Overview:

Big mountains, deep culture, and classic Patagonia terrain — this 7-day ski adventure is built for skiers and riders looking to level up their skills and explore some of the most iconic zones in South America.

Start with lift-accessed touring at Cerro Bayo, chasing summit descents and hidden backcountry lines above Villa La Angostura. Then transition to a hut-based ski mountaineering mission at Refugio Frey — a stone hut deep in the alpine above Bariloche, surrounded by steep couloirs, jagged granite towers, and endless ski possibilities.

We’ll focus on technical progression, big-mountain skiing, and building confidence in alpine terrain — whether you're aiming to sharpen your ski mountaineering skills or just ready to tackle new objectives. With a combination of lift-access, touring, and hut life, this trip captures the full spirit of a Patagonian ski expedition — all in one incredible week.

Highlights:

• Lift-accessed touring and backcountry skiing at Cerro Bayo and Cerro Catedral
• Two nights at Refugio Frey, skiing classic Patagonian couloirs and alpine objectives
• Skill development in ski mountaineering techniques, steep skiing, and alpine travel
• Small group ratios: 4:1 skier-to-guide — 1 guide for up to 4 guests, 2 guides for up to 8 guests
• Incredible terrain, vibrant culture, and stunning views across the Patagonian Andes
• Led by IFMGA/AMGA-certified guides focused on safety, fun, and progression

Perfect for experienced backcountry skiers looking to chase big lines, sharpen ski mountaineering skills, and explore the rugged, iconic terrain of Patagonia’s Andes.

💳 Final payment will be made by ACH, Zelle or Credit Card w/ service fee, and is due 180 days before trip starts.

Day 1 - Arrival & Transfer to Villa La Angostura

• Arrive in Bariloche, Argentina (BRC). Most international flights connect via Santiago, Chile or Buenos Aires, Argentina.
• Transfer ~1 hour to Villa La Angostura on the shores of Lago Nahuel Huapi.
• Team Trip Briefing and Gear Check led by Blackbird Guides.
• Group Dinner and trip overview.

Day 2–3 - Lift-Accessed Touring at Cerro Bayo

• Two full days of lift-accessed backcountry skiing at Cerro Bayo.
• Explore classic zones like Cerro Bayo Summit, Laguna terrain, and Cerro Inacayal ridgelines.
• Expect everything from wide open alpine bowls to steep technical descents, with stunning lake and mountain views.
• Evenings spent enjoying the small-town charm and local cuisine of Villa La Angostura.

Day 4 - Travel to Bariloche & Approach Refugio Frey

• Morning transfer to Bariloche and Cerro Catedral, one of the largest ski areas in South America.
• Lift-assisted approach into the alpine to reach Refugio Frey, located above Laguna Toncek.
• Settle into the iconic stone hut, your base for ski mountaineering objectives over the next two days.

Day 5–6 - Ski Mountaineering at Refugio Frey

• Two full days of touring and ski mountaineering based out of Refugio Frey.
• Summit and ski classic objectives like Torre Principal, La Vieja, and the surrounding couloirs of Laguna Toncek.
• Focus on technical ski mountaineering skills, big mountain objectives, and memorable descents.
• Evenings spent enjoying hearty meals and camaraderie inside the cozy refugio atmosphere.

Day 7 - Final Ski & Return to Bariloche

• Morning ski tour near Refugio Frey.
• Descend and return to Bariloche.
• Trip officially ends in the afternoon with drop-off at Bariloche Airport (BRC) or downtown Bariloche for those staying the night.
• Optional overnight in Bariloche for those with next-day flights or who want to explore the town.

Here are the skills and fitness you'll need for your course:

• Expert Resort Riding Skills - Including steep and consequential off-piste terrain in challenging snow conditions.


• Basic Ski Mountaineering Skills - Including ice axe, crampon, and basic rope skills are helpful, but not required. This program is designed to build those skills


• Strong Fitness - Able to spend a long, active day outside, moving uphill at 1,000’ per hour for durations of 1-1.5 hours between breaks. Participants should be able to hike 8-10 miles, climbing 2,500 - 3,500 vertical feet throughout the course of the day. People with strong fitness typically have a strenuous workout 3-4 days a week.


• Completed AIARE 1 and AIARE Avalanche Rescue - Course completion certificates from AIARE are required

What's Included:

• IFMGA or AMGA Certified/Trained Guide
• In-country transportation
• Meals (alcohol not included)
• 6 nights lodging — 3 nights in double occupancy hotel rooms and 3 nights at Refugio Frey (shared bunk room)
• Lift tickets at Cerro Bayo and Cerro Catedral
• Group safety gear (snow science tools and a first aid kit carried by your guide)
• Wag bags for human waste disposal to comply with Leave No Trace principles

• Flights to and from Bariloche
• Personal snacks and alcoholic drinks
• Travel insurance (required)
• Ski or splitboard equipment
• Avalanche safety gear (beacon, shovel, probe, pack)
• Guide gratuities

Optional Extras:

• AIARE 2 Avalanche Course: Build advanced avalanche skills while touring in terrain with limited forecasting. Improve your ability to assess snowpack and manage avy risk — ideal for skiers looking to lead their group and make confident decisions.

For this trip, you'll need a full backcountry ski or splitboard setup, avalanche safety gear, and appropriate layering for variable alpine conditions in the Andes.

Required gear includes:

• Touring skis or splitboard with skins and ski/splitboard crampons
• Ice axe and boot crampons for steep or firm conditions
• Avalanche safety gear: beacon, shovel, probe
• Backpack (30–40L) with helmet carry and avalanche gear storage
• Helmet and goggles
• Technical outerwear: waterproof shell, insulated layers, gloves
• Sleeping bag for Refugio Frey (or rent at the hut — bring a sleeping bag liner if renting)

We recommend reviewing the full gear guide before your trip. You can download it here:

📄 Full Gear Guide – Ski Mountaineering (PDF)