Patagonia Ice-cap Dossier
For dates and prices please return to the Ice-cap front page
This expedition is not currently scheduled though we have run similar trips in 2000, 2003, 2007 and 2011. We will probably re-schedule in a few years time, in the meantime we can organise and run this trip for small private groups.
See our Latest Photos page for pictures from out November 2011 expedition.
SummaryAn exciting and serious expedition for experienced ski-tourers who want to see some really interesting and wild terrain at the other end of the world. Unbelievable scenery, wicked "Scottish style" storms and great Argentine steaks and wine. |
Outline Itinerary |
|
| Day 1-2 | Flight via Buenos Aires to El Calafate |
| Day 3 | Travel to Los Glaciares national park |
| Day 4-6 | Easy walks in the national park |
| Day 7-9 | Establish ourselves on ice-cap |
| Day 10 | Ascent of Gorra Blanca |
| Day 11-15 | Ski to and climb Moreno |
| Day 16-18 | Ski and walk off the ice cap |
| Day 19-20 | Return journey home via El Calafate |
Skinning up towards the summit of Gorra Blanca
INTRODUCTION TO THIS EXPEDITION
This exploratory ski-touring expedition is an exciting itinerary that includes a crossing to the remote central part of the Southern Patagonian ice cap and ascents of a couple of easy peaks there. This is a very different and considerably more challenging itinerary than the very short 'Ice cap trail' packaged and offered by some other companies. In the middle of a 16,500 square kilometre ice cap at the other end of the world we will certainly be escaping from the crowds.
After flying to El Calafate via Buenos Aires, and travelling on to the Los Glaciares national park we will spend the first couple of days hiking through forests to the bases of the famous mountains Cerro Torre and Fitzroy, enjoying the sunshine and soaking up some of the spectacular scenery. The mountain scenery in this part of the world is absolutely incredible.
We then begin the expedition in earnest crossing the Paso Marconi onto the main ice cap and skiing to the remote peak of Cerro Moreno 3505m which we will attempt to climb. The total distance travelled on skis on the ice-cap will be approximately 90km. Telemark kit is recommended but alpine ski touring gear is also an option. After about eleven days on the ice cap we will retrace our steps to Calafate for some well earned steaks and wine!
Expedition members should have previous expedition and wilderness camping experience, ideally in winter or severe conditions. Good fitness and reasonable skiing ability is also essential, but you definitely don't need to be a superb off-piste skier. We use sledges to tow our kit on the ice-cap.
Climbing Volcan Lautaro on the ice-cap, January 2000
LOS GLACIARES NATIONAL PARK
The Los Glaciares national park in Argentina is one of the worlds most scenically impressive national parks. There are spectacular mountains rising above the immense Lago Viedma, including FitzRoy 3441m and Cerro Torre 3128m. The latter is such a steep and difficult granite needle that its summit was not climbed until 1974. In the beech forests and grasslands of the lower parts of the park there is plenty of wildlife. We may see rheas, guanacos, maras, armadillos and numerous bird species as we hike to the mountain viewpoints and walk to and from the ice-cap
Our "warm-up" programme in the Los Glaciares National Park will include several short walks, including the half day walk to Laguna Torre at the foot of Cerro Torre and a full day walk to one of the viewpoints on the east side of Fitzroy such as the Laguna de los Tres.
THE SOUTH PATAGONIAN ICE-CAP
Glaciers are also a prominent feature of the Los Glaciares national park and the park extends onto the eastern side of the Hielo Patagonico Sur (South Patagonian Ice-cap). This is the larger of the two Patagonian ice-caps and the third largest ice-sheet in the world after the Greenland and Antarctic ice-sheets. The ice-sheet is 300km from north to south and averages 50km wide. The total area is approximately the size of Wales. A number of crossings of the ice-cap have been made from east to west and north to south. Shipton was a great pioneer of these explorations in the 1960's and his books make good reading if you're interested in this itinerary.
Camp beneath Cerro Moreno, 2000 Andes expedition
CERRO MORENO AND GORRA BLANCA
The two peaks we plan to attempt are not often climbed, mainly due to their isolation. Cerro Moreno in particular is a remote and unusual peak to climb. All parties have approached Moreno on skis during the summer months. Both peaks are relatively straightforward ascents (Alpine F or PD).
Cerro Moreno 3505m lies 20km west of Cerro Torre was first climbed in 1958. It did not receive a second ascent until 1980. It is a mountain that is still climbed probably only once per year. We will use sledges to pull loads to a high camp at about 2000m on the NW slopes of the peak.
The shapely Gorra Blanca 2860m lies above Paso Marconi and some 20km N of Fitzroy and receives several ascents each year as it is a bit more accessible. There are spectacular views of Fitzroy and Cerro Torre from the summit and the descent from near the summit on skis was one of the highlights of our first ice-cap trip.
BUENOS AIRES
We may have a short time to spend sightseeing in Buenos Aires, the capital of Argentina, at the start and/or the end of the expedition (depending on flight schedules). Although one of the largest cities in South America, and indeed the world, central Buenos Aires is a pleasant place to stroll around in with many wide avenues, pavement cafes and quiet parks. There are the usual assortment of churches, palaces and museums to be found in any capital city. There are some exceptionally good steak restaurants. It has a warm and pleasant spring climate in October and November. We can arrange short extensions for anyone who wants to spend a few nights in Buenos Aires on the way home.
The obelisk, Buenos Aires.
EL CALAFATE
The small town of El Calafate near the Los Glaciares National Park is a tourist centre centre in southern Patagonia. set on the shores of beautiful Lago Argentino. We will fly here from Buenos Aires. We'll have some time to rest here after our flights and also after trip on to the icecap, when we can enjoy the excellent local steaks and wine. There are also several optional sightseeing trips that can be made for those who wish to remain active, including boat trips on Lago Argentino and the famous Perito Moreno glacier.
CLIMATE
If you want a holiday with endless hot sunny days we're afraid southern Patagonia is not the best place to go! However it does get its fair share of good weather between periods of rain or snow and strong winds. Rainfall and temperatures in the valleys around Chalten are basically similar to those at home during summer. Out on the ice-cap at 1000-1500m altitude it can be hot during the day in the sun, or it can be cold, cloudy and windy. On the ice it is usually cool or even frosty at night. We are likely to get some strong winds and fresh snow from time to time and we will probably have at least one day stormbound.
HARDSHIPS
On this type of expedition there are inevitably a few hardships. You must be able to carry your own rucksack and tow a sledge on the ice-cap with up to 30kg of equipment. In Patagonia, even in the summer, it can be cold and we will definitely have a few stormy days out on the ice-cap. Expedition members should be prepared to work as a team when it comes to pitching tents, help with cooking and carrying communal equipment.
FITNESS AND EXPERIENCE REQUIRED
Expedition members should be fit and competent nordic or alpine skiers preferably with previous touring experience. The skiing on this expedition is not particularly steep or sustained but you should be able to descend red runs at a reasonable speed and some off-piste experience will certainly help. Winter skills including use of an ice axe and crampons may be needed for the ascents but as we will be on fairly 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.
Previous experience of winter, wilderness or glacier camping is a major advantage in coping with the sometimes tough living conditions out on the ice-cap, but is not essential. This is a tough expedition for those with good mental and physical stamina. Good fitness is required to make the most of this expedition and some recent experience of backpacking (carrying tent and sleeping bag) is essential as we will all have to pull sledges and carry small rucksacks while out on the ice-cap.
Fitzroy from above El Chalten
FLIGHT
Flights from the UK to El Calafate via Buenos Aires, cost from about £1000-£1200. We normally 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 your own flights 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 six months 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 Buenos Aires, Rio Gallegos and/or Calafate and Chalten all accommodation will be in clean and secure hotels with hot showers. We normally use small family run hotels with a friendly atmosphere. When out on the ice-cap trip we use modern lightweight tents (supplied by us) - you'll need a warm sleeping bag and karrimat and/or thermarest.
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 an element of risk 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 risks. It is important that you understand the risks involved 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, fire safety standards and general safety standards are not as high as in Europe.
Extreme remoteness : You will be many days from medical help for long periods of time. Weather might make medical evacuation impossible.
Minor slips and falls : due to steep, uneven and unstable ground.
Weather : The ice-cap is frequently affected by very stormy weather making navigation difficult or impossible and threatening camps. Weather forecasts are not reliable.
Mountain Hazards : There is a significant risk of avalanche and crevasse falls. In certain places you may be subjected to a slight risk of rockfall.
Pulling sledges on the ice cap, 2003 Andes expedition.
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.
EXPEDITION LEADER
EXPEDITION SIZE
The minimum number of customers we need to run this expedition is three. The maximum size will be six customers plus leader. In some circumstances we may be able to run the expedition with just two members and a local leader.
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