ARGENTINA PATAGONIA SKI RESORT AND BACKCOUNTRY TOUR

USD $4,300 / p

  • + All levels of skiing
  • + Ski resort and backcountry
  • + 8 days / 7 nights
  • + Aug 16-23
  • + 2 spots left
Discover the Magic of Skiing in  Patagonia with Esnativa a local company-  Embark on an unforgettable 8-day  journey to explore three of Patagonia’s  premier ski resorts in Argentina. With  Esnativa, your local ski experts, you’ll  gain exclusive access to breathtaking  terrain, mostly via lifts, with the option  to venture into thrilling backcountry  skiing or snowboarding. , we combine  our passion, local expertise, and love  for nature to craft unique experiences  that immerse you in the very best of  Patagonia.

Group Type

It should be noted that whilst Esnativa Backcountry will do all they can to match abilities in the mixed group tours, there may be some variability between abilities which may influence some of the terrain choices. If this is of concern you are better off getting your own private group together of similar abilities.

Locations

This tour visits the best 3 ski resorts in Patagonia, Argentina being Cerro Catedral (near Bariloche), Cerro Bay (near Villa la Angostura) and Cerro Chapelco (near San Martin).

The resorts all have good lift infrastructure and on-mountain services.

The nearby towns in which you will stay are all spectacular in their own way and have dozens or restaurants, pubs / micro breweries and chocolatiers! As you travel from one location to another you will be treated to eye candy galore with endless lake & mountain vistas.

Terrain

Whilst the majority of this tour is lift-access piste, off-piste and sidecountry, there will be plenty of opportunities for ski touring / splitboarding to access some of Patagonia’s best backcountry areas. Each of the ski areas offers open bowls, chutes and tree skiing with slopes between 25 and 40 degrees.

Ability

This tour requires a medium to high level of physical fitness and strong intermediate to advanced level of skiing/riding ability to access the sidecountry/backcountry and some of the challenging steep and variable snow conditions. If you have a friend or partner who is an intermediate skier/rider, they could potentially join this tour and ski/ride around the resorts each day.

Equipment

You will require basic backcountry equipment including ski touring/splitboarding gear, backpack, shovel, probe & beacon. This equipment can be rented if required with advanced notice.

Guiding & Hosting

You will have an experienced local guide/host for the duration of the tour who will be available 24/7. The guide ratio is 1:4 guests. The minimum number of skiers/boarders for a tour to go is 3 and the maximum is 6. For your safety, all guides are certified and qualified and you will be guided by someone who lives and spends most of his time in this area.

Day 1 – Arrival and Bariloche Welcome

Esnativa staff will welcome you at Bariloche Airport and drive you to your hotel near downtown Bariloche where you will stay for the next 2 nights.

You’ll gather for a group meeting with drinks and snacks, followed by a dinner at a traditional Asado restaurant. Rest up after your journey in preparation for the adventure ahead.

Day 2 – Skiing at Cerro Catedral

After breakfast, you’ll head to Cerro Catedral ski resort where you will do some warm-up runs which will help your guide to gauge the group’s skill level. During the day you’ll explore the on-piste slopes, venturing to secret spots and off-piste areas.

Enjoy lunch at one of the mountain restaurants or grab a sandwich on the go.

Return to the hotel and then head to downtown Bariloche where you will be treated with a meal at a Patagonian restaurant.

Day 3 – Cerro Catedral and Villa La Angostura

After breakfast you will check-out and head back to Cerro Catedral ski resort. You’ll explore new terrain accessible by a combination of lifts and ski touring. You will stop for a picnic lunch and enjoy the stunning views of mountains & lakes.

Later, you’ll be driven by your guide to Villa La Angostura, a charming town by Nahuel Huapi Lake. This is where you will be based for the next 2 nights.

Once checked-in to your accommodation the group will head out to dine at a favourite local restaurant.

Day 4 – Skiing at Cerro Bayo

After breakfast, a short drive will take you to Cerro Bayo. It is a lot smaller resort than Cerro Catedral but it offers some incredible terrain, powder stashes and amazing views.

You’ll explore the on and off-piste slopes, improving skills, accessing secret spots, and enjoying tree skiing.

In the evening you will have time to explore the village of Villa la Angostura and savor local food.

Day 5 – Cerro Bayo and Drive to San Martin

Breakfast and the check-out and head back to Cerro Bayo ski resort for another epic day of skiing/riding. Weather permitting, a hike to Inacayal Mountain or smaller ridges for some good long runs.

After skiing, your guide will drive you to San Martin via the Seven Lakes road. If it is still daylight the views along this road are some of the best you will find in all of Patagonia.

Once in San Martin where you will spend the next 2 nights, check-in and then dine at a downtown restaurant.

Day 6 – Skiing at Cerro Chapelco

After breakfast, it is a short drive to Cerro Chapelco ski resort. You will get the chance to warm up and practice on groomers and improve your skills with your guide, explore lift-accessed off-piste, secret spots, and forests.

Return to San Martin where you can explore the beautiful village, check out one or more of the many bars and then dinner.

Day 7 – Skiing at Cerro Chapelco and Return to Bariloche

Breakfast and then check-out, and head to Cerro Chapelco once again for another day of amazing skiing & riding. If conditions and the mood of the group permits, you can venture to Chapelco’s Back Bowls for fantastic freeriding.

After skiing, return to Bariloche for hotel check-in and a farewell dinner.

Day 8 – Farewell to Patagonia

Enjoy breakfast, bid farewell to guides and new friends.

Your guide will arrange transportation to the airport based on your schedule.

If you wish to extend your stay, let us know!

Indomito hostel in Bariloche

 

· 20–25L backpack
· Base layers (top and bottom)
· Ski socks
· Gore-Tex pants and jacket
· Down jacket
· Touring gloves + warm waterproof gloves
· Sun hat and warm hat
· Sunglasses (UV-proof)
· Ski goggles (with lenses for both good and poor visibility)
· SPF 50 sunscreen + lip balm
· Camelback or water bottle
· Small thermos for hot drinks
· All-mountain skis
· Ski boots
· Poles
· Helmet
· Avalanche safety gear (shovel, beacon, probe)

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