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Gorra Blanca guided 5 day tour with splitboard

Gorra Blanca Expedition in El Chalten
Gorra Blanca guided 5 day tour with splitboard
Gorra Blanca guided 5 day tour with splitboard
Gorra Blanca guided 5 day tour with splitboard
Gorra Blanca guided 5 day tour with splitboard

Reach the summit of Gorra Blanca with Merlín, an IFMGA certified guide, on this 5 day splitboarding tour. Enjoy the finest powder snow, the most thrilling descents and incomparable views in the Patagonia.

Not specified

Andes

5 Days

Oct, Nov

Fit

Intermediate


Description

The Patagonia is a stunning wild area in the South of Argentina and Chile. Join me on this splitboarding trip, and let’s explore the Gorra Blanca and other wonderful spots in the Argentinian Patagonia.

The Gorra Blanca (2,910) is a magnificent mountain located in the Patagonia Ice Cap in Argentina. Due to its location near the Paso Marconi, it is very easy to access to.

We’ll visit spots such as El Chaltén and Río Eléctrico, a wonderful trail-head. We’ll also go to Paso Marconi. From there you will get some of the best views of the area, including Mount Fitz Roy and Gorra Blanca.

The crown jewel of our trip will be our ascent to Gorra Blanca. You’ll find ice slopes on the way to the summit with an average inclination ranging 30º to 40º. Weather permitting, you might see from the summit the Lautaro Volcano, Torre and the Patagonian Ice cap, a spectacle hard to compare!

And the best part will begin on our way back. From the Gorra Blanca’s summit you will enjoy the absolutely best snowboarding terrain! Pristine snow and thrilling descents of about 1,300 meters of altitude are waiting for you. Additionally, you’ll enjoy some splitboarding all the route back to the mountain hut. Moreover, the views you will get along the way are just undescriptible!

Climbing the Gorra Blanca doesn’t represent technical difficulty. But, because of its location on a glacial surface, it is catalogued as a sustained-level mountain. So, for that reason, you need to have previous experience splitboarding. You’ll also need to bring your personal equipment, such as crampons.

If you are up for the challenge, and wish to explore this part of the world, send me a request. I will make sure you have a fantastic time in one of the most wild, remote and gorgeous parts on Earth! You can also check out this trip Trekking Cerro Huemul loop in El Chalten.

Price includes

- Guiding fee

- Transportation start and back


Itinerary

Day 1: La Playita

We will begin our adventure after a trip to Río Eléctrico. After that, we will hike for about 2 hours until we reach Piedra del Fraile, a private campsite with services available. Then, we will head to our next campsite, where we’ll spend the night: La Playita.

Day 2: Paso Marconi

On our second day we will splitboard across the Patagonia and hike up 1,550 meters to Paso Marconi. The hike will take us around 9 hours and we’ll gain an elevation of 1,000 meters. Then, we’ll set our camp at the Gorra Blanca mountain hut. And, you don’t have to worry about food, since the meals that are included are breakfast, a box lunch and dinner.

Day 3 to 4: Summit days

On these 2 days we will reach the summit of Gorra Blanca, and enjoy the best descents on the way back.

Please note that if the conditions are not adequate to get to the top, we’ll count on an extra day. As the previous days, the meals included are breakfast, a box lunch and dinner.

Day 5: Piedra del Fraile – El Chaltén

Finally, on our last day we will return to Rio Eléctrico bridge, where a transfer will take us back to El Chaltén. A breakfast and a box lunch are included on this day.

 

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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