5.0
(15)





Discover some of the best skiing the Andes has to offer on this guided trip based at the legendary Refugio Frey. Explore varied terrain—from mellow bowls to steep pitches and classic couloirs—guided daily by certified local professionals who prioritize safety, snow quality, and fun.
Group
Andes
4 Days
Aug
Intermediate
Intermediate
Discover some of the best skiing the Andes has to offer during this guided trip!
Experience one of Patagonia’s most iconic ski touring journeys on this 4-day guided adventure based at the legendary Refugio Frey in Bariloche, Argentina. Designed for skiers and splitboarders seeking authentic backcountry terrain, this trip blends pristine powder, aesthetic couloirs, and dramatic granite spires into one stunning alpine experience.
From our mountain base, you’ll access a wide variety of terrain ranging from 25° open bowls to steeper 40° lines and classic couloirs. Each day is thoughtfully planned by certified local guides who know the Frey zone inside and out, maximizing both safety and snow quality while adapting to weather and conditions.
Small group sizes ensure a personalized experience, efficient transitions, and more time enjoying Patagonia’s wild backcountry. After full days in the mountains, return to the warm, welcoming atmosphere of the Frey hut to refuel, relax, and share stories beneath the towering granite walls that make this area so unique.
Book now to discover the wonders of the backcountry near Bariloche during a privately guided trip around the iconic Refugio Frey!
Meeting point
Meet your guide at Cerro Catedral for a warm welcome, gear check, and safety briefing before you set off. The route begins with a steady skin up through classic alpine terrain, crossing the Col de los Vientos and enjoying your first guided descents of the trip amid sweeping views of the Catedral Range.
By late afternoon you’ll arrive at Refugio Frey — a snug mountain hut tucked beneath granite spires — where you’ll settle in, share dinner, and go over the plan for tomorrow.
Wake to an Andean sunrise and a hot breakfast, then head out for a full day of touring. The Frey zone delivers everything from steep couloirs to jagged granite needles; your guide will pick the best lines for conditions so you can make fresh descents.
Break for a hot lunch back at the hut, then get one more afternoon run in before returning for dinner and an evening by the fire.
On day three you’ll push farther into the Catedral Range in search of untouched powder, hidden bowls, and long, rewarding pitches.
The day is tailored to the group’s goals and snowpack. Return to the refuge for a well-earned meal and time to swap stories with your companions.
Enjoy a final morning of skiing around Refugio Frey, soaking up the terrain one last time. After packing, you’ll skin/descend back toward Cerro Catedral, carving scenic slopes.
Arrive at the resort in the afternoon with great memories of powder, big lines, and the unique atmosphere of Refugio Frey.
5.0
(25)
Mountain Guide
EsNativa Backcountry is a guiding service based in Santiago and Patagonia, Chile-Argentina. Founded in 2020, we have a team of certified guides from UAIGM, ACGM, and AGCM. We are passionate, certified, and professional, with many of our guides having over 10 years of experience with us.
We specialize in backcountry touring and ski trips, offering an exclusive service for small groups. We are 100% locally owned and operated.
As local operators, we focus on the Andes mountains, where we have extensive experience in the best backcountry skiing locations. Our aim is to provide a personalized experience for our clients, from our base of operations to the guides, ensuring they have the best cultural and sporting experience in the Andes.
Languages
English | French | Spanish
Certificates
IFMGA | AAGM
We had an absolutely wonderful experience with Esnativa! From start to finish, everything was seamless, safe, and completely worry-free. The accommodations were terrific—comfortable, welcoming, and well thought out in every detail. What really made the trip special, though, were the incredibly knowledgeable and friendly guides. A heartfelt thank you to Augustin, Pedro, and Felipe (Pipe) for going above and beyond to make our journey so memorable.
Esnativa helped us have a spectacular time at Nevados de Chillan. If you are looking for a group to get you on the right path to the pow stashes. These are your guys!
I wish I could give 6 stars. Esnativa went above and beyond to help with a wide variety of logistical tasks that made my trip immensely better. In the resort, side country, and back country, Agus is a talented mountaineer who keenly manages safety, while keeping the vibe extremely fun and light. Skiing is about fun, and these guys did an exemplary job making sure I was able to get the very most out of my time in Chile. That is the highest complement I can give a guide company. I can't recommend them enough and I will definitely be back next Winter--thanks to all at Esnativa!!!
My family skied with Niki and we made memories that will last us the rest of our lives. He was a pro from start to finish, and he quickly felt like someone we’ve known all our lives. We felt completely safe with Niki, which meant that we were able to have the most fun. His humor, knowledge, and love for Bariloche seeped into every moment of our adventure. Will be on a high from this trip for a while!
Unforgettable Backcountry Skiing with Esnativa – An Experience of a Lifetime I had the absolute pleasure of skiing with Esnativa Backcountry in Chile, and it was nothing short of spectacular. From the very first day, it was clear this was going to be more than just a ski trip — it was an adventure I’ll be talking about for years. The snow conditions were unreal — deep, dry powder that seemed endless, with untouched lines and terrain that felt like it was made just for us. Every descent was better than the last, framed by jaw-dropping views of the Andes that constantly reminded us we were in one of the most beautiful places on Earth. But what truly made this trip unforgettable was the guiding. Agustín is not only an expert in the mountains — his knowledge, professionalism, and eye for safe, thrilling terrain were top-tier — but he’s also an incredible human being. By the end of the trip, he wasn’t just our guide — he was a friend, and someone I genuinely look forward to seeing again. This was my first time skiing with Esnativa, but it will not be the last. I’m already planning to come back with even more friends so they can experience what I did. If you’re looking for authentic, exhilarating, and expertly guided backcountry skiing in Chile, look no further.
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