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Backcountry skiing week in Bariloche, 7 days near Cerro Catedral and the Frey Hut

Backcountry ski tour
Frey mountain hut
Backcountry ski tour
Backcountry ski tour
ski touring

Explore the stunning backcountry of Bariloche, Argentina, on a 7-day adventure close to Cerro Catedral and the Frey Hut with IFMGA-certified mountain guide Merlin.

Private and Group

Andes

7 Days

Jul, Aug, Sep

Extremely Fit

Advanced


Highlights

  • Discover the mountainous delights around the town of Bariloche.
  • Capture breathtaking views of the Argentinian Andes.
  • Benefit from having a fully-qualified mountain guide aiding you.

Description

The jewel among the Andean mountains, the Argentinian town of Bariloche is the perfect springboard to explore the majestic backcountry.

Situated in front of the epic glacial Nahuel Huapi Lake that is fully protected within a national park, Bariloche is surrounded by breathtaking scenery.

Lying at the foothills of the Andes, the prominent peaks acts as guardians to the town. It is very close to the Catedral Ski Resort, the biggest skiing centre in the whole of South America.

We’ll locate some great backcountry trails close to Frey Hut, considered one of the best mountain huts for ski touring and freeriding as if offers a large bundle of possibilities.

Here we will find every type of terrain from easy and simple slopes to steep chutes. We will be able to choose depending on the weather conditions and the group’s general level of ability.

Get in touch now to reserve your place in the world-class mountain town of Bariloche for a 7-day backcountry skiing trip.

Price includes

- Guiding fee

- Accommodation included

- Transportation start and back

- Transport during the trip

- Mountain guide expenses

- Breakfast

Price details

Price per person to join a group (Min group size: 4 people). Price does not include: personal insurance, personal equipment, and international or internal flights, restaurant meals and drinks, porters, lift tickets, or gratuity.

Also includes meals when using mountain Huts.

In the case the group is less than four people, we will give you the option to pay the additional cost for a small group or get a refund 30 days before departure:

Group of 3 guests: USD 1800

Group of 2 guests: USD 2400

Group of 1 guest: USD 4600


Itinerary

Day 1: Reception at Bariloche Airport and transfer to your hotel

Briefing with your guide; equipment check and details of the program.

Day 2: Ski off-piste around Catedral mountain (Lagunita area at Punta Princesa)

Day 3: Traverse to Frey Hut over the Col del Viento

Day 4: Ski tour around the frozen Laguna Toncek

Day 5: Ski in the Catedral Ski area

Day 6: Ski touring in the Cerro Lopez Area

Day 7: Transfer to Bariloche Airport

 

Details

Accommodation

4 nights lodging in Bariloche, based on private double rooms, and 2 nights at the Frey Hut.

More info

Required personal equipment: backpack of 30-45 litres, sleeping bag, head lamp, water bottle and small thermo flask, synthetic base layers, wind stopper, synthetic hooded jacket, 2 pairs of gloves, warm hat, extra socks, waterproof pants and jacket, sunglasses and goggles.


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!

Languages

Italian | French | English

Certificates

AAGM | UIAGM


What people are saying about Merlín Lipshitz

Matthew Weiss

5.00

September, 2023

Trip of a lifetime! Merlin is great the setting is spectacular and we were blessed with perfect snow and bluebird skies. Couldn't ask for more.

Nash Smoll

5.00

September, 2023

Merlin is the man!! He made sure we got the most out of our week ski touring in El Chalten. Very memorable experience

David Milton

5.00

March, 2023

Our Guiide was Sebastian and I couldn’t recommend him high enough . He’s very personable. Knowledgeable, professional , well prepared and a pleasure to be with .

Marcial Manzano

5.00

March, 2023

Had an amazing experience climbing Mojon Rojo with Merlin. This was my first mountaineering experience and he made sure I was comfortable and safe the whole journey. He really knows his stuff both technically and about the area. If you're considering doing something like this, can't go wrong with Merlin.

Jonathan Campos

5.00

February, 2023

Had a great time climbing with el Chalten and fitz roy in the background. Merlin was very knowledgeable and made sure we stayed safe. Had great conversations as well.

Stephanie Krzyzewski

5.00

February, 2023

Merlín is an awesome guide, can’t recommend him enough. He’s easy going and fun to be around, and his method of route selection was perfect for us. We shared what we were hoping for, and once he was able to assess our skill level, he took us on a route that was right at the edge of both our skill and comfort zone. His intuition about what would be the best experience for us was spot on, and it was our favorite day of climbing we’ve ever had!

Ariana Kim

5.00

January, 2023

Juan was wonderful! Though we weren't able to do our first day due to a neck injury he had, he rallied for our second day, and we were so grateful - we checked out some of the most beautiful multi-pitch climbing I've done, with condors soaring ahead...and then did some super fun sport leads after lunch...Juan was kind, knowledgeable, and a total pro. We highly recommend Juan!

Jose Cotrim

5.00

December, 2022

It is not an easy trip you must be prepared for what the weather will be at that moment. But once said that is for sure one of the most beautiful places to visit good gear and good guiding is for sure a good start.

Tim Board

5.00

November, 2022

Brilliant climb of Cerro Electrico with Merlin! I had actually booked for a 2 day ascent of Mojon Rojo but the weather forecast didn’t allow it. As I couldn’t stay another day Merlin offered the 1 day climb of Cerro Electrico instead. I felt very safe with him all day, he has a vast experience of mountaineering in the region and beyond. I would definitely book with Merlin again.

Sebastian Becker

5.00

November, 2022

The traveller did not leave a comment.

Alfonso MARTINEZ

5.00

September, 2022

The traveller did not leave a comment.

Ben Cynewski

5.00

July, 2022

The traveller did not leave a comment.

Gülçin Altinok

5.00

February, 2022

Everything about this trip was really great. Firstly explore-share was extremely helpful, really responsive. We felt really supported making all the arrangements from Netherlands to Argentina. Thanks for the team for that! In terms of the trip -- this was one of the most special trips we ever had. Huemel circuit is was very special. You start day1 in Patagonian forests and slowly ascend to the more rugged, stoney views of the circuit until you end up in the glaciers (and walk on them!) in day 2. Day 2 is slightly challenging due to the long ascend and walk until the camp. But without being very experienced we were able to do it (also thanks to our amazing guide Luis). We camped in an area only by ourselves, where it snowed overnight, which added to the majestic beauty of the whole trip. Day 3 mainly was descending to the 3rd camp area next to Viedma lake. This was also slightly challenging given the very steep descend in the forest, but despite the challenge it was fun, and was filled with great views. The reward is big, where Viedma lake is awaiting with glacier pieces floating on the lake just in front of you (and sometimes letting go some of it’s pieces). It’s a mesmerising area. And day 4 is going back to the start through next to the lakes, hares and guanakos. slightly easier trek but very peaceful, a nice goodbye to the circuit. We were picked up by a car at the end, arranged by Merlin/Luis. In all days, we were flabbergasted by the ruggedness and beauty of Patagonian mountains, glaciers, forests, lakes and everything we've seen. We were mainly alone in the circuit -- at least in the direction we were doing there was no one else with us. In that sense it was extra special. Our guide Luis was one of the main reasons for why this trip was so special. Very experienced and friendly -- made us feel really comfortable in what we were doing through his guidance on technical moves (e.g. in traverses, when we are descending etc). Also very experienced in the area, knew the circuit step by step - gave us a lot of information on the story of the geography not just like a guide but like a scientist almost (he was full of knowledge for this space). It was obvious that he really loves these lands and mountains, it was great to experience this route with him. I never write reviews, but this was a great trip on all levels, and want to make sure anyone who sees the review doesn’t doubt and just goes for it. Thank you Luis, Merlin and explore share - for your friendliness, professionalism and love of nature. You definitely added an incredible memory to our minds. I highly recommend everyone to experience Huemel Circuit with Luis and Merlin. Gulcin and Sebastiaan

Keith Bailey

5.00

January, 2022

Emiliano was great. I have traveled all over the world with many trekking guides. He is definitely among the best. Thank you, Emiliano, for a great trip!

Tatsuya Sato

5.00

January, 2022

Merlin is a well accomplished climber, and he has shared with me his knowledge abs skills while we were climbing. Climbing Cerro Electrico was very physically demanding, but I had an amazing time climbing with him. I can’t wait to climb other peaks with him again.


 

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