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SKIING PATAGONIA
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DATES OF TRIP 2008-2009:
November 29 - Dec 16, 2008
January 3-20, 2009
January 31 - Feb 17, 2009
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SKIING PATAGONIA
Northern Patagonia Icefield
| Itinerary Below
| Schedule & Rates
Northern Patagonia Icefield
w/ Mt. San Valentin behind
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This expedition takes us skiing in one of the least explored areas of the globe, the Northern Patagonia Icefield. It is the northern most of the two Patagonian Icefields.
Our trip begins with a lake crossing by boat, then pack horses take our gear
and skis to the snowline of the Nef Glacier. From here, we climb up to the
Icefield, surrounded by hundreds of Patagonian peaks. We plan to ski to the
base of Cerro San Valentin, the highest mountain in Patagonia.
Skiing on the Icefield
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(We can also
arrange custom climbing expeditions up San Valentin.) We will ski by beautiful
Cerro Hyades and make an ascent of Cerro Largo, an inviting mountain where
we may carve some turns.
For this trip you do not have to be an extreme skier, but previous backcountry skiing experience is necessary. Endurance, excellent physical condition, and an adventurous spirit are the key to this trip, since Patagonian weather can often be a challenge.
Skiing Patagonia Itinerary
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DAY 1: |
Group meets in Santiago. Equipment check and afternoon briefing at
the hotel. At dinner we will try some of the fine Chilean cuisine
and wines. |
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DAY 2: | Fly to Coyhaique. Spend the afternoon free exploring this picturesque
Patagonian frontier town. |
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DAY 3: | Drive to Puerto Bertrand. Cross Bertrand and Plomo lakes by boat. Camp
near the mouth of Rio Soler. |
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DAY 4: | Hike up Rio Soler valley to Nef Glacier. This is where we will establish
our base camp. Horses will carry our gear and skis. Depending on weather
conditions we may do this approach on horseback. |
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DAY 5: | Carry a load up to Camp 1, at about 4,500 ft on the edge of the Northern
Patagonian Icefield. |
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DAY 6: | Leave base camp. Move to Camp 1. |
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DAY 7: | Ski north on the Icefield (Nef Glacier) carrying a load to Camp 2.
Terrain once we are on the Icefield will be mostly level glacier travel. |
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DAY 8: | Move to Camp 2. |
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DAY 9: | Rest day. In the afternoon we can practice telemark turns on Cerro
Escuela, a gentle slope near Camp 2. |
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DAY 10: | Ski north towards Cerro San Valentin (12,900'). Weather permitting,
we will have a formidable view of this mountain, the highest mountain
in Patagonia. Return to Camp 2. |
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DAY 11: | Ski tour to base of Cerro Hyades, a rugged peak on the edge of the
Soler Icefall, weather permitting. Return to Camp 2. |
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DAY 12- 13: |
Climb Cerro Largo with skis, weather permitting. Return to Camp 1. |
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DAY 14- 15: |
Ski to edge of Icefield and hike down to Base Camp. (Extra weather
day if needed). |
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DAY 16: | Return on horseback to Lago Plomo. |
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DAY 17: | Cross Bertrand and Plomo Lakes. Return to Coyhaique. |
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DAY 18: | Fly back to Santiago. Fly home or continue traveling in South America. |
This itinerary is intended to be a guideline only, weather days and rest days are always a possibility while on a trip.
COST INCLUDES
Professional Mountain Guides, accommodations and meals except in Santiago, land and water transportation, horses, expedition food, community gear (tents, stoves, cooking gear, medical kit, etc).
YOU ARE RESPONSIBLE FOR
Flights to Santiago, Chile, round trip flight between Santiago and Coyhaique, meals and accommodations in Santiago, personal equipment, passport, personal items and services (laundry, drinks, tips, etc.), expenses incurred in the case of a rescue.
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