Backcountry Skiing in the Argentine Andes

I used Explore-Share to connect with Craig, local IFMGA Mountain Guide from Bariloche, who took our group of 3 for an amazing day of Ski Touring around his home mountains. I met him the day before to check my equipment and go over what we’d be doing the following day. This was my first time going uphill with skis and Craig was super attentive teaching me all the basic techniques and safety procedures during the first part of the program. I felt safe and in control at all time, and the pace he chose was just right for me. We got to do a whopping 4 climbs and descents that day (with over 1000m of total vertical gain), exploring different sides of the mountain, and I have to say the skiing was just out of this world! We had the whole area to ourselves. I will definitely be hiring Craig again in the future for a climbing, mountaineering or skiing adventure in Patagonia and I would highly recommend him to anybody visiting this area. Thanks Craig!!

Could not recommend both Merlin and his touring itineraries more. He went above and beyond from guiding us to lines I will never forget to showing us how an asado is done to renting me his *personal* skis for 2 weeks to make sure I had the best equipment for the adventure. He’s not like other guides I’ve had before, pushing us to get the most rewarding experience possible. Already looking forward to the next adventure.

Merlin is a very experienced mountaineering guide. It was a great trip. We can recommend him very highly.

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It was an excellent day of backcountry skiing that I spent with Craig. We took his pick-up and drove 30 minutes from Cerro Catedral in a park where there was no one. We made a nice climb through some forests and then we continued climbing with spectacular Patagonian views. It had been a long time since I had been ski touring so he reminded me of certain techniques and helped me improve my skills. When we got down we had a nice well-deserved picnic in the forest. I really recommend Craig to everyone who wants to spend a memorable mountain day!

Genial !! Merlin es un súper profesional, lo pasamos muy bien esquiando . Pudimos disfrutar hasta del Fitzroy bajo el Sol.

The trip was really successful. I got an excellent guide Pablo, I am sorry that didn't know his surname. Pablo is very professional and responsible guide. He knows an area perfectly, very attentive and caring in relation to client. Thanks to him I did evan more than really could. I learnt with him a new ski techniques and my ski level really rose. Patagonian mountains is a place of strongest beauty and I think that to spend there even a few days is a rare success. I surely recommend Andescross company and guide Pablo for turing skiing in Patagonia.

Sebastian was friendly, professional, knowledgeable, and thoughtful in his safety decisions. He is also just a great guy to ski with - we had a blast with him!

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This was my first experience of a backcountry and Patagonian skiing and it could not have been a more rewarding experience. Unbelievable scenery, fantastic skiing and great fun. Jorge is the consummate host, able to combine a group of mixed ability fitness and experience without ever compromising on the level of challenge: guide, teacher, asador, guitar master and now friend, I cannot recommend Andescross highly enough

Un placer, los días pasados con Merlin han sido fantásticos. Recomiendo el esquí en El Valle de los tres glaciares. A la sombra del Fitz Roy y con sol.

I can't say enough good things about AndesCross and my recent 7 day backcountry hut tour. Trip of a life time in all aspects. We skied incredible terrain, experienced the local culture and had an amazing time as a group. Everyone had the opportunity to achieve bigger ski objectives while staying safe. Jorge made sure everyone in our group had a great experience, both while skiing and while in Bariloche. None of the pictures do justice. Everything was perfect. I've done a number of similar trips in the US and Canada and would rank this at the very top of my list.

Jorge was a phenomenal mountain guide. He put us in some great snow and kept everyone safe. He is personally a great guy and went out of his way to make sure everyone had a great time. I'm always happy to serve as a reference for anyone considering a trip with Andescross. Spent two days in Baguales. Snow as incredible and the food was tier I. A truly unique, top tier experience. Hundreds of acres of private ski land in the Andes provided a unique, isolated touring experience. Spent four days at Frey Hut. Jorge knew all the tips and tricks to make the stay very enjoyable. We toured up to a few peaks every day. Made lots of friends from all walks of life. I would do this trip again in a heartbeat, and hopefully take more time to do a few volcanoes later in the season. Next on the list - Antarctica or Norway with Andescross!

It was a real pleasure to spend two amazing days with Lucas. Really nice to spend time with him and most important Lucas is really a good guide. The trips were amazing with a fantastic scenario. Even if snow conditions were not the best, the panorama has played a key role in making this trip unforgettable

We had a BLAST skiing Cerro Vespignani with Merlin! He made a great call on going to Cerro Vespignani with the uncertain weather we had. While the winds were high during the start of the day they settled down and allowed us to summit and ski the whole mountain. Despite the late season dates (November 12) Merlin was psyched to take us skiing. His knowledge of the area really paid off and turned this day to an unforgettable one! I highly recommend visiting Mountaineering Patagonia and having Merlin as your guide to whatever adventures haunt your mind!

Nos lo pasamos de maravilla esquí Cerro Vespignani con Merlin! Él hizo un gran llamado a ir a Cerro Vespignani con el clima de incertidumbre que tuvimos. Mientras los vientos eran altas durante el comienzo del día se asentaron y nos permitió a la cumbre de la montaña y esquí todo el. A pesar de las fechas finales de temporada (noviembre 12) Merlin fue mentalizados para llevarnos a esquiar. Sus conocimientos de la zona realmente pagado y convertido este día a una experiencia inolvidable! Recomiendo encarecidamente visitar el montañismo Patagonia y tener Merlin como su guía lo que sea aventuras favorito su mente!

Our group had an amazing experience skiing Cerro Vispignani with Merlin. Merlin made a great call having Vispignani for our ski venue objective. He has a wealth of local knowledge that provides for the best experience and for safety. Also Merlin is a very personable guide and a lot of fun to be with in the mountains. I highly recommend paying him a visit at Mountaineering Patagonia. I look forward to having more guided adventures with then in future

Escribió una opinión el 14 de noviembre de 2016 mediante dispositivo móvil Esquí Cerro Vispignani Nuestro grupo tuvo una experiencia increíble de esquí Cerro Vispignani con Merlin. Merlin hizo un gran llamado para nuestro objetivo de tener Vispignani lugar de esquí. Él tiene una riqueza de conocimiento local que ofrece la mejor experiencia y por seguridad. También Merlin es una guía muy agradable y un montón de diversión con en las montañas. Recomiendo pagar él una visita en el montañismo Patagonia. Espero tener más aventuras en el futuro guiada con luego

My friend and I went for a day backcountry skiing to Martial Galcier. We had a brilliant time, the guide was a champion!

I spent two days touring with Merlin, at Loma del Diablo and Cerro Vespignani. Both days were amazing. Merlin maintained a positive attitude even in the face of some unexpected adverse weather conditions and some challenges with my equipment. Merlin is incredibly passionate about what he does. I had a blast and learned a great deal from him, and am planning to come back to do some more touring, climbing and glacier hiking as soon as I can.

We had two day trips ski touring in El Chalten. As an option for moderate skiers, we went to Loma del Diablo and half way up to Cerro Vespignani. The experience was unforgettable. Highly recommended for those passionate about nature and skiing. Views were spectacular, Merlin’s experience priceless. We very much appreciated Merlin’s attitude, both as a professional mountain guide and a great person. Our tours were very well organised, Merlin was always ready to share his knowledge and help with his advice, as well as capable to encourage us to go on without noticing any hurdles. Thanks very much, Merlin. We are very much hoping to be back in El Chalten very soon to undertake some further trips.