in Patagonia

Total Duration: Approx. 15 Days
12 program days + up to 2 travel days before and up to 2 travel days after the program

18-19 September | Travel to Argentina
Individual travel to the departure airport and flight from Europe to Argentina. Continue to San Carlos de Bariloche, arriving either the same day or the following day depending on flight connections. Transfer to the hotel and time to recover from the journey.

19 September | Arrival & Briefing
Late afternoon arrival in Bariloche and meeting with the guides. Together, we review the current snow and weather conditions, discuss the itinerary for the coming days, and prepare for the adventure ahead. There will also be time to check personal equipment and make any final adjustments. Overnight stay in a hotel in Bariloche.

Note: The exact travel schedule depends on available flight connections.

Ski Touring Around Bariloche

20 September | Cerro Catedral
Warm-up at Cerro Catedral Ski Resort
Our first ski day is dedicated to getting accustomed to Patagonia's unique snow conditions and terrain. We use the day to check equipment and enjoy our first descents within the resort. Overnight stay in a hotel in Bariloche.

21 September | Cerro Challhuaco
Ski tour to Cerro Challhuaco with approximately 800 metres of ascent. The route leads through beautiful lenga forests and offers spectacular views of the surrounding mountains. Depending on snow and weather conditions, several descent options are available.

Overnight stay in a hotel in Bariloche.

22-23 September | Refugio López
Two days of ski touring around Refugio López. With two to three ascents each day, we explore classic ski lines and potential summit objectives, including:

• Filo de las Cabras
• Pico Magnat
• Pico Turista

The final choice of routes and descents depends on snow, weather, and avalanche conditions. Overnight stay in a hotel in Bariloche.

24 September | Rest Day
A day to relax and recover in Bariloche. Enjoy some downtime, good food, and prepare for the second part of the journey. We will also check all equipment and safety gear for the upcoming six-day hut-to-hut backcountry ski traverse. Overnight stay in a hotel in Bariloche.

6-Day Hut-to-Hut Backcountry Ski Traverse Through Patagonia

The second part of the trip takes us deep into some of the most spectacular ski touring terrain around Bariloche. Mountain huts, long ascents, technical descents, and breathtaking scenery make this an unforgettable backcountry experience.

25 September | Refugio Jakob
After a final warm-up at Cerro Catedral, we leave the ski resort behind and venture into the wilderness of Patagonia. The ascent to Refugio Jakob leads through spectacular mountain terrain and marks the beginning of our multi-day backcountry traverse. After gaining approximately 1,200 metres of elevation, we reach the remote mountain hut. Overnight stay at Refugio Jakob.

26-27 September | Jakob Valley
Two full days exploring the Jakob Valley, with two to three ascents each day.

Possible objectives include:

• Palas del Constructores
• Valle del Fresco
• Couloirs of Cerro Brecha Negra

Depending on conditions, a variety of routes and descent options are available. Throughout the tour, stunning views open up towards the Cordon del Catedral, Volcán Tronador, and the rugged Patagonian mountains. Overnight stay at Refugio Jakob.

28 September | Jakob - Frey Traverse
A true classic of the region. Crossing the Paso Brecha Negra, we travel from the Jakob area into the Frey Basin. Moving through spectacular high-alpine terrain, we reach Laguna Toncek and Refugio Frey. Overnight stay at Refugio Frey.

29 September | Aguja Principal
Today's objective focuses on the slopes surrounding Aguja Principal. Depending on snow and weather conditions, excellent couloirs and open slopes provide outstanding skiing opportunities. Overnight stay at Refugio Frey.

30 September | Valle Van Titter
To conclude the traverse, we enjoy a long descent through Valle Van Titter. Following the valley back toward Cerro Catedral, we expect to reach the base area at approximately 4:00 PM. After six days in the backcountry, the traverse comes to an end. An additional day remains available as a contingency or recovery day if needed.

1-2 October | Return Journey & Arrival in Europe
Depending on flight schedules, transfer to Bariloche Airport and return flight to Europe, usually via Buenos Aires. Arrival at your home airport will be either on the same calendar day or the following day, depending on your connections.

Services Included

• 16 days of trip organisation by Mountain Sports
• 12 days of guiding by a local UIAGM-certified mountain guide
• 16 days of guiding by Bernhard Neumann, UIAGM-certified mountain guide and Mountain Sports guide
• Mountain hut accommodation with half board – overnight stays including breakfast and dinner
• Accommodation in Bariloche with Breakfast – overnight stays in a local hotel
• Satellite emergency communication – satellite communication device available throughout the tour
• Lift passes – lift tickets for access to Cerro Catedral on the relevant days
• Mountain transfers – transfers to and from the trailheads and tour starting poin
• Transfer from the Airport to the Hotel in Bariloche

Additional Costs

• Flights to and from Bariloche
• Personal equipment and ski touring gear
• Lunches and snacks
• Drinks at the mountain huts
• Drinks and meals in Bariloche
• Travel insurance

Important Travel Information

Language

The official language is Spanish. English is also spoken to some extent in tourist areas and hotels.

Time Difference

Bariloche is located in the UTC−3 time zone. Depending on the time of year, the time difference is generally 4 hours behind Central European Time (CET) and 5 hours behind Central European Summer Time (CEST).

Personal Equipment

Before the trip, all participants will receive a detailed packing and equipment list tailored to the programme. Appropriate personal mountain and weather protection equipment is essential for all alpine activities.

Pre-Trip Meeting

The date for the pre-trip briefing will be scheduled as early as possible, and no later than once the decision to run the trip has been confirmed.

Mountain Sports places great importance on thorough and professional preparation. The pre-trip meeting is an integral part of this process. Participants will receive all important information regarding the itinerary, local conditions and the equipment required for the trip.

Thorough preparation and the right equipment are essential for a successful and safe experience in Patagonia.

Travel Documents & Entry Requirements

Entry requirements for Argentina vary depending on nationality. For many European nationals, no visa is required for tourist stays, generally for up to three months.

Entry is with a valid passport. As entry requirements may change, we strongly recommend checking the current requirements applicable to your nationality before departure.

Important: Depending on current regulations, additional documentation and/or proof of adequate travel health insurance may be required for entry into Argentina.

Climate

Bariloche is located in northern Patagonia on the shores of Lake Nahuel Huapi. The region experiences significant seasonal and local variations in weather and temperature.

Spring begins in Bariloche in September. Days become longer and temperatures gradually rise throughout the season. Official tourism information indicates typical spring temperatures of approximately 7 to 20°C, although nights can still be considerably colder.

Conditions in the mountains can be significantly more demanding than in the town. Even outside the main winter season, participants should be prepared for cold temperatures, strong winds, precipitation and snow at higher elevations.

Layered clothing following the layering principle, together with reliable rain and wind protection, is therefore essential.

Health & Vaccinations

Before travelling to Argentina, participants should check that their routine vaccinations are up to date. These include, in particular:

• Polio
• Tetanus

Depending on the individual itinerary, duration of the trip and personal circumstances, additional vaccinations or health precautions may be advisable. We recommend consulting a travel medicine specialist well in advance of departure.

Currency & Payment

The official currency is the Argentine Peso (ARS). International credit and debit cards are accepted in many places in Bariloche. Nevertheless, we recommend carrying some cash, particularly for smaller purchases and when travelling in more remote areas.

Electricity

Argentina uses a 220 V power supply. Type I plugs are commonly used. A suitable travel adapter should therefore be included in your luggage.

Getting to Bariloche

The destination is San Carlos de Bariloche, in the province of Río Negro, Argentina.

Bariloche has an international airport and can also be reached by land. Depending on the travel itinerary, flights may connect via Buenos Aires or other Argentine or international destinations.

The exact travel arrangements, flight connections and transfers will be specified in the final travel programme.

Altitude & Alpine Conditions

Bariloche is located in a spectacular mountain and lake region on the edge of the Andes. Depending on the programme, activities may take place at considerably higher elevations.

Mountain weather can change rapidly and unexpectedly. A complete and appropriate alpine equipment setup is therefore essential, even when the weather forecast initially appears favourable.

Organisation

Mountain Sports

Mountain Sports is responsible for the organisational planning and implementation of the advertised programme.

Tour Operator

The terms and conditions of Mountain Sports apply to this programme and all services included therein.

Registration

Early registration secures your place and significantly facilitates the organisational planning for Mountain Sports.

For programmes involving flights or train travel, early registration is particularly important. Late bookings may result in additional costs due to higher flight fares, transportation costs or organisational expenses.

Price & Tariff Status

October 2026

The prices stated are based on the tariffs applicable at the time of publication. Prices may change prior to final booking due to fluctuations in airfares, exchange rates, fees, fuel costs or other transportation and service-related expenses.

Minimum Number of Participants & Price Changes

The minimum number of participants is specified in the respective travel programme.

Changes to prices, the programme, flights and transportation, as well as changes in fuel prices, fees, taxes, surcharges and exchange rates, remain reserved.

The General Travel Terms and Conditions (ARB 1992) apply. Particular reference is made to Section 8.1, which provides for price adjustments resulting from changes in transportation costs, taxes, fees and exchange rates.

If the minimum number of participants specified in the travel programme is not reached, the travel price may be increased by 10% up to 21 days before departure.

Any changes to stated surcharges, fees and taxes will be recalculated and charged or refunded according to the actual costs incurred at the time of ticket issuance. Changes occurring within the final 20 days before departure will not be taken into account.

Ski Bag as Additional / Sports Baggage

For all our ski touring trips, you will need a ski bag. This must be registered and reserved separately with the airline as sports or special baggage, in addition to your flight ticket.

The cost of transporting a ski bag varies depending on the airline and fare and can range from free of charge to approximately €70 per ski bag and flight.

We will clarify all details regarding sports baggage, ski bags, weight limits and permitted equipment as part of the trip preparation. After booking, you will receive a detailed packing and equipment list containing all the important information you need.

Is Travel Insurance Included in the Trip Price?

Our travel packages do not include general travel insurance. We assume that our guests already have appropriate private insurance coverage.

Before travelling, please make sure that your insurance covers the planned trip and, in particular, mountain sports, ski touring, search and rescue costs, mountain evacuation and possible repatriation.

If required, we will be happy to provide you with a suitable insurance offer for the duration of your trip.

Our Recommendation: Carry Your Ski Boots as Hand Luggage

We strongly recommend carrying your ski boots on board as hand luggage, in addition to your regular cabin baggage, provided this is permitted by the airline.

The reason is simple: if your checked luggage is delayed or lost, skis and other equipment can sometimes be rented or replaced at the destination. Finding a suitable replacement pair of ski boots at short notice, however, can be much more difficult.

For this reason, we consider your ski boots one of the most important items of personal equipment to keep with you during air travel.

Personal Trip Preparation

Before every ski touring trip, we discuss all outstanding questions and important details of your planned adventure with you personally.

Together, we review the itinerary, equipment, baggage requirements and the specific demands of the trip. This ensures that you are well prepared and can start your ski touring adventure with confidence.