Patagonia Ski Touring Adventure Week: Frey Hut & Bariloche
5.0
(3)
Spend a week exploring Northern Patagonia’s finest ski terrain, combining alpine touring around Bariloche, a hut stay beneath Frey’s granite towers, and remote powder skiing in the Andes.
Group
Andes
8 Days
Jul - Nov
High
Intermediate
Highlights
- Ski the legendary Refugio Frey cirque, surrounded by Patagonia’s iconic granite spires and alpine terrain.
- Combine remote backcountry skiing with comfortable mountain accommodation and gourmet mountain meals.
- Experience a complete Bariloche ski touring adventure with terrain adapted to different skier levels and conditions.
Description
Discover the incredible diversity of backcountry skiing around Bariloche, Argentina, on an 8-day ski touring week combining wild mountain landscapes, classic Patagonian terrain, and comfortable mountain lodges.
This trip offers a complete introduction to the ski touring possibilities of the Andes around Bariloche, with a flexible itinerary designed to adapt to snow conditions, weather, and the experience level of the group. Guided by Andescross IFMGA mountain guides, you will explore some of the most iconic ski touring areas in Northern Patagonia, from the granite spires of Refugio Frey to the remote slopes around Cerro Villegas.
The adventure begins with a warm-up day on the slopes and backcountry terrain near Cerro Catedral before heading into Nahuel Huapi National Park for several days based at Refugio Frey. Located in a spectacular cirque surrounded by golden granite towers and frozen lagoons, Frey offers a wide variety of ski touring terrain, including couloirs, powder lines, and alpine ski descents.
The final part of the week takes you to the Cerro Villegas area, where remote ski terrain combines with a comfortable mountain lodge experience, including gourmet meals and easy access via 4WD and snowmobile.
With a mix of ski touring, ski mountaineering, alpine terrain, and backcountry skiing, this trip is ideal for skiers looking for a complete Patagonia ski adventure. Send a booking request to plan your Bariloche backcountry ski touring week!
Price includes
- Accommodation included
- Guiding fee
- Transport during the trip
- Lifts tickets
- Drinks
Price details
- ✅Included in the Price:
- Certified UIAGM / IFMGA mountain guides.
- 4WD transportation.
- All meals in the mountains.
- Accommodation at Refugio Frey.
- Accommodation and meals at Baguales mountain lodge.
- Snowmobile assistance.
- One lift ticket to access the Frey area.
- Goodbye dinner.
- ❌Not Included:
- Air tickets.
- Meals in restaurants.
- Accommodation in town.
- Airport transfers.
- Personal equipment.
Meeting point
Itinerary
Day 1: Arrival in Bariloche
Arrival and meeting at the hotel to check equipment and prepare for the week of backcountry skiing in the Andes of Patagonia, Argentina.
Overnight in hotel.
Day 2: Warm-up Skiing: Cerro Catedral or Backcountry Day
Depending on the group’s goals and conditions, the day begins with warm-up skiing at the ski resort with short skinning sections and boot packs.
If the group is motivated and conditions allow, the first backcountry ski day can begin directly.
Overnight in hotel.
Day 3: Ski Touring to Refugio Frey
From Cerro Catedral Ski Resort, take the Alta Patagonia lifts to quickly gain elevation above the tree line.
From there, begin skinning toward the ridge and the border of Nahuel Huapi National Park, enjoying views over the Patagonian Lakes District. The descent follows the Van Titter Valley, selecting terrain according to snow quality and conditions.
After reaching the valley, continue skinning to Refugio Frey, where the group settles in before exploring the surrounding terrain with options ranging from mellow forest skiing to more technical couloir descents.
Overnight at Refugio Frey with mountain meals.
Day 4: Ski Touring Around Refugio Frey
After breakfast, prepare skis and skins before crossing Laguna Toncek and exploring the surrounding cirque.
Refugio Frey offers a wide variety of alpine ski terrain, with opportunities to find powder, explore different aspects, and enjoy long ski touring days among Patagonia’s granite peaks.
Lunch is carried during the day before returning to the hut for another mountain dinner.
If weather conditions limit skiing, the hut provides a comfortable environment to rest and enjoy the mountain atmosphere.
Overnight at Refugio Frey.
Day 5: Ski Out From Refugio Frey
After breakfast, enjoy an additional ski run if conditions and energy levels allow before beginning the descent and ski back toward Villa Catedral.
Transfer back to accommodation in Bariloche.
Overnight in hotel.
Day 6: Cerro Villegas and Mountain Lodge Experience
Early morning departure from Bariloche.
The group prepares packs, including sleeping bags, and drives approximately one hour toward the remote mountain area. Access includes 4WD sections and a short snowmobile transfer to reach the lodge.
After arriving and settling in, enjoy an afternoon of ski touring exploration above the tree line.
Overnight at the mountain lodge.
Day 7: Ski Touring Around Cerro Villegas
Spend the day exploring the Cerro Villegas area, known for its varied freeride terrain, small chutes, different mountain orientations, and generally favorable snow conditions.
The terrain selection depends on snow quality and weather, with several peaks and summit options available.
Return to Bariloche in the afternoon.
Overnight in Bariloche.
Day 8: Bariloche Backcountry Ski Touring Day
Final full day of ski touring in the Bariloche area.
The objective is selected according to current snow and weather conditions to find the best available backcountry skiing experience in Northern Patagonia.
End of services.
Details
Accommodation
Accommodation includes a combination of:
Hotel accommodation in Bariloche. Refugio Frey mountain hut. Mountain lodge accommodation in the Cerro Villegas / Baguales area.
The itinerary includes a mix of wilderness hut experiences and more comfortable lodge-based mountain stays.
More info
The itinerary is flexible and may be modified by the mountain guides depending on participant fitness, weather conditions, snow conditions, and logistical factors.
The Villegas and Baguales Reserve area is a private location with limited visitor access depending on the season. If access is not possible, the itinerary may be adapted with alternative hut-based or day-trip ski touring options.
Trip Difficulty Level -> Intermediate to Expert backcountry skiing
The terrain offers possibilities for beginner, intermediate, and expert backcountry skiers. The itinerary and objectives are adapted according to the group’s skiing ability, fitness, snow conditions, and weather.
Skill and Fitness Level Required
Participants should have previous ski experience and be comfortable skiing variable mountain terrain.
The trip includes:
- Ski touring with skins and uphill travel.
- Backcountry skiing in alpine terrain.
- Potential couloir skiing and steeper descents depending on conditions and group ability.
- Multi-day mountain travel carrying personal equipment.
A good level of fitness is required to enjoy consecutive days of ski touring.
Equipment you will need to bring
Personal Equipment
- 35-40L backpack.
- Down sleeping bag (around 600-700g fill recommended).
- Synthetic socks.
- Quick-dry mountain pants.
- Merino wool base layers.
- Waterproof Gore-Tex pants.
- Technical T-shirt (Capilene or merino wool).
- Thin fleece layer.
- Mid fleece layer or insulated synthetic jacket.
- Down jacket or warm insulated layer.
- Waterproof Gore-Tex jacket.
- Thin fleece gloves.
- Thick ski gloves.
- Warm hat.
- Sun hat.
- Sunglasses with UV protection.
- Ski goggles.
- Sunscreen and lip protection.
- Earplugs recommended for mountain huts.
- Toothbrush and toothpaste.
- Headlamp.
- Pocket knife.
- Water bottle.
- Thermos.
- Crocs or hut footwear.
Ski Touring Equipment
- Helmet.
- Ski touring skis, telemark skis, or splitboard with appropriate bindings.
- Ski touring boots.
- Skins.
- Ski poles.
- Avalanche shovel.
- Avalanche beacon.
- Avalanche probe.
- Boot crampons.
- Ice axe.
- Ski crampons (mandatory, especially in spring conditions).
- Harness.
- Two locking carabiners.
- Helmet.
- Ski touring skis, telemark skis, or splitboard with appropriate bindings.
- Ski touring boots.
- Skins.
- Ski poles.
- Avalanche shovel.
- Avalanche beacon.
- Avalanche probe.
- Boot crampons.
- Ice axe.
- Ski crampons (mandatory, especially in spring conditions).
- Harness.
- Two locking carabiners.
FAQs
Do I need previous ski touring experience?
The trip is suitable for beginner, intermediate, and expert backcountry skiers, with terrain selected according to the group’s ability. Previous experience with ski equipment and mountain skiing is recommended.
What type of skiing will we do during the trip?
The itinerary combines ski touring, ski mountaineering, alpine ski touring, and backcountry skiing.
Can the itinerary change?
Yes. The itinerary is flexible and may be modified according to weather, snow conditions, group fitness, and mountain logistics. The Villegas and Baguales Reserve area is a private location with limited visitor access depending on the season. If access is not possible, the itinerary may be adapted with alternative hut-based or day-trip ski touring options.
What makes Refugio Frey special for ski touring?
Refugio Frey is located in a spectacular alpine cirque surrounded by granite spires, offering diverse terrain including powder skiing, couloirs, and ski touring options.
About the guide
Andescross
5.0
(9)
Mountain Guide
Andescross offers personalized mountain adventures in Patagonia, Argentina and Chile, led by experienced UIAGM/IFMGA-certified mountain guides. Based in Bariloche, their team specializes in trekking, mountaineering, ski touring, rock climbing, glacier experiences and mountain biking across the Southern Andes. With decades of local knowledge and a passion for wild landscapes, Andescross creates tailored adventures combining safety, professionalism and authentic exploration.
While our home and core expertise lie in the breathtaking Southern Andes, we stretch the boundaries of exploration to some of the world's most spectacular alpine playgrounds:
- Patagonia (Argentina & Chile): Custom programs across the rugged landscapes of the Far South.
- The Alps: Classic climbs and ski touring trips in the cradle of mountaineering.
- Norway: Sailing and ski touring and dream lines winding down to the fjords.
- Antarctica: Once-in-a-lifetime expeditions to the pristine white continent.
Languages
French | English | Spanish
Certificates
UIAGM | IFMGA
What people are saying about this trip
Harry
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.
Adam
Tatyana
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