Join IFMGA-certified mountain guide Merlín on a fascinating 7-day splitboarding trip around El Chalten, in the Andes Range, in the stunning Argentine Patagonia.
MOUNTAIN RANGES
Andes
DURATION
7 Days
OFFER PERIOD
Aug, Sep
FITNESS LEVEL
Fit
SKILL LEVEL
Intermediate
PAYMENT METHODS
Credit Card, Wire Transfer and more!
El Chalten (400m) is a small alpine village located in the province of Santa Cruz, in Argentina’s southern Patagonia region. It lays within the Los Glaciares National Park (7,269.27km2), the largest natural reserve in the country. Surrounded by scenic peaks in the southern Andes (6,961m), magnificent glaciers, glacial lakes, and virgin forests, El Chalten is considered to be Argentina’s Trekking Capital.
The village’s backcountry area features great off-piste terrain, in contact with wild nature, far away from the crowds. During our one-week tour, we will ride across several mountains, such as Cerro Vespigniani (2,146m), Cerro Madsen (1,806m), and Loma del Diablo (1,800m). Along the way, we will enjoy breathtaking views to the famous Cerro Torre (3,128m) and Fitz Roy (3,405m) peaks, as well as to the Southern Patagonian Ice Field (12,363 km2), the world’s second largest contiguous non-polar ice field. The exact itinerary will be adjusted according to the snow and weather conditions, as well as to travelers’ preferences.
We will stay 4 nights in a comfortable hostel in El Chalten and the remaining 2 nights at the Poincenot campsite (750m).
I will take a maximum of 4 people on this trip. Participants must be in good shape and have prior splitboarding experience. They also need to take their own personal equipment, including regular and splitboarding crampons.
Explore El Chalten’s picturesque surroundings in this splitboarding week. Book your trip now!
In case you are interested, I also offer a ski touring version of this program. If you are looking for other winter activities in El Chalten, I recommend the ascent to Gorra Blanca and the ski tour day in De Los Tres Glacier. If you are considering other splitboarding experiences in the Argentine Patagonia, check out the 6-day adventure in Bariloche.
- Accommodation included
- Guiding fee
- Transportation start and back
- Transport during the trip
Secure your spot with just 25% payment
48-hour free cancellation with 30-day advance booking
Flight to the city of El Calafate’s airport (Santa Cruz) and transfer to El Chalten, around 220km away, where we will meet. Preparatory meeting to review equipment and itinerary. Lodging in El Chalten.
Transfer to the Mosquito River. Riding day in Loma del Diablo (1,800m). Vertical drop: 1,200m. Overnight in El Chalten.
Transfer to Lago del Desierto (506m). Splitboarding in Cerro Vespignani (2,146m). Vertical drop: 1,500m. Lodging in El Chalten.
Approach to the Fitz Roy base camp. Optional afternoon splitboarding in De Los Tres Glacier (0,83km2). Overnight at Poincenot campsite (750m).
Splitboarding in Cerro Madsen (1,806m). Vertical Gain: 1,000m. Overnight at Poincenot campsite (750m).
Return to El Chalten, where we will spend the last night.
Transfer to El Calafate airport. End of the program.
More info
You will need to bring: • Splitboarding gear (splitboard, boots, bindings, skins, poles, crampons) • Safety equipment (shovel, beacon, and probe*) • Trekking shoes and gaiters • Waterproof pants and jacket (Gore-Tex) • Down or synthetic hooded jacket • Merino wool or synthetic base layers • Polar 100 and wind stopper • 2 pairs of gloves • Warm hat and buff • Extra socks • Sleeping bag and mattress* • 30-60-litres backpacks • Water bottle and small thermo flask • Headlamp • Sunglasses and goggles • Sunscreen and lip balm Items marked * can be rented at El Chalten
Meeting point
5.00
(78)
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
David
5.00
The guide was Valerie not Merlin. Valerie was super helpful and we had one of our best days in Patagonia! We hope that our use of Explore Share website ensured that the local guide was well compensated. Everything was well organised, the talk on the way about the trek was super interesting. The views stunning.
Nicole
5.00
Teo was our guide and he was great! He was very knowledgeable about the different wildlife and plants. Without him we would have never attempted to summit or descend (which was worse - his belaying and short roping was totally awesome and we felt in good hands). The weather wasn’t the best but he definitely helped guide us on what to do with the crazy winds we got. His English was very good as well. Totally recommend this for anyone seeking a great adventure and these guys made us feel very ready with all the questions and information they gave us before the day! If you want a real adventure do this and not just Laguna de los Tres!
Maeve
5.00
Great hike, exhilarating and so much beautiful scenery! Thank you Marco. Grateful for the hiking poles on the incline to the Laguna.
Kathryn
5.00
Teo was a lot of fun and very knowledgeable about the area. He was very considerate of how I was getting on. I had an amazing time!
Sean
5.00
Merlin is the top climbing guide in Chalten. Anything from simple sport climbing to hard multi pitches. I did a sport day with my brother and our girlfriends. We went to two different crags in Chalten, and climbed 10 routes, fun for the whole family. I got to lead climb and had my girlfriend belay me for the first time. Thanks Merlin and Martin! I want to return to climb Guillaumet with Merlin!
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