day climb in Fonty. We were blessed with a knowledgeable, warm, and instructive guide. Communication with Léo and Ivan was smooth and swift. Explore-Share was excellent in arranging everything for our day climb. The communication was quick, and the platform was easy to use, making our adventure stress-free.

Cami

Patrick was a great guide. He took us on an intermediate Via Ferrata at Passo Sella. Renato was quick to respond with any outreach on the Explore-Share platform. The booking process was straightforward, and once Patrick was confirmed, all went well. It was a wonderful experience, and I’d highly recommend the platform.

4.8