EXPLORE PATAGONIA - Ski in Argentina
The Explore Patagonia Tour spends 9 days deep in the heart of Argentina’s Patagonian Andes making stops at Cerro Catedral, Cerro Bayo, and La Hoya. Our trip starts and finishes in Bariloche, where guests are treated to thousands of acres of inbounds and offpiste ski terrain and breathtaking lake vistas at Cerro Catedral.
Bariloche has a plethora of superb restaurants, nightspots and boutiques making it a sophisticated, world-class adventure based community. We take a day trip and travel along the shores of Lago Nahuel Haupi to Villa Angostura and spend our day exploring the uncrowded slopes of Cerro Bayo, and its easily accessed backcountry terrain. Next we road trip south along Ruta 40, where we stop at the 42nd parallel and the town of El Bolson to visit its famous artisan market and enjoy a few micro brews and lunch at the local cerveceria.
Following the famous narrow gauge steam train route writer Paul Theroux coined the Old Patagonian Express, we arrive in Esquel, a gaucho and Welsh influenced country town. Situated where the expansive Patagonian steppes meet the Andes and near to the Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid homesteaded, Esquel is our gateway for 3 days of skiing and snowboarding at La Hoya. A true Argentine gem, La Hoya offers us endless backcountry opportunities and stunning views into Parque Nacional Alerce. We spend our evenings sharing matte, wine, and mouth watering Argentine beef. We return to Bariloche for one more big night out and a final day on the slopes at Cerro Catedral. Que Bueno!!!
Trip Departures
- AUG 21- AUG 29
- AUG 29 - SEPT 6
Trips Specs
- Ability Levels:
- Cost: $2,695 (double occupancy**)
- Number of Days: 9
- Resorts Visited: Cerro Catedral, Cerro Bayo, Cerro La Hoya
- Type of Skiing / Riding: Lift access on-piste, lift access off-piste, lift access backcountry touring.
- Number of Guests: 10 maximum
- Number of Guides: 2 (1:5 guide ratio)
What's Included
- 4 nights Esquel
- 4 nights Bariloche
- All breakfasts & dinners
- 1:5 guide to guest ratio
- All lift passes on tour
- All ground transportation on tour
- Use of avalanche transceiver, probe and shovel
- Use of 2-way radio
** Private single supplement $595
Trip Itinerary
Day 1 - ARRIVAL IN BARILOCHE
Arrive in Bariloche where your CASA guides will meet you at the airport. CASA recommends guests fly into Buenos Aires for easier transfers to Bariloche. We settle into our Bariloche accommodations for the next 3 evenings and acquaint ourselves with this scenic town and its many fine offerings, including great food and Argentine wine. After an orientation dinner, rest up and get ready to ride...
Day 2 - SKI/RIDE CERRO CATEDRAL
We will spend our first ski day at Cerro Catedral Alta Patagonia. This modern ski area includes over 3,000 acres of in-bounds terrain, and offers lift-access to extensive high-quality backcountry riding. The Powder Gods often bless us with deep powder days here. In the evenings, we will take advantage of Bariloche’s great nightlife and wealth of restaraunts. Argentine wine accompanied by local Patagonian trout, salmon, and the famous beef from the plains of Argentina will tempt your tastebuds.
Day 3 - VILLA LA ANGOSTURA - CERRO BAYO
We take a day trip from Bariloche to the lakeside village of Villa Angostura and the slopes of Cerro Bayo. Boasting world-class backcountry terrain accessed by a short hike to the summit ridge, Cerro Bayo will challenge skiers and riders of all abilities. Villa Angostura is located on the north shore of Lake Nahuel Huapi and is a classic Argentine ski town. We return to Bariloche in the evening and get ready to head south for our journey deep into the soul of the Patagonian Andes.
Day 4 - TRAVEL TO ESQUEL
Today we follow Che Guevara’s motorcycle journey south along Ruta 40 and the tracks of The Old Patagonian Express, Argentina’s famous narrow gage steam train. We stop at the 42nd parallel and the artisan town of El Bolson. In El Bolson we will visit the local craftsmens’ Feria Artensenal and enjoy lunch. This afternoon we roll into the gaucho and Welsh influenced town of Esquel, where we will be spending the next 4 nights. Set in western Chubut province’s dramatic foothills, Esquel is the gateway community for La Hoya ski resort and Parque Nacional Los Alerces.
Days 5-7 - SKI/RIDE LA HOYA
For the next 3 days we will experience La Hoya’s excellent off-piste terrain and cold Patagonian powder. The name derives from the mountain shape, which is a wide circular glacial basin. La Hoya’s uncrowded slopes, varied terrain and location in the corazon of the Patagonian Andes make it a truly unique Argentine ski destination. We spend the evenings sharing matte and enjoying the Patagonian gaucho hospitality.
Day 8 - TRAVEL TO BARILOCHE
The group will have the opportunity to ski in the morning at La Hoya before retracing the La Trochita, Argentina’s famous narrow gauge steam train route north and stop again in El Bolson for lunch at the artisans market. Taking in the gaucho culture along the way we return to Bariloche for our final evening and a parrilla feast.
Day 9 - DEPARTURE DAY
If guests’ flights allow they will have the opportunity to return to Catedral for a final morning of skiing before heading off to their next destinations. Nos vemos amigos!
