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Ski Touring & Backcountry skiing in Ushuaia

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Join Merlín, a UIAGM-certified mountain guide, for this scenic, exciting and fun 7-day adventure backcountry skiing in Ushuaia. Explore a different mountain and valley each day of the trip before climbing Cerro Alvear on the penultimate day.

Private

Andes

7 Days

Aug, Sep, Oct

Fit

Intermediate


Highlights

  • Enjoy the stunning scenery of Tierra del Fuego.
  • Explore a different resort or mountain each day.
  • Climb to the summit of Cerro Alvear and ski back down the East Face.

Description

Situated on the southernmost tip of Tierra del Fuego,  backcountry skiing in Ushuaia is the perfect way to spend your last week of summer holidays!

Sandwiched in between the tail of the Andes Mountains and the Beagle Channel, Ushuaia is home to plenty of incredible and isolated mountain and valley landscapes!

Over the course of our week together, we will head out into the heart of this pristine landscape, enjoying stunning views and some of the highest quality powder in the Andes.

Each day we will head somewhere new, starting out in the local ski resorts for a bit of a warm up before progressing to the highlight of the trip: climbing Cerro Alvear!

However, before then, we will head to El Castor mountain and Cinco Hermano peak to ski on their slopes. From scenic vistas, we’ll enjoy incredible views back over Ushuaia as well as over the Beagle Channel.

We will also have the chance to ski in the magnificent Olum Valley and El Martial.

We cap off the trip by using our ice axes and crampons to climb to the summit of Cerro Alvear, before enjoying a phenomenal run back down the East Face.

By the time the trip is over and we are taking you back to the airport, you will already be planning your next adventure back!

So what are you waiting for? Book now for this scenic and exciting 7-day adventure  backcountry skiing in Ushuaia!

If you like the look of this trip then I think you may also enjoy my ski touring day in Cerro Vespignani!

Price includes

- Guiding fee

- Accommodation included

- Transport during the trip

- Breakfast

- Lunch

Price details

Please note personal insurance is not included in the price of the trip and is mandatory.


Itinerary

Day 1: Arrival

After meeting at Ushuaia Airport, we will transfer to the hotel and go over the itinerary for the trip.

Day 2: El Castor

We will spend the day skiing at El Castor ski resort, including on the slopes of Castor Mountain.

Day 3: El Martial

We will spend the day skiing in the scenic valley of El Martial, above Ushuaia.

Day 4: Olum Valley & Cinco Hermanos peak

We will spend the day skiing on the Cinco Hermanos peaks above the Olum Valley.

Day 5: Cerro Alvear

We will climb to the top of Cerro Alvear using crampons and an ice axe before descending back down into the valley below.

Day 6: Paso Garibaldi

We will spend the day ski touring Paso Garibalid, either into Olum Valley or El Martial.

Day 7: Departure

We will take you to the airport and say our goodbyes.

 

Details

More info

Equipment list: • Backpacks 30 liters • Head lump • Water bottle and small thermo flask • Merino or synthetic base layers • Mid layer fleece • Down or synthetic puffy jacket (hooded) • 2 pairs of gloves • Warm hut and buff • Extra socks • Waterproof pants and Jacket ( Gore-Tex) • Lens and goggles • Sun bloc & lip protection • Ski touring set: Skis, skins, boots, ski crampons, ski poles (compressible ideal). • Crampons & Ice Axe* • Safety avalanche set: Shovel, beacon, probe* • Helmet (optional)

Meeting point

Ushuaia Airport

Equipment you will need to bring

Sunglasses


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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