Details
Trip Duration
1+ day
Mountain Range
Andes
People per Guide
2 people
Trip Level
Intermediate
Offer Period
Jan, Feb, Mar, Apr, Nov, Dec
Type of Trip
Not specified
The Frey Valley is surely one of the best areas to climb in Patagonia, with the most perfect orange granite spires!
Its my pleasure to help you learn the secrets of rock climbing in this 4-day trip. The best and most varied climbing itineraries are only a 3-hour walk up from the cozy Frey Hut, at 1700 meters of altitude. Here, we will find an option for each level of experience.
Moreover, I learned most of my climbing skills and fell in love with Patagonia right in the Frey Valley. That is why I decided to make Bariloche my new home and invite people there!
The rock walls in the Frey Valley offer great spires with amazing cracks to start gaining confidence with the rock and the basic skills. I always recommend to spend at least 3 or 4 days in the place.
Of course our biggest goal will be “the Principal”. Its the highest spire in the area with 2405 meters. Its normal route is quite accessible. We will start with a 5th-class climb (intermediate) and after few moves we’ll be at the top enjoying an outstanding view.
There are many other spires nearby, such as the “Abuelo” or “La vieja”. All of them provide great routes of different difficulties.
So, if you want to do some climbing in the area this is the right place. Fill out the form and contact me. I am looking forward to sharing some rock climbing time with you!
Price per person per day
Price includes
- Guiding fee
- Group equipment
What happens if I need to cancel the trip?
If you decide to cancel, you’ll get a 100% refund (minus fees) if the cancellation is notified up to 60 days before the start of the tour, a 75% refund (minus fees) if you cancel between 59 and 30 days before the start of the tour, and a 50% refund if you cancel between 29 and 21 days before the start of the tour. If you cancel less than 21 days before the first day of the tour, you won’t receive a refund.
Take into account, however, that if accommodation, flights or transfers were included in the trip you booked, then a different policy may apply as the guide will be bound by the provider’s cancellation policy.
What happens if the guide cancels the trip because of bad weather/unsuitable conditions?
If bad weather or unsuitable conditions force the guide to cancel the trip, he or she will: a) propose a similar activity at a different place where conditions are better, or b) propose to postpone the activity until a later date, or c) cancel. If you refuse option a), our cancellation policy will apply. Please note, however, that the call to cancel a trip due to bad weather can only be made by the guide (not the client).
What happens if the guide doesn’t show up or cancels for personal reasons?
If the guide cancels for reason of injury or other, you will get a 100% refund on your trip.
Itinerary
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Day 1:
Cathedral Ski Resort - Frey Hut
Meeting in Bariloche where we will check the gear and head to the Catedral ski resort. From here a gentle 3-hour climb up to the hut. We will enjoy the place and get ready for an afternoon of rock climbing.
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Day 2:
El Abuelo or La Vieja climbs
A short hike to the base of a different Spire, which could be the “Abuelo”, M2 or “ La vieja”. The routes are around 100-to-150-meter long. Their difficulty levels vary from 5th grades to harder ones for those more experienced.
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Day 3:
La Principal, the main tower
Today we can tackle the main tower called the “Principal”. A little longer approach to the base. From here it starts a really easy section to the first pitch. Then, a little steeper one with some cracks. The views get better and better. Soon, we will be at the last pitch relying on the excellent adherence that granite has!!
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Day 4:
More climbs and back town
Today there will be still plenty of more climbing options. I would recommend the classic, Sifuentes Weber on the Frey spire, before heading down in the afternoon.
Other details
I provide gear equipment
About the Guide
UIAGM-IFMGA guide in Argentina
I grew up in Buenos Aires to Scottish parents. I was lucky to travel and camp all around this beautiful country hence developing a great passion for the outdoors.
So once I finished my degree in Physical Educacion and also had a Trekking Guide certification (1997), and after spending my summers as a climbing bum up at Frey, I decided Bariloche was the place I wanted to live in.
My passion has allowed me to pursue my dreams of climbing some big walls in Yosemite, the Bugaboos, some faces in the Alps and Dolomites and other closer to here in Brasil, Peru and Bolivia.
I spent a few season working down in Southern Patagonia, El Chalten at the Base of Fitz Roy and Cerro Torre. Here I learned my skills in dealing with all the minor details of managing groups.
Later when Argentina proudly became part of the IFMGA/UAIGM, I took part in the first course/promotion and got certified as a Technical guide (2005).
I’ve been leading trips with NOLS and Outward Bound for the last decade almost and got to learn the soft skills for personal development which has made my expertise as a Guide a lot richer.
Now settled for sometime in Bariloche with a family (two beautiful daughters Sarah and Camila), I’ve decided to work more and more for myself and directly with potential clients and future friends.
Focusing mainly in tailor made programs specially developed for each individual interest. Backcountry skiing, Mountaineering, Rock cimbing, etc!!!
Looking forward to sharing some great times together!!!
What People Say about Craig Ross