In the wild granite amphitheaters of Northern Patagonia, a true ski traverse unfolds.
Moving hut to hut across glacial basins and alpine ridges, this expedition links the iconic Refugio Frey, Refugio Jakob and Refugio López in one continuous mountain journey.
This is not a lodge-based ski trip.
It is a real mountain crossing.
A refined, fully supported Patagonian ski touring expedition designed for experienced backcountry skiers seeking authentic alpine travel in one of the most dramatic landscapes of the Southern Hemisphere.
• Lift-assisted entry into the backcountry
• Granite cirques and steep couloirs
• Remote hut nights under the Patagonian sky
• Long alpine traverses between mountain basins
• Flexible routing adapted to snowpack and weather
Each day is shaped by conditions, terrain and group flow.
The traverse demands movement, awareness and mountain decision-making.
Expect:
Granite cirques and aesthetic couloirs
Wide alpine bowls and classic spring lines
Long ridge connections
Glacial valleys and sheltered forest approaches
Daily vertical gain typically ranges between 800–1,200 m.
This is a physically demanding alpine traverse designed for strong, experienced ski tourers comfortable in complex mountain terrain.
Suena más profesional.
Participants must have:
• 2–3 full seasons of ski touring experience
• Strong downhill skiing in variable snow
• Familiarity with avalanche safety equipment
• Basic crampon and light ice axe proficiency
• Good overall fitness for multi-day travel with a backpack
This program is designed for experienced backcountry skiers and is not suitable as a first ski touring experience.
Refugio Frey
Refugio Jakob
Refugio López
All huts offer shared dorm-style rooms, heated common areas and half board (dinner and breakfast).
Please note: Patagonian mountain huts do not have showers. Accommodation is simple, authentic and mountain-style.
Hostería Las Marianas — a family-run boutique hotel located in downtown Bariloche.
Comfortable triple rooms and excellent breakfast service.
Mid-September to Mid October.
Stable snowpack, longer daylight hours and optimal spring touring conditions.
This traverse is ideal for:
• Ski tourers looking for a true multi-day journey rather than a basecamp format
• Strong skiers comfortable in varied spring snow conditions
• Mountain travelers who value flexibility and terrain-based decision making
• Small groups seeking a professionally guided Patagonian alpine experience
Certified IFMGA / AAGM Mountain Guide(s)
Continuous support and coordination by Julián Pajarola, ISAGM ski guide anda AAA pro member.
Shared dorm-style accommodation at Refugio Frey, Refugio Jakob and Refugio López.
Breakfast, packed lunches & homemade dinners.
All airport transfers and mountain logistics throughout the program.
Lift access included for warm-up and approach days when required by the itinerary.
Secure luggage storage in Bariloche during hut segment.
International and domestic flights to/from Bariloche (BRC).
Participants must carry valid rescue and evacuation insurance covering ski touring and mountaineering activities. Proof of coverage may be requested prior to departure.
Skis, boots, avalanche gear, and personal items.
Dinner on Day 2 in Bariloche, beverages at huts and hotel, and any meals not specifically listed as included.
Gratuities for guides and hut staff.
Ski touring and avalanche equipment rental (available upon request).
Mountain itineraries may be modified due to weather, snowpack conditions and safety considerations.
Arrival at Bariloche Airport (BRC).
Private transfer to the hotel.
Afternoon gear check and program briefing with your guide.
Welcome dinner in town.
Overnight in Bariloche.
A preparatory ski day to assess conditions and group dynamics.
Option A – Cerro Catedral (Lift-Assisted)
Sidecountry terrain and skier assessment.
Option B – Challhuaco Valley (Full Touring)
A scenic glacial valley offering reliable terrain in windy conditions.
Return to hotel in Bariloche.
Overnight in town.
Transfer to Cerro Catedral.
Lift access to optimize energy for the traverse.
Short sidecountry warm-up before beginning the ski touring approach to Refugio Frey.
Afternoon ski options in the Frey granite cirques.
Overnight at Refugio Frey.
A full alpine touring day in one of Patagonia’s most iconic granite basins.
Multiple couloirs, bowls and ridge lines depending on conditions.
Second night at Refugio Frey.
Ski touring traverse linking Frey and Jakob basins.
Optional ski descents along the route depending on snow stability and group energy.
Arrival at Refugio Jakob in the afternoon.
Dinner and overnight at Jakob.
Expansive alpine terrain offering ski lines on multiple aspects.
Steep couloirs, classic spring descents and wide bowls.
Second night at Refugio Jakob.
Full mountain day.
Early departure for a long alpine passage connecting Jakob basin to López.
A rewarding traverse with spectacular views across Northern Patagonia.
Overnight at Refugio López.
Morning ski touring in the López area, with options such as:
• Pico Turista
• Filo de las Cabras
• López Bowls
Descent to trailhead and private transfer back to Bariloche.
Farewell dinner.
Final overnight in town.
Chilco Experiencias de Montaña is a boutique mountain guiding company based in Northern Patagonia, Argentina and Chile.
We specialize in volcano ski touring, backcountry programs, and mountain training experiences designed for small, performance-oriented groups.
Founded in 2020, Chilco combines professional guiding standards, personalized logistics, and carefully selected accommodations to deliver immersive and high-quality mountain experiences.
Our programs focus on safety, strong vertical objectives, and meaningful connection with the landscape and local culture.
