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El Chalten Guided Ski Touring Week

El Chalten Guided Ski Touring Week
El Chalten
El Chalten Guided Ski Touring Week
Monviso

Ski touring week in El Chalten with Merlin, IFMGA local guide. Enjoy great snow and incredible views of Fitz Roy, Cerro Torre and the Southern Ice Cap!

Private and Group

Andes

7 Days

Aug, Sep


Description

El Chalten, located in the Argentinean Patagonia, has amazing options for backcountry ski lovers. Not only the terrain is perfect but the views of Cerro Torre, Fitz Roy and the Southern Ice Field are breathtaking.

Some of my favourite places where to ski are the following:

  • Loma del Diablo

  • Cerro Vespigniani

  • Cerro Madsen

Since they are extremely remote, it will be rare to find other people around us. Of course there are more popular places that offer us unforgettable experiences on snow. That's why I would also like to recommend my ski touring programs in Bariloche (6 days) and around the Chilean volcanoes (8 days).

For this ski touring trip in El Chalten, having experience and a good fitness level is very important, since we will approach the snow carrying our own skis.

During the week we'll spend the night in the best campsites in El Chalten. However, we are flexible to adapt the itinerary according to the weather conditions and your wishes.

So, if you find this ski touring program interesting, please get in touch with me so we can plan the trip together! If you prefer to join me only for a ski touring day in El Chaltén, it's also possible, or join me on a 2-week combined El Chaltén and Bariloche ski touring program!

El Chalten has something for everyone. Contact me now!

Price includes

- Guiding fee

- Accommodation included

- Transportation start and back

- Transport during the trip

- Group porters

- Breakfast

Price details

Price per person to join a group (Min group size: 4 people).

Price does not include personal insurance, personal equipment, international or internal flights, restaurant meals and drinks, porters, lift tickets, or tips.

It includes meals when using mountain huts or camping.

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: El Chaltén

Reception at El Calafate Airport and transfer to El Chaltén, where we will meet. Check your equipment and the program in detail. Lodging at El Chaltén.

Day 2: Loma del Diablo

Transfer to the Mosquito River. Ski in Loma del Diablo (1800 m). Vertical drop: 1200 m. Lodging at El Chaltén.

Day 3: Cerro Vespigniani

Transfer to Lago del Desierto. Ski touring in Cerro Vespignani (2146 m). Vertical drop: 1500 m. Lodging at El Chaltén.

Day 4: Fitz Roy base camp

Approach to the Fitz Roy base camp. Optional ski in the afternoon at Glacier de los Tres. Camp at Poincenot.

Day 5: Cerro Madsen

Skiing day in the Cerro Madsen (1806 m). Vertical Gain: 1000 m. Camp at Poincenot.

Day 6: El Chaltén

Back to El Chaltén where you’ll spend the last night.

Day 7: Ending point

Transfer to El Calafate Airport. End of the services.

 

Details

Accommodation

4 nights in hostel (double room) and then camping.

More info

Necessary Equipment:

Backpacks 30 and 60 liters, sleeping bag and sleeping mattress, headlamp, water bottle and small thermo flask, trekking shoes, gaiters, merino or synthetic base layers, polar 100 and wind stopper, down or synthetic hooded jacket, 2 pairs of gloves, warm hut and buff, extra socks, waterproof pants and Jacket (Gore-Tex), lens and goggles, sunscreen & lip protection, ski touring set (skis, skins, boots, and poles), safety set (shovel, beacon, probe)

Note: The items marked * can be rented at El Chaltén.

CONFIRMED DATES 2017:

July 22th-28th July 29th-Aug 4th Aug 5th-11th Aug 14th-20th

Meeting point

El Chaltén.

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

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.

Tatsuya Sato

5.00

January, 2022

Mojon Rojo was my second climb with Merlin (I climbed Cerro Electrico with him 2 days earlier.) But it was like climbing with your old friend. I had an amazing time climbing with him. His climbing skills and knowledge are top notch. I can’t wait to climb more peaks in Patagonia with him.

Kathrin Mönch

5.00

September, 2021

The traveller did not leave a comment.


 

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