General Information
Intermediate - Advanced
7 Days / 5 Nights
Ski Touring
Program description
Guided 7-day backcountry skiing traverse in the area of the prestigious Frey and Jakob refuges, with an introductory skiing day around San Carlos de Bariloche.
During this incredible alpine program, we will be able to ski some of the best lines and valleys of the Patagonian Andes, staying in comfortable mountain refuges and enjoying the food and lodging services they offer. This allows us to optimize the weight of our backpacks and focus only and exclusively on enjoying ski touring in powder snow.
Program benefits
Those who participate in this ski touring traverse will be able to:
- Experience mountaineering skiing with the maximum safety provided by being led by certified guides with vast experience in the region.
- Discover and glide through secret and little-traveled corners of the Bariloche range.
- Acquire technical tools and essential knowledge to plan future trips autonomously.
Day-by-Day Itinerary
A comprehensive journey through Bariloche's best ridges and valleys.
Day 1 – Introduction and Adaptation
Day-long backcountry skiing outing in the surroundings and slopes of Bariloche. The main objective is to check gear in detail, review basic safety protocols, and adapt to local snow and terrain.
Day 2 – Cerro Catedral to Jakob Refuge
We start from Cerro Catedral, using the lifts to gain altitude. From there, we ski tour toward the Jakob Refuge via the ridges, descending into the beautiful valley where the refuge sits next to Laguna Témpanos.
Day 3 – Skiing around Jakob Refuge
Classic lines of the Valle del Fresco sector. During the day we will make 2 to 3 ascents with smooth descents. We return to Jakob in the afternoon for a warm and well-deserved snack.
Day 4 – Long Lines in the Jakob Valley
We target more ambitious and technical lines in the upper sections of the Jakob cirque, where the altitude guarantees slopes with excellent snow quality.
Possible objectives:
- Challenging couloirs of Cerro Brecha Negra
- Descents in Valle del Fresco 1 and 2
- Lines toward the remote Rucaco Valley
From the upper ridges, we will get memorable panoramic views of the Catedral Range, the massive Mount Tronador, and a large part of the majestic Patagonian Andes.
Day 5 – Jakob Refuge → Frey Refuge Traverse
We complete one of Bariloche's most classic, technical, and impressive backcountry ski traverses.
We start early from the Jakob Refuge, ascending to the Brecha Negra Pass, which connects this valley with the basins leading to the Frey Refuge. We wrap up with a dream descent to Laguna Tonček, home to the cozy Frey Refuge.
Day 6 – Skiing around the Aguja Principal
Early ascent toward the slopes of the impressive Aguja Principal of Frey.
We will ski the area's classic and most sought-after lines, including steep couloirs and open powder slopes. Specific routes are adapted in real-time according to weather conditions and group level.
Day 7 – Last Ski and Return via Van Titter Valley
We make a final sunrise ascent and descent around the Frey Refuge, taking advantage of the fresh morning snow.
We start our return skiing down the Van Titter Valley to connect with the lifts for a safe descent to the base of Cerro Catedral.
Program Wrap-up: 4:00 PM - Arrival at the Catedral base and end of an unforgettable traverse.
Included
- Certified UIAGM / IFMGA Mountain Guides.
- Ground transportation to the base of the mountains.
- Half-board lodging at Jakob and Frey refuges.
- Emergency satellite communication during the traverse.
- Pre- and post-trip support via video call.
- Specialized prior advice on gear selection.
- Detailed information briefing before departure.
- Practical avalanche safety briefing (transceiver, shovel, and probe use).
Not Included
- Flights or travel expenses to Bariloche.
- Lodging in the city of Bariloche.
- Personal ski touring and avalanche safety gear.
- Daily field lunches and snacks.
- Additional drinks (alcoholic and sodas) at the refuges.
- Cerro Catedral lift passes.
Program Format
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Duration 7 Days / 5 Nights + 1 weather backup day
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Safety ratio 1 Guide per 4 clients
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Season & Frequency July to September
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Technical Staff Certified UIAGM Guides +10 years experience
