Aventuras Patagonicas on Skiing Patagonia - Northern Patagonia

Skiing Patagonia - Northern Patagonia

Skiing on the Icefield

This expedition takes us skiing in one of the least explored areas of the globe, the Northern Patagonia Icefield. It is the northern most of the two Patagonian Icefields.

Our trip begins with a lake crossing by boat, then pack horses take our gear and skis to the snowline of the Nef Glacier. From here, we climb up to the Icefield, surrounded by hundreds of Patagonian peaks. We plan to ski to the base of Cerro San Valentin, the highest mountain in Patagonia. (We can also arrange custom climbing expeditions up San Valentin.) We will ski by beautiful Cerro Hyades and make an ascent of Cerro Largo, an inviting mountain where we may carve some turns.

For this trip you do not have to be an extreme skier, but previous backcountry skiing experience is necessary. Endurance, excellent physical condition, and an adventurous spirit are the key to this trip, since Patagonian weather can often be a challenge.

Itinerary

Day 01
Group meets in Santiago. Equipment check and afternoon briefing at the hotel. At dinner we will try some of the fine Chilean cuisine and wines.
Day 02
Fly to Coyhaique. Spend the afternoon free exploring this picturesque Patagonian frontier town.
Day 03
Drive to Puerto Bertrand. Cross Bertrand and Plomo lakes by boat. Camp near the mouth of Rio Soler.
Day 04
Hike up Rio Soler valley to Nef Glacier. This is where we will establish our base camp. Horses will carry our gear and skis. Depending on weather conditions we may do this approach on horseback.
Day 05
Carry a load up to Camp 1, at about 4,500 ft on the edge of the Northern Patagonian Icefield.
Day 06
Leave base camp. Move to Camp 1.
Day 07
Ski north on the Icefield (Nef Glacier) carrying a load to Camp 2. Terrain once we are on the Icefield will be mostly level glacier travel.
Day 08
Move to Camp 2.
Day 09
Rest day. In the afternoon we can practice telemark turns on Cerro Escuela, a gentle slope near Camp 2.
Day 10
Ski north towards Cerro San Valentin (12,900'). Weather permitting, we will have a formidable view of this mountain, the highest mountain in Patagonia. Return to Camp 2.
Day 11
Ski tour to base of Cerro Hyades, a rugged peak on the edge of the Soler Icefall, weather permitting. Return to Camp 2.
Day 12 - 13
Climb Cerro Largo with skis, weather permitting. Return to Camp 1.
Day 14 - 15
Ski to edge of Icefield and hike down to Base Camp. (Extra weather day if needed).
Day 16
Return on horseback to Lago Plomo.
Day 17
Cross Bertrand and Plomo Lakes. Return to Coyhaique.
Next Day
Fly back to Santiago. Fly home or continue traveling in South America.

Note: This itinerary is intended to be a guideline only. Weather days, rest days and some flexibility on the itinerary are always a possibility while on a climbing expedition.