Andes Website : Climbing, Skiing, Trekking and Guidebooks in South America

View Dossier (old copy for reference only)
 Price £ 2000 or US$ 4000 or € 3000
Flights from UK from £900
Dates October to March
Duration 20 days 
Grade 2C
 

A serious Ski-Touring Expedition in Patagonia

This trip is not currently scheduled, however we can organise and run private trips for small groups, following this itinerary or something similar. It last ran in November 2007.


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, 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.

Stormy conditions on the South Patagonian Ice Cap

Stormy conditions on the South Patagonian Ice Cap

Please read the comments about our style of trip before booking one of our treks or expeditions.

View full expedition Dossier  (old copy for reference only)

 

Included in our Price

Not Included in our Price

All land transport in Argentina as per itinerary.
All accommodation in Argentina as per itinerary.
Food while in the mountains.
Organisation and planning of the expedition.
Tents, stoves, sledges, ropes and other communal equipment.
Climbing Permits & National Park fees.
Services of a western (usually UK) expedition leader.
Flights to Calafate via Buenos Aires.
Airport tax.
Insurance.
Personal equipment (e.g. clothing, sleeping bag, skis, harness,  ice-axe).
Meals and snacks in towns and cities.
Laundry, souvenirs, tips and drinks.

 


General Information about our holidays

 Who runs 'Andes' and where we are based

What is and isn't included in the price of your holiday

General information about equipment, accommodation, flights, meals etc.

Financial protection and security information.


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