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11-day ski tour in Coyhaique, Chile and El Chaltén, Argentina
Join Merlín, an UIAGM/IFMGA-certified guide on this ski tour through Chile and Argentina! You will find scenic beauty on every slope!
Description
Calling all experienced skiers who want to come discover the beautiful slopes of Argentina and Chile! Come join me on this 11-day ski tour!
We’ll begin our trip in Coyhaique, Chile, which is home to what some say are the world’s most beautiful mountains. I’ll pick you up at the airport and transport you to our accommodation in order to debrief about the program before settling in for the night.
From there we will go to Cerro Castillo, which houses many mountains and valleys that are perfect for ski touring and backcountry skiing. While there, we will eventually hike to our campsite in the mountains, with porters to help us carry our camping equipment. We will camp for 2 nights, in order to be in the closest proximity to the ski slopes.
After a week around Cerro Castillo, we will cross to Argentina. We’ll take the scenic Route 40 to El Chaltén. This small town is home to the incredible Mount Fitz Roy, Cerro Torre and the Southern Ice Field, all of which we will have the opportunity to see as we ski through the region, before finishing the trip in El Calafate.
This trip is meant for experienced backcountry skiers, who are in great physical shape, so please keep this in mind when signing up. Prices for this trip also vary based on group size, so if you happen to have a group of 4 or more people who like to backcountry ski, this might be the trip for all of you!
So, if you are an avid skier, eager to unearth the amazing mountains of Chile and Argentina, this trip is for you!
And if you love skiing in Argentina, then check my other trip, doing a guided ski tour in El Chaltén for a week!
Details
Meeting point Coyhaique Airport, Chile |
Photos
Itinerary
Day 1: Day 1
We will pick everyone up at the Coyhaique Airport, and then transport everyone to Villa Cerro Castillo. Shortly after we arrive, we will spend the day debriefing; conducting an equipment check, and going over the details of the program. We will spend the night at Villa Cerro Castillo.
Day 2: Day 2
We will take a short drive to ski at Portezuelo Ibáñez. Assuming the conditions are good, we will take 2-3 different ski runs once there. Then return to Villa Cerro Castillo for lodging.
Day 3: Day 3
We will take a 30 minute drive to the beginning of the ski trail. For this trip, we will carry skis and personal equipment and the porters will
carry the camping equipment and food on the walk to our campsite (Camp Neozelandés). The walk takes between 3-4 hours; optional ski in the afternoon.
Day 4: Day 4
There will be different full-day ski options depending on the weather and snow conditions. We will again stay at Camp Neozelandés.
Day 5: Day 5
There is a possibility that we will do a ski tour in the morning. Then we will go to Villa Cerro Castillo in the afternoon (3 to 4 hours). We will stay at
Villa Cerro Castillo that evening.
Day 6: Day 6
This is a long day on the road, but it will be very scenic as well: We’ll drive for 12 hours along Buenos Aires lake, which is the second largest lake in South America, and then on the historical “Route 40,” which is the longest road in Argentina
from North to South along the Andes). Total driving time: Aprox. 12-14hs. We will stay in El Chaltén.
Day 7: Day 7
We start the morning driving to Mosquito Creek (1 hour); we will then hike from there carrying our skis until we
reach the snow, usually starting above the three line (1000m above sea level). We will Ski the Loma del
Diablo, which has a vertical gain of 1200m. We will stay in El Chaltén.
Day 8: Day 8
We will drive to Lago del Desierto ( 1.5 hour drive). We’ll then hike to Laguna Huemul in order to reach the base of the Huemul Glacier (1 to 1.5 hours). From there, we will ski the “Cerro Vespignani.
Vertical gain: 1500m.
This is our last night in El Chaltén.
Day 9: Day 9
We will drive 30 minutes to “El Pilar” to start our ascent into Fitz Roy Basecamp (3 hour hike). After setting up our
campsite at Camp Poincenot, we will continue to Laguna de los Tres (another hour carrying the skis on steep rocky trail). We will then
cross the frozen Lake and Ski at Glacier de los Tres, the closest you can get to Fitz Roy Mountain!
Day 10: Day 10
After breakfast, we’ll go back to Laguna de Los Tres, and skin up the Cerro Madsen, with great views of the Piedras Blancas Glacier. Back to the camp and hike back to El Chaltén.
Vertical Gain 1000m.
Fare well dinner with a good “Asado” ( barbecue). Lodging at El Chaltén.
Day 11: Day 11
Transfer to El Calafate Airport. End of the services.
About the guide
Certified UIAGM-IFMGA Mountain Guide from Argentina.
I live in El Chaltén since 1998. I'm originally from Bariloche and I started with mountain activities when I was 15 years old. I've done climbing and ascents in many mountains of Patagonia, Perú, Bolivia, United States and Europe; such as Fitz Roy, Cerro Torre, Alpamayo, El Capitán, Mont Blanc and Aconcagua among others. I'm also a Ski Instructor and I am passionate for backcountry ski.
I speak fluent English, Italian and French and have been leading trips and expeditions for more than 20 years. I work together with a group of guides, so if I'm not available for the trip you request, one of my colleagues will guide you!
What people are saying about Merlín Lipshitz
J. Nyman
5.00
January 2020
Dorothy K
5.00
October 2019
Merlin was great—very knowledgeable, encouraging, and safe. I would definitely climb with him again and recommend his services very, very highly!
Jamie McCroskery
5.00
October 2019
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.
R. Mathes
5.00
September 2019
Merlin is a very experienced mountaineering guide. It was a great trip. We can recommend him very highly.
Bethany Forrester
5.00
April 2019
We had a great time!
Ali Blum
5.00
February 2019
Merlin was a fabulous guide! Not only is he a super accomplished climber, but he is also personable and fun to spend the day with. We have some climbing experience, and Merlin selected sport climbing that was a fun challenge for our skill level. We 100% recommend him as a guide.
VacanegraComer
5.00
February 2019
Genial !! Merlin es un súper profesional, lo pasamos muy bien esquiando . Pudimos disfrutar hasta del Fitzroy bajo el Sol.
Charles B
5.00
February 2019
Mi novia y yo pasamos un día con Merlín en el Cerro Madsen. Ella es nueva en el alpinismo y él le dio la confianza para lograr algo único y emocionante. Estuvimos en el momento de la caminata completa y terminamos queriendo volver para algo más desafiante la próxima vez. Verdaderamente una experiencia de primer nivel. Volveremos para esquiar en breve.
Claire Long
5.00
February 2019
Great experience, merlin is a climbing guru!
soccernmath
5.00
December 2018
Merlin was an exceptional guide - safety first & lots of instruction. Climbed about 10 sport routes with him from 5.8 to 5.9. The rock was great, route choices great! What could be better than rock climbing with Fitz Roy looming in the background! Merlin’s professionalism added to the experience. Oh & he will take you to eat lunch at the best empanadas in town :) I will return to Chaltén & Merlin has earned my trust to go into the big mountains and do a multi day ascent!
Alberto B
5.00
December 2018
Ascensione di un giorno al Cerro Madsen, giornata perfetta. Partenza ore 4 sorseggiando del buon mate, ascensione perfetta con una giornata di pieno sole ed arrivati in vetta il Fitz Roy che si è mostrato del tutto nella sua bellezza! ottima esperienza, professionalità e simpatia con Merlin, giornata conclusa davanti a una buona pizza e una birra fresca in paese! consigliatissimo!
Diana
5.00
November 2018
Booking with explore-share was so easy, Lupe was fantastic and despite it being so close to my trip date, very helpful and extremely responsive. Merlin was the perfect guide: knowledgeable, competent, patient, motivating and upbeat. We had snow on the ascent of Madsen but the clouds cleared for really excellent views of Piedras Blancas glacier, the valley below, and Fitz Roy. Thanks for the highlight of an incredible two weeks in Patagonia!
Joe McMahon
5.00
October 2018
Awesome three-day climb of the Aguya de Guillaumet, challenging but incredibly rewarding, especially due to the exceptional views from the top (Fitzroy seemed to be within touching distance!) Thanks for such an excellent trip Merlin, will remember it for ages!
guminad
5.00
January 2018
Mi marido y yo fuimos a El Chaltén como parte de nuestro viaje de luna de miel a Chile y Argentina. Somos escaladores en Colorado y realmente queríamos hacer algo de escalada en nuestro viaje. Merlin llevó para algunos deportes pitch escalada individual en la mañana y luego nos guió hasta un impresionante multi-tono en la tarde. Merlin es conocedor, hábil y tan divertido que subir! Él tomado nuestro día escalar el mejor día de nuestra luna de miel. Recomendaría Merlin y montañismo Patagonia a cualquiera (de cualquier nivel de habilidad) buscando obtener fuera del increíble montañas que rodean El Chalte
George B
5.00
January 2018
I have been fortunate enough to visit El Chalten twice this year. The first time was with friends and we used Mountaineering Patagonia to climb Cerro Madsen. The weather was terrible, but the experience could not have been better. This winter though, I took my parents down and we signed up for Paso Del Cuadrado. We were joking today that it was the best hike we have ever been on. The guides (Martin and Max) met us the night before to check gear and go over the route. They were very good at explaining every detail. They met us the next morning with hot coffee and even better attitudes. As my mother put it, they set the perfect pace as we climbed 4000 vertical feet over 7 miles. I repeat the trip could not have been better. We made it to the pass with ease, never feeling out of control or unsafe. Bottom line: I am going to keep coming back to El Chalten and every time I will visit Merlin and his staff and go on one of their hikes. You would be foolish to not go with them.
CDR1999
5.00
December 2017
Merlin and his team worked with us to customize our trip to ensure we had an amazing time during our week in El Chalten. We completed a fantastic trek and climbed Cerro Madsen. The changeable weather in Patagonia means that you need to be flexible and Merlin\'s suggestions and his willingness to tailor his services to suit the conditions really enhanced our experience. The friendly, experienced and knowledgeable guides ensured we always felt safe and secure even when operating outside our comfort zone!
Pete G
5.00
November 2017
Merlin took us for half a day of rock climbing in El Chalten. We initially had to reschedule our climbing however Merlin was extremely accommodating. Merlin\'s climbing knowledge and attention to detail made us feel safe, even though it was our first time climbing. We climbed at two different sites in El Chalten. Thank you Merlin for the amazing experience!
Rob E
5.00
November 2017
Aguja Guillaumet con Merlin escalada montañismo en la Patagonia fue una experiencia magnífica. Merlin era flexible con las fechas y se aseguró de que tenía la ventana óptima para la excursión de tiempo de 3 días. Se ocupó de todos los detalles del viaje y estaba muy bien informado sobre la región y la ruta. Me impresionó especialmente la comida para la excursión que organizó y siempre estábamos bien alimentados. Yo recomendaría un viaje de escalada alpina con el montañismo Patagonia, sé que regresaré.
Rodrigo Redondo
5.00
August 2017
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.
Joshua Marcum
5.00
May 2017
We came to El Chalten late season (mid to late May) and wandered into Merlin\'s office hoping to find an open climbing guide. We discussed options with him given the upcoming weather and our abilities and ended up doing a day of sport climbing and a day of mountaineering on Cerro Madsen. Through both adventures he was knowledgeable, friendly, and safe. He encouraged us through the entire climb and even brought some treats for the top. I would highly recommend Mountaineering Patagonia if you are in search of a guide.
Joshua Marcum
5.00
May 2017
We came to El Chalten late season (mid to late May) and wandered into Merlin\'s office hoping to find an open climbing guide. We discussed options with him given the upcoming weather and our abilities and ended up doing a day of sport climbing and a day of mountaineering on Cerro Madsen. Through both adventures he was knowledgeable, friendly, and safe. He encouraged us through the entire climb and even brought some treats for the top. I would highly recommend Mountaineering Patagonia if you are in search of a guide.
Sam K
5.00
April 2017
Nuestro viaje por Cerro Madsen era increíble! Había una posibilidad de lluvia por la tarde de nuestro viaje, así Merlin y equipo hicieron alojamientos para dejar temprano en la mañana para tratar de superar la tormenta y estábamos tan contentos que ellos. Pudimos superar la lluvia en caminatas en la mañana e hizo la subida hasta la cima del cerro Madsen. Nuestro guía era excelente en nuestro nivel de habilidad y comprensión nos empuje en consecuencia! Sugeriría usando el montañismo Patagonia. Ellos son profesionales, ofrecen algunos de los equipo necesario, y asegúrese de tener un seguro de viaje. Gracias Merlin!
Sam K
5.00
April 2017
Our day trip up Cerro Madsen was amazing! There was a chance of rain in the afternoon of our trip so Merlin and team made accommodations for us to leave early in the morning to try to beat the storm and we were so happy they did. We were able to beat the rain by hiking in the morning and made the ascent up to the top of Cerro Madsen. Our guide was superb at understanding our skill level and pushing us accordingly! I would highly suggest using Mountaineering Patagonia. They are professional, provide you with some of the gear needed, and make sure you have a safe trip. Thanks Merlin!
Stephanie Willis
5.00
January 2017
Our initial arrangement with Merlin involved a 2.5 ascent of Cerro Solo. However, bad weather on what would have been the summit day sunk that plan - fortunately Merlin was extremely up to date on the weather forecast, and turned up at our hostel (only about an hour after we got into El Chalten) to propose an alternative plan: that we ascend Cerro Electrico (similar height but short approach) and then spend the next two days at lower altitude rock climbing. This turned out beautifully. We had a fantastic ascent of Cerro Electrico, with Merlin a very conscientious and confident guide, educating us on glacier work and axe skills. The views were fantastic and the weather superb. Upon descending (after a tough 12 hour day), Merlin took us straight to a favourite pub for happy hour. The next two days we spent rock climbing (there are some fantastic multi-pitch routes 5 minutes walk out of el Chalten). Throughout we felt very well taken care of, and particularly enjoyed Merlin\'s exposition of life in el Chalten - going to his favourite places for lunch and afternoon coffee and feeling wonderfully included in the life of this brilliant little town. 100% recommended. Merlin was also very helpful in planning our trip on the Huemul circuit, which we completed after our time in el Chalten.
Michael F
5.00
December 2016
Me and my friend spent 3 days with Merlin and had a fantastic time in Chalten area. He\'s very a very experienced fully certified guide, very strong, flexible and has excellent English. We were lucky with the weather (which can be very unpredictable) and climb Aguja Guillaumet along Fonrouge route. Highly recommended.
harmonyv11
5.00
December 2016
¡Fantástico! ! Ambos tuvimos una increíble aventura con nuestro guía de montaña, Max. Por suerte el clima era perfecto y toda la experiencia fue fantástica. Realmente disfrutamos aprendiendo sobre el área local, así como la montaña de plantas autóctonas que Max estaba muy dispuesto a transmitir durante el viaje. Nos sentimos seguros en todo el 3 días y tenía plena confianza en nuestros guías los niveles. Él también era muy agradable y divertido. El día en el glaciar fue inolvidable. Explorando las cuevas y ver los hoyos profundos de la fusión del hielo fue de lo más destacado. El equipo de escalada y tutorial para principiantes era genial. Un especial de unos pocos días en las montañas que le gusta compartir durante algún tiempo. gracias Merlin para organizar nuestro viaje y nos configurar con un gran guía. Todo lo mejor y nos pondremos en contacto la próxima vez que estemos en El Chaltén. Leon y armonía
Rusty
5.00
December 2016
My wife & I had an absolutely amazing experience climbing Cerro Madsen. We were put in touch with Merlin through Explore-Share & he was really accommodating in helping us plan the experience & chose a mountain that best suited our capabilities. Merlin, thank you for being so patient with us & answering about a thousand questions from me. You were always extremely helpful, friendly & flexible with us. Also, a massive thank you to our guide, Sebastian, for taking us to the top of Cerro Madsen. Sebastian is a truly phenomenal guide & mountaineer. He is an extremely capable, knowledgeable, friendly & encouraging person who made us overcome all the obstacles to reach the summit. His constant motivation & encouragement made us overcome our own shortcomings / limitations & drove us all the way to the top without ever compromising our safety. It was an absolutely breathtaking & out of this world experience & I wouldn’t hesitate in recommending it to anyone looking for a similar adventure. My wife & I have used many companies / guides all over the world in the past, but Merlin & Sebastian have definitely set a new benchmark for us that is going to be really hard to beat.
Rusty1976
5.00
December 2016
Mi esposa y yo tuvimos una experiencia absolutamente increíble escalada Cerro Madsen. Nos pusieron en contacto con Merlin (Patagonia) por explorar el montañismo - Compartir y él era muy complaciente en ayudarnos a planear la experiencia y elegir un montaña que mejor se adapta nuestras capacidades. Merlin, gracias por ser tan paciente con nosotros y responder unos mil preguntas de mi parte. Usted siempre eran extremadamente servicial, amable y flexible con nosotros. Además, un enorme gracias a nuestra guía, Sebastián, para llevarnos hasta la cima de Cerro Madsen. Sebastián es un guía verdaderamente fenomenal y mountaineer. Él es extremadamente capaz, eficiente, amable y alentador que nos hizo superar todos los obstáculos para llegar a la cumbre. Su constante motivación y aliento nos hizo superar nuestras deficiencias y limitaciones y nos llevó hasta la cima sin comprometer nuestra seguridad. Era absolutamente impresionante y experiencia fuera de este mundo y no dudaría en recomendar el montañismo Patagonia a cualquiera que busque una aventura similar. Mi esposa y yo hemos usado muchas empresas/guías de todo el mundo en el pasado, pero sin duda y Sebastián Merlin han establecido un nuevo punto de referencia para nosotros que va a ser muy difícil de superar.
kateslaba
5.00
November 2016
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!
Kateslaba
5.00
November 2016
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!
Dan S
5.00
November 2016
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
Dan S
5.00
November 2016
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
Christina H
5.00
October 2016
Just coming back from one of the most spectacular things I have ever experienced, a seven day skitouring trip to Chilean vulcanoes , Llaima, Villarrica and Osorno under the guidance of Merlin Lipshitz . Excellent weather conditions, the unique beauty of Nature , a perfect organization considering every detail and the excellent guidance of Merlin made these days unforgettable ! Thanks, Merlin, for your enthusiasm and your open heart!
Christina H
5.00
October 2016
Just coming back from one of the most spectacular things I have ever experienced, a seven day ski touring trip to Chilean volcanoes Llaima, Villarrica and Osorno under the guidance of Merlin Lipshitz. Excellent weather conditions, the unique beauty of Nature, a perfect organization considering every detail and the excellent guidance of Merlin made these days unforgettable ! Thanks, Merlin, for your enthusiasm and your open heart!
Sara S
5.00
May 2016
Muchas gracias a Merlin para organizar y guiar dos inolvidables ascensiones durante mi viaje a El Chaltén! Merlin fue muy atento y servicial con antelación el viaje, mandarme ideas ruta y responder todo tipo de preguntas de un novato patagonia equipo! Durante las ascensiones en sí Merlin era muy profesional, servicial... y muy divertido! (y él arregló deliciosos almuerzos para llevar para el Día 1 :)) que lo recomiendo a Merlin para cualquier montañismo ascensiones en Patagonia, en los Alpes o en cualquier otro lugar! Me sentí seguro en todo momento y tenía un rato inolvidable!
Sara S
5.00
May 2016
A big thanks to Merlin for organizing and guiding two unforgettable ascents during my trip to el Chalten! Merlin was very responsive and helpful ahead of the trip, sending me route ideas and answering all sorts of gear questions of a Patagonia novice! During the ascents themselves Merlin was extremely professional, helpful... and great fun! (and he always arranged delicious packed lunches for Day1 :)) I would totally recommend Merlin for any mountaineering ascents in Patagonia, in the Alps or anywhere else! I felt safe at all times and had an unforgettable time!
Lars B
5.00
April 2016
We went with Merlin to attempt to scale Guillaumet. Merlin was a great guide and was super flexible. We didn\'t make it to the summit because of weather, and so he took us rock climbing around el chalten instead. If I went back, I\'d definitely go with him again.
nyctraveler1
5.00
October 2015
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.
Tatiana G
5.00
September 2015
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.
Prices per person
Group of 1 | USD 8452 each |
Group of 2 | USD 4226 each |
Group of 3 | USD 3506 each |
Group of 4 | USD 3195 each |
Want a different number of travellers?
Price includes
- Guiding fee
- Accommodation
- Transport during the trip
- Group porters (transport of tents, cooking equipment, etc. for the group)
Price details
Price does not include: personal insurance, equipment and flights, restaurant meals and drinks, gratuity
For booking assistance
Have any doubts? Talk directly with an Explore Share assistant.
The Concierge service is a great tool for when you still haven't decided what kind of Adventure you're looking for and you're open to suggestions
We had a great experience climbing with Merlín in El Chalten. He did a great job of teaching us the basics and giving us a variety of climbs to do. The booking process was pretty straightforward, and overall I would definitely recommend this to anyone.