Argentina Bariloche Backcountry Ski Traverse

Overview

Ski the classic hut traverse of the Nahuel Huapi backcountry above Bariloche — the most developed ski-mountaineering terrain in South America. From the Cerro Catedral ski area you climb over a granite-spired shoulder and drop to Refugio Frey, sat beside a frozen lake beneath the rock needles that make this one of the most photographed corners of northern Patagonia; the next stage crosses cols of wind-packed snow to Refugio San Martín at Laguna Jakob, with steep couloir options along the way. Around you the Nahuel Huapi lake system spreads blue against the white Andes, with the glaciated bulk of Monte Tronador (3,491 m) filling the western horizon. This is genuine ski mountaineering rather than piste touring: ice axe, crampons and full avalanche kit are carried, the cols are steep enough to demand boot-packing, and Patagonian wind can pin parties in the huts for a day. The refugios are staffed in winter with simple hot food, which keeps pack weights civilised. July and August are most reliable; September brings corn snow and longer days. A guided week runs around £1,900 with refugio half-board. Fly to Bariloche via Buenos Aires; the trailhead is a 30-minute bus from town.

Book This Trip

Plan Your Dates

Prefilled for 1 July 2027 — the next best-season window. Search on partner sites — opens in a new tab.