El Chaltén Backcountry Ski Touring

Travel to El Chaltén, located beneath Fitz Roy and Cerro Torre in Los Glaciares National Park.

The most convenient option is to fly to El Calafate Airport and continue by bus to El Chaltén. Upon arrival, meet the guide at the hotel for a complete equipment check and itinerary briefing.

Accommodation: Hotel in El Chaltén

Begin with a warm-up tour in Mosquito Valley, one of the region’s most accessible and scenic ski touring areas.

After a 30-minute drive from El Chaltén, carry your skis for approximately one hour before beginning the ascent. The climb to Loma del Diablo involves around 1,200 meters of elevation gain.

The mountain features a broad cirque with terrain facing several directions, including open slopes and northeast-facing couloirs. Depending on conditions, it may also be possible to explore nearby valleys.

From the upper slopes, enjoy views of Cerro Neumeyer, Gorra Blanca, Fitz Roy and Cerro Torre.

Elevation gain: Approximately 1,200 m Accommodation: Hotel in El Chaltén

Travel approximately 40 kilometers north of El Chaltén toward Lago del Desierto and Cerro Vespignani, close to the Chilean border.

The approach crosses private land and follows a beautiful trail through lenga forest to Laguna Los Huemules. The hike takes approximately 45 minutes from the parking area. From the lake, continue over glacial moraine until reaching the snowline.

The ascent then enters heavily glaciated alpine terrain. Cerro Vespignani features a large open bowl with sustained slopes of approximately 30–35 degrees. Glacier travel and careful route-finding around crevasses are required.

The mountain often retains snow late into the season and may be skiable from June through December, depending on conditions.

Elevation gain: Approximately 1,600 m Accommodation: Hotel in El Chaltén

Enjoy a slower morning following the previous demanding ski days.

After breakfast, prepare the camping equipment and begin the approach toward Laguna de los Tres and the Fitz Roy Massif. The objective is to camp close to the snowline or at a suitable protected location below it.

This is primarily an approach and recovery day, with time to appreciate the surrounding granite towers, glaciers and alpine scenery.

Possible views include Aguja de la S, Saint-Exupéry, Rafael Juárez, Poincenot, Fitz Roy, Val de Bois, Mermoz, Guillaumet, Glaciar de los Tres and Glaciar Superior.

Accommodation: Mountain tents

Start early and climb the south-facing slopes of Cerro Madsen.

Several ski options may be available, including open faces and couloirs. The mountain frequently preserves good-quality snow and offers some of the finest close-up views of Fitz Roy and its surrounding granite towers.

Depending on conditions, alternative objectives may include Paso Superior, Paso Inferior and Glaciar de los Tres.

After skiing, pack the camping equipment and return on foot to El Chaltén for a well-earned meal and evening in town.

Accommodation: Hotel in El Chaltén

Begin with a relaxed morning and breakfast in El Chaltén.

Later, approach the backcountry yurt in Creston Valley. The journey normally takes approximately two hours. Depending on energy levels and conditions, complete a short afternoon ski tour after arriving.

Accommodation: Backcountry yurt

Depart directly from the yurt for a comparatively moderate ski touring day.

Explore secondary ridges, broad slopes and false summits around Creston Valley. The area provides varied terrain and excellent panoramic views across the surrounding Patagonian mountains.

Return to El Chaltén at the end of the day.

Accommodation: Hotel in El Chaltén

Transfer by bus from El Chaltén to El Calafate Airport for the onward flight to Buenos Aires.

The program ends after eight days of remote ski touring, glaciated ascents and unforgettable views of the Fitz Roy Massif.