El Chalten Guided Ski Touring Week

Ski touring week in El Chalten with Merlin, IFMGA local guide. Enjoy great snow and incredible views of Fitz Roy, Cerro Torre and the Southern Ice Cap!

7 Days

Aug, Sep

Highlights

Discover the magic of El Chalten, Argentina, with thrilling backcountry ski adventures.
Ski alongside iconic peaks like Cerro Torre, Fitz Roy, and the Southern Ice Field.
Rest comfortably in El Chalten's best campsites.

Description

El Chalten, located in the Argentinean Patagonia, has amazing options for backcountry ski lovers. Not only the terrain is perfect but the views of Cerro Torre, Fitz Roy and the Southern Ice Field are breathtaking.

Some of my favourite places where to ski are the following:

Loma del Diablo
Cerro Vespigniani
Cerro Madsen

Since they are extremely remote, it will be rare to find other people around us. Of course there are more popular places that offer us unforgettable experiences on snow. That's why I would also like to recommend my ski touring programs in Bariloche (6 days) and around the Chilean volcanoes (8 days).

For this ski touring trip in El Chalten, having experience and a good fitness level is very important, since we will approach the snow carrying our own skis.

During the week we'll spend the night in the best campsites in El Chalten. However, we are flexible to adapt the itinerary according to the weather conditions and your wishes.

So, if you find this ski touring program interesting, please get in touch with me so we can plan the trip together! If you prefer to join me only for a ski touring day in El Chaltén, it's also possible, or join me on a 2-week combined El Chaltén and Bariloche ski touring program!

El Chalten has something for everyone. Contact me now!

Price includes

Accommodation included
Guiding fee
Transport during the trip
Transportation start and back
Porters

Price details

Price per person to join a group (Min group size: 4 people).
Price does not include personal insurance, personal equipment, international or internal flights, restaurant meals and drinks, porters, lift tickets, or tips.
It includes meals when using mountain huts or camping.
In the case the group is less than four people, we will give you the option to pay the additional cost for a small group or get a refund 30 days before departure:
Group of 3 guests: USD 1800
Group of 2 guests: USD 2400
Group of 1 guest: USD 4600

Itinerary

Day 1: El Chaltén

Reception at El Calafate Airport and transfer to El Chaltén, where we will meet. Check your equipment and the program in detail. Lodging at El Chaltén.

Day 2: Loma del Diablo

Transfer to the Mosquito River. Ski in Loma del Diablo (1800 m). Vertical drop: 1200 m. Lodging at El Chaltén.

Day 3: Cerro Vespigniani

Transfer to Lago del Desierto. Ski touring in Cerro Vespignani (2146 m). Vertical drop: 1500 m. Lodging at El Chaltén.

Day 4: Fitz Roy base camp

Approach to the Fitz Roy base camp. Optional ski in the afternoon at Glacier de los Tres. Camp at Poincenot.

Day 5: Cerro Madsen

Skiing day in the Cerro Madsen (1806 m). Vertical Gain: 1000 m. Camp at Poincenot.

Day 6: El Chaltén

Back to El Chaltén where you’ll spend the last night.

Day 7: Ending point

Transfer to El Calafate Airport. End of the services.

Details

More info

Necessary Equipment:

Backpacks 30 and 60 liters, sleeping bag and sleeping mattress*, headlamp, water bottle and small thermo flask, trekking shoes, gaiters, merino or synthetic base layers, polar 100 and wind stopper, down or synthetic hooded jacket, 2 pairs of gloves, warm hut and buff, extra socks, waterproof pants and Jacket (Gore-Tex), lens and goggles, sunscreen & lip protection, ski touring set (skis, skins, boots, and poles), safety set (shovel, beacon, probe*)

Note: The items marked * can be rented at El Chaltén.

CONFIRMED DATES 2017:

July 22th-28th July 29th-Aug 4th Aug 5th-11th Aug 14th-20th

Meeting point

El Chaltén.

FAQs

What are the highlights of skiing in El Chaltén?

El Chaltén offers perfect terrain for backcountry skiing with great views of Cerro Torre, Fitz Roy, and the Southern Ice Field.

What are some recommended skiing spots in El Chaltén?

Some of my personal favorites include Loma del Diablo, Cerro Vespigniani, and Cerro Madsen. These spots are extremely remote, making it rare to encounter other people.

What level of experience and fitness is required for the El Chaltén ski touring trip?

Participants should have skiing experience and a good fitness level, as we will be carrying our own skis to approach the snow.

Where will we stay during the ski touring trip in El Chaltén?

We will spend the nights at the best campsites in El Chaltén, with flexibility to adapt the itinerary according to weather conditions and your personal' preferences.

Can I join for just a day of ski touring in El Chaltén?

Yes, I also offer a ski touring day in El Chaltén if you prefer a shorter experience.

Is there an option for a longer combined ski touring program in El Chaltén?

There is also a 2-week combined El Chaltén and Bariloche ski touring program available.

What equipment will I need to bring?

The necessary equipment includes backpacks (30 and 60 liters), a sleeping bag and sleeping mattress, a headlamp, a water bottle and small thermos flask, trekking shoes, gaiters, merino or synthetic base layers, a Polar 100 and wind stopper, a down or synthetic hooded jacket, two pairs of gloves, a warm hat and buff, extra socks, waterproof pants and jacket (Gore-Tex), sunglasses and goggles, sunscreen and lip protection, a ski touring set (skis, skins, boots, and poles), and a safety set (shovel, beacon, probe.

What is included in the cost of the tour?

The price includes accommodation, guiding fees, transport during the trip, transportation at the start and back, and porters.

What is not included in the price?

The price does not include personal insurance, personal equipment, international or internal flights, restaurant meals and drinks, lift tickets, or tips.

What happens if the group size is less than four people?

If the group is less than four people, you will have the option to pay an additional cost for a smaller group or receive a refund 30 days before departure.

I'm looking for insurance to cover my ski touring trip in Patagonia. Do you have any recommendations?

Explore-Share partners with Global Rescue, which offers comprehensive coverage including cancellation, rescue, and medical insurance. This ensures that you are protected against unforeseen circumstances, giving you peace of mind during your backcountry skiing adventure around en Chalten. To learn more about Global Rescue and to purchase your insurance, please visit: https://partner.globalrescue.com/exploreshare/

Feel free to explore the link for detailed information about their coverage options and benefits.

About the guide

Merlín

4.8

(62)

Mountain Guide

Certified UIAGM-IFMGA Mountain Guide from Argentina.

I live in El Chaltén since 1998. I'm originally from Bariloche and I started with mountain activities when I was 15 years old. I've done climbing and ascents in many mountains of Patagonia, Perú, Bolivia, United States and Europe; such as Fitz Roy, Cerro Torre, Alpamayo, El Capitán, Mont Blanc and Aconcagua among others. I'm also a Ski Instructor and I am passionate for backcountry ski.

I speak fluent English, Italian and French and have been leading trips and expeditions for more than 20 years. I work together with a group of guides, so if I'm not available for the trip you request, one of my colleagues will guide you!

Languages

Italian | French | English

Certificates

AAGM | UIAGM

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