Argentine Ski Mountaineer 2012
For dates and prices please return to the Argentine Ski Mountaineer 'front page'
SummaryA great itinerary for those who want to ski-tour on great snow in a beautiful part of the Andes. Generally benign and enjoyable touring, with not too much mountaineering. We'll visit remote mountains and the beautiful steppe scenery of western Argentina. |
Outline Itinerary |
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| Day 1-2 | Flight to Mendoza |
| Day 3-5 | Resort day at Vallecitos and nearby ski ascents. |
| Day 6 | Rest and drive south |
| Day 7-10 | Ski tours and ascents near Las Leñas & resort day |
| Day 11 | Drive further south |
| Day 12 | Volcan Tromen ascent |
| Day 13-17 | Ski tours and resort day at Bariloche |
| Day 18-19 | Flight home from Bariloche |
Big smiles after the best run of the trip... "Andes" 2009 Argentina Ski Mountaineer. After a 900m descent on perfect steep spring snow it was just a 10 minute walk back to our mountain hut.
INTRODUCTION TO THIS EXPEDITION
This new ski-mountaineering expedition is based around the ski itineraries which we ran to Argentina in 2006 and 2009. We'll travel to one of the countries with the best ski-touring in the Andes and pick the best areas. The expedition will take the form of a road trip from Mendoza to Bariloche, stopping in several different areas to make ski ascents and do a few resort days as well. This trip is particularly suitable for those skiers who are new to ski touring, with little or no previous ski touring or mountaineering experience.
Our first mountain destination will be the small ski resort of Vallecitos in the Cordon del Plata where we will ski several peaks and have a warm up day on the pistes (if open). After a night back in Mendoza we will drive south to the major resort of Las Leñas, where again we will have several days skiing in the nearby mountains. In the event of poor weather we may have another resort day here as well and customers are always welcome to choose a resort day option. Next on the agenda is a ski ascent of the 3978m high active volcano Volcan Tromen. Finally we travel further south to the city of Bariloche where we will ski a couple more peaks and have at least one day at the nearby resort of Cerro Catedral.
This itinerary will be deliberately kept flexible to make the best use of weather and snow conditions. The balance of time we spend in the different mountain venues and the choice of tour each day will depend on current snow and weather conditions, and particularly the state of the access roads.
A similar trip but generally with longer and harder days out skiing is our Chile Ski Mountaineer, which we have successfully run for many years.
Expedition members should be strong parallel or telemark skiers (skiing red runs very confidently). Previous touring experience is not necessary as this is a very straightforward ski-mountaineering itinerary. We will take our own touring skis and other equipment out to Argentina.
MENDOZA
We will fly out to and have some time in the city of Mendoza during the course of the expedition. Mendoza is a major provincial city in the west of Argentina with over a million inhabitants. It is situated in a very dry region in the rain shadow of the Andes and is the centre of Argentina's wine industry. It is one of Argentina's most beautiful and prosperous cities, with many tree lined avenues, beautiful tiled plazas and a good choice of steak restaurants and pavement cafes. We know the city very well from previous ski trips and from the many Aconcagua expeditions we have run that are based here. Time spent in Mendoza is a highlight for nearly all of our customers.
Depending on flight schedules we may have part of a day in either Santiago, the Chilean capital or Buenos Aires, the Argentine capital on our way to or from the Andes. We can also arrange a one or two night extension in either city for any clients who want to be sure to have time in these pleasant cities.
The main square in Mendoza.
VALLECITOS & THE CORDON DEL PLATA
The nearest ski resort to Mendoza is a wee place called Vallecitos that we are very familiar with from our summer Aconcagua trips. We'll travel here first for a couple of introductory days, probably getting some time in on the piste as well. We've also skiied this area once before on our 2009 expedition, though it was very late in the season.
Skiing at Vallecitos - this picture was taken very late season, in early October - in August there should be much more snow.!
LAS LEÑAS & LOS MOLLES
After a night back in Mendoza we'll drive south to Las Leñas, one of Argentina's best known resorts and an area with lots of potential for back country and ski mountaineering days. The resort is about 5 hours drive south of Mendoza, across some pretty remote stretches of desert. While here we'll stay in the nearby village of Los Molles, in chalet style accommodation. For more information on Las Leñas resort click here.
The 3029m high peak of La Hoyada seen from near our cabin at Las Leñas, Malargue, Argentina. We skied this peak the next day.
VOLCAN TROMEN
Volcan Tromen lies about 4 or 5 hours drive further south of Las Leñas ski area. This inactive volcano lies entirely in the province of Neuquen, Argentina and is just north of the town of Chos Malal. We'll approach Tromen from the north and ski by the eastern slopes, choosing the best line according to snow conditions, but probably departing from the road end at Laguna Tromen at just over 2000m. This ascent will almost certainly be our longest summit day.
An early summer (November) view of the 3978m high Volcan Tromen from the west.
BARILOCHE & CERRO CATEDRAL
The pleasant small city of Bariloche lies on the shores of Lago Nahuel Huapi in northern Patagonia. Located nearby is one of South Americas largest ski resorts - Cerro Catedral and also some good ski mountaineering terrain. This area is quite different to the drier desert terrain further north, with most ski ascents starting in thick beech forests. Peaks we'll ski here are a bit lower, reaching no more than about 2300m. We'll fly home form Bariloche via Buenos Aires.
Steep off piste above Lago Nahuel Huapi near Bariloche.
For more information on Catedral resort, plus a piste plan, click here.
HARDSHIPS
On this expedition we aim to keep hardships to a minimum, with the majority of ascents just for a single day with hotel or chalet accommodation at night. However we will camp (near the road) for several nights near the head of the Sosneado valley as there is little accommodation here. It is early spring in the Andes so days are short and bad weather is a possibility.
FITNESS AND EXPERIENCE NECESSARY
Expedition members should be fit and competent nordic or alpine skiers with previous touring experience. The minimum skiing ability necessary is being able to descend black runs in control at a reasonable speed. A good standard of ski touring fitness is essential for this expedition.
Winter skills including use of an ice axe and crampons may be needed for the ascents but as we will be on easy snow slopes any customers without such skills can be instructed during the expedition. It is not essential to have these skills before joining the expedition.
CLIMATE
Argentina generally has very stable winter weather more like the continental USA than European Alps. However as this is just the tail end of winter there is obviously a chance of some bad weather and snowstorms while we're there.
Moonset over Volcan Tinguiririca, as seen on the 2009 Andes "Argentine Ski Mountaineer" trip.
FLIGHTS
Flights from London to Mendoza and Bariloche, via Buenos Aires, cost from about £900-£1100. We can arrange these for you through our travel agents, Journey Latin America (ATOL 2828) at very competitive prices. We make no charge for this service and many customers find it convenient as we then all fly out on the same plane. If you prefer you can arrange flights yourself to fit in with the expedition itinerary. Please note that if booking flights yourself it is better to pay only a deposit in the short term in case we do not have sufficient fully paid customers to run the expedition.
VISAS
Visas are not necessary for British citizens, but you should have a full passport valid for at least a year from the date of travel. If you will not be using a British passport please make this clear at the time of booking.
INSURANCE
All clients must be insured for medical costs and repatriation in an emergency. We recommend having insurance for baggage, personal liability and cancellation as well. If you would like advice on insurance please ask. Please bring an extra copy of your insurance certificate on the expedition for the leader.
ACCOMMODATION
While we are staying in Mendoza, Bariloche and the Las Leñas/Los Molles area all accommodation will be in clean and secure hotels or chalets (cabañas) with hot showers. We normally use small family run hotels with a friendly atmosphere.
EXPEDITION SIZE
The minimum number of customers we need to run this holiday is three. The maximum size will be six customers plus leaders.
Skiing at Cerro Catedral resort near Bariloche.
HEALTH, HYGIENE AND SECURITY
Argentina is one of the most well developed countries in South America and the standard of hygiene is generally as good as at home. You would be unlucky to get an upset stomach or diarrhoea. Vaccinations for tetanus, typhoid and polio are recommended. The country is very safe and relaxing to travel in; theft and muggings are as unlikely as they are in most British cities. Everyone who visits Argentina is surprised by how much like a part of Europe the country is.
SAFETY AND RISK
This is an adventure holiday and all clients will be exposed to hazards not found in everyday life by taking part in this itinerary. While we take all reasonable precautions to reduce risk it is neither possible nor desirable to completely eliminate these additional hazards. Some of these hazards carry the risk of serious injury or death. It is important that you understand the risks you may be exposed to before signing our booking form. We have identified the following areas as the principal additional risks of this itinerary. This is not a fully inclusive list - please ask if you would like to see a more detailed risk assessment of this itinerary before booking.
Driving, hotels and general safety : In Argentina driving, hotel fire safety standards and general safety standards are not as high as in Europe.
Mountain Hazards : There is a considerable risk of injury while skiing and using lift machinery. Pistes are not as well marked as in the US or Europe. Off-piste there may be considerable danger of avalanches, as well as other mountain dangers arising from bad weather and minor slips and falls on steep terrain.
Weather : These mountains are affected by bad weather at times.
EXPEDITION ORGANISATION
Our expeditions are designed to be small and flexible. The expedition will be co-ordinated, organised and lead by us, but we will consult and involve the expedition members when planning the details of the trip.
Please note however that the leaders decision is final where the safety of the group or any member is in jeopardy; for example where retreat or diversion is necessary due to illness or bad weather.
Las Leñas resort, September 11th 2001.!
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