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
5 Days
Oct, Nov
Fit
Intermediate
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.
- Guiding fee
- Transportation start and back
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**_.
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.
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.
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.
5.00
(4)
Mountain 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!
Certificates
AAGM | UIAGM
Tatsuya
5.00
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.
Dorothy
5.00
Merlin was great—very knowledgeable, encouraging, and safe. I would definitely climb with him again and recommend his services very, very highly!
Gülçin
5.00
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
Jamie
5.00
Could not recommend both Merlin and his touring itineraries more. He went above and beyond from guiding us to lines I will never forget to showing us how an asado is done to renting me his *personal* skis for 2 weeks to make sure I had the best equipment for the adventure. He’s not like other guides I’ve had before, pushing us to get the most rewarding experience possible. Already looking forward to the next adventure.
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