Explore the stunning 2,146m high Cerro Vespignani, in the beautiful Argentine Patagonia, in a splitboarding day tour along with IFMGA-certified mountain guide Merlin. This program is for experienced riders.
Not specified
1 Day
Jul, Aug, Sep, Oct
Fit
Intermediate
The Cerro Vespignani is one of the most visited peaks around the small mountain village of El Chalten (400m), in the province of Santa Cruz, in Argentina’s southern Patagonia region. Standing at 2,146 meters, it features great backcountry terrain and amazing snow, perfect for skiing and snowboarding enthusiasts! Moreover, it offers breathtaking views to the Fitz Roy (3,405m), one of the most iconic peaks in the Andes Range (6,961m), and to the Southern Patagonian Ice Field (12,363 km2), the world’s second largest contiguous non-polar ice field.
Our tour will depart early in the morning from El Chalten, located within the Los Glaciares National Park (7,269.27km2), the largest natural reserve in the country. We will drive 38 kilometers to the Lago Del Desierto (600m). From the parking lot, we will trek for an hour to the base of the Huemul Glacier, and then climb over 6 to 7 hours to the summit. After a short rest at the top, we will ride down Cerro Vespignani’s spectacular slopes over 2 hours, returning to the parking lot, and arriving back at El Chalten by the afternoon.
From the parking lot in Lago del Desierto, the route involves a 1,500-meter ascent. While this is not a technical climb, it features a few challenging sections. I will take a maximum of 4 people on this tour. To be able to join, they should be in good shape and have prior splitboarding experience. They also need to bring their own personal equipment, including regular and splitboard crampons.
Don’t miss this memorable splitboarding outing in the heart of the Argentine Patagonia. Book your trip now!
For your reference, I also offer a ski touring version of this program. If you are looking for other similar activities around El Chalten, check out the splitboarding day in Glaciar de Los Tres and the tailored splitboarding 1+day tours to other iconic peaks in the area.
- Guiding fee
- Transportation start and back
Please note that the group equipment includes: crampons, harness, rope, VHF radio or satellite phone, and first-aid kit.
More info
Meeting point
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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