Patagonia Ski Mountaineer Dossier 2008
For dates and prices please return to the Patagonia Ski Mountaineer front page
SummaryAn exciting ski mountaineering expedition for experienced ski tourers who want to see some really interesting and wild terrain at the other end of the world. |
Skiing near San Lorenzo, October 2005
Outline Itinerary |
|
| Day 1-2 | Flight via Santiago to Coihaique |
| Day 3-5 | Day tours around Coihaique |
| Day 6-8 | Portezuelo Ibañez day tours from camp |
| Day 9 | Drive to Cochrane |
| Day 10-18 | Days to ski San Lorenzo & neighbouring peaks |
| Day 19-20 | Return to Coihaique |
| Day 21-22 | Return journey home via Santiago |
INTRODUCTION TO THIS EXPEDITION
This ski mountaineering expedition is an exciting new itinerary to some remote areas of Northern Patagonian. The main objective will again be to ski and climb San Lorenzo 3706m, the second highest peak in Patagonia. This is a very challenging itinerary that will take us into some very remote terrain at the other end of the world at the wrong time of year!!. We will certainly be escaping from the crowds.
After flying to Coihaique in southern Chile we will spend a couple of days doing day tours in the immediate area to warm up, and get used to the conditions. We will also get a day in at one of the worlds most southerly ski pistes at El Fraile. We'll then drive south towards Cochrane stopping at the Portezuelo Ibañez, where we'll ski peaks of around 2000-2500m height. We'll be based in a campsite in beautiful pine forests while here, last time this was a highly enjoyable part of the trip with mornings spent on long ski trips, afternoons spent sunbathing and evening barbeques around a camp fire.
We then begin the expedition in earnest by approaching San Lorenzo from the north from the small village of Cochrane. In summer it's just a 3-4 hour walk to the hut from the end of the road. The area is a beautifully forested pastoral landscape, backed by rugged mountains. It's also famous for being a good place to see pumas. The ascent of San Lorenzo from the hut is a relatively complex route over 2-3 days with a high camp at about 2700m. However it is not too difficult technically, with the hardest section being an ice-call at about PD/AD. Other peaks in the area will be climbed and skiied if time and weather permit. After about ten days in this remote area we'll return to Cochrane and then Coyhaique for some well earned steaks and wine!
This expeditions is being organised and run by Andes and well known IFMGA guide Twid Turner.
Climbing thru the ice-fall, San Lorenzo.
CERRO SAN LORENZO
This peak, pictured on the dossier cover, lies on the Chile-Argentine border in a remote part of Patagonia. It was first climbed in 1943, but is still not often climbed. We visited this peak in December 2003 and were impressed by how beautiful the area was.
Our trip to San Lorenzo starts with a 2-3 hour drive from the village of Cochrane, then a walk (or ski if there's snow) in to the farm at Fundo San Lorenzo taking 2 hours. From here another 2-3 hours gets us to a small hut with wood-burning stove at the bottom of the peak. Depending on where the snowline is in spring 2005 we may use horses for all of this approach, or we may ski with sledges, or we may have to backpack.
The ascent of San Lorenzo from the hut is a relatively complex route over several days, crossing two cols on the way. Summit day from a high camp at about 2700m is usually the most technical part of the climb, with the hardest section being an ice-fall at about PD/AD.
OTHER PEAKS
As we travel south from Coihaique to Cochrane the intention is to stop in various places and ski peaks, making the best use we can of the prevailing weather. The best of these areas which we used last time are the un-named peaks around the pass of Portzuelo Ibañez. Here there are a number of great ski tours to peaks as high as 1998m. Some of the lower peaks of up to about 2200m near the impressive Cerro Castillo (2675m) are another option in this general area.
Setting off from camp, summit day on San Lorenzo 2005.
SANTIAGO
This expedition will fly out to Santiago and depending on flight schedules we may have a part day in the city at the beginning or end of the expedition. Santiago, the capital of Chile, is a large city of some five million people but is one of the most pleasant and relaxing cities in South America. The people are friendly, there are many pavement cafes, pleasant parks and wide avenues.
COIHAIQUE
We'll have a short time to rest and prepare for our trip here after our long flights. Coihaique is a major town and communication centre in central Chilean Patagonia. We will fly here from Santiago. It is a very pleasant wee town of wooden built houses and tree lined streets that is just starting to be discovered by tourists from Chile, Argentina and occasionally Europe.
Skiing above Puerto Ibañez, Chilean Patagonia.
CLIMATE
If you want a holiday with endless hot sunny days we're afraid northern Patagonia in spring is not the best place to go! However it does get its fair share of good weather between periods of rain or snow and strong winds. Rainfall and temperatures in the valleys around Coihaique are basically similar to those in northern Europe during early spring. Out in the mountains at up to 2500m altitude it can be hot during the day in the sun, or it can be cold, cloudy and windy. High up on San Lorenzo it will be cold and frosty at night. We are likely to get some strong winds and fresh snow from time to time and we will probably have at least one day stormbound in tents or huts at some point.
HARDSHIPS
On this type of expedition there are inevitably quite a few hardships. You must be able to carry your own rucksack (up to 20kg) when necessary. In Patagonia, even in the spring, it can be cold and we will definitely have a few stormy days. Expedition members must be prepared to work as a team when it comes to pitching tents, help with cooking and carrying communal equipment.
Not one of the hardships!! A traditional Patagonian Asado, Fundo San Lorenzo
FITNESS AND EXPERIENCE REQUIRED
Expedition members should be fit and competent nordic or alpine skiers preferably with previous touring experience. The minimum skiing ability necessary is being able to descend black runs confidently and at a reasonable speed.
Winter skills including use of an ice axe and crampons will be needed for the ascents and it is essential to have these skills to at least a basic level before joining the expedition.
Previous experience of winter, wilderness or glacier camping will be a major advantage in coping with the tough living conditions we may experience, but is not essential. This is a tough expedition for those with good mental and physical stamina.
Good fitness is required to make the most of this expedition and some recent experience of backpacking (carrying tent and sleeping bag) is essential.
FLIGHT
Flights from London to Coihaique (Balmaceda airport), cost from about £800. We normally arrange these for you through our travel agents, Journey Latin America (ATOL 2828) at very competitive prices. We make no charge for this service and many customers find it convenient as we then all fly out on the same plane.
If you prefer you can arrange your own flights to fit in with the expedition itinerary. Please note that if booking flights yourself it is better to pay only a deposit in the short term in case we do not have sufficient fully paid customers to run the expedition.
Iceberg in Patagonia
VISAS
Visas are not necessary for British citizens, but you should have a full passport valid for at least six months from the date of travel. If you will not be using a British passport please make this clear at the time of booking.
INSURANCE
All clients must be insured for medical costs and repatriation in an emergency. We recommend having insurance for baggage, personal liability and cancellation as well. If you would like advice on insurance please ask. Please bring an extra copy of your insurance certificate on the expedition for the leader.
ACCOMMODATION
While we are staying in Coihaique and any other towns all accommodation will be in clean and secure hotels with hot showers. We normally use small family run hotels with a friendly atmosphere. When out in the mountains we use either huts or modern lightweight tents (supplied by us) - you'll need a warm sleeping bag and karrimat or thermarest.
HEALTH, HYGIENE AND SECURITY
Chile is one of the most well developed countries in South America and the standard of hygiene is generally as good as at home. You would be unlucky to get an upset stomach or diarrhoea. Vaccinations for tetanus, typhoid and polio are recommended. The country is very safe and relaxing to travel in; theft and muggings are as unlikely as they are in most British cities. Everyone who visits Chile is surprised by how much like a part of Europe the country is.
EXPEDITION ORGANISATION
Our expeditions are designed to be small and flexible. The expedition will be co-ordinated, organised and lead by us, but we will consult and involve the expedition members when planning the details of the trip.
Please note however that the leaders decision is final where the safety of the group or any member is in jeopardy; for example where retreat or diversion is necessary due to illness or bad weather.
EXPEDITION LEADER
This expeditions is being organised and run by John Biggar and Twid Turner. John is an MIC and BASI trainee instructor with considerable experience of skiing in the Andes including two previous trips to San Lorenzo. Twid is a well known IFMGA with considerable big wall climbing experience in Patagonia,
EXPEDITION SIZE
The minimum number of customers we need to run this expedition is three. The maximum size will be six customers plus leader. In some circumstances we may be able to run the expedition with just two members and a local leader.
Below the Brecha Cornisa, San Lorenzo
SAFETY AND RISK
This is an adventure holiday and all clients will be exposed to hazards not found in everyday life by taking part in this itinerary. While we take all reasonable precautions to reduce risk it is neither possible nor desirable to completely eliminate these additional hazards. Some of these hazards carry the risk of serious injury or death. It is important that you understand the risks you may be exposed to before signing our booking form. We have identified the following areas as the principal additional risks of this itinerary. This is not a fully inclusive list - please ask if you would like to see a more detailed risk assessment of this itinerary before booking.
Driving, hotels and general safety : In Chile driving, fire safety standards and general safety standards are not as high as in Europe.
Remoteness : You will be several days from medical help for periods of time. Weather might make medical evacuation impossible.
Minor slips and falls : due to steep, uneven and unstable ground.
Weather : The Patagonian mountains are frequently affected by very stormy weather making travel and navigation difficult and threatening the safety of camps. Forecasts are not reliable.
Mountain Hazards : There is a significant risk of avalanche and crevasse falls on San Lorenzo and avalanches on other peaks. In certain places you may be subjected to a slight risk of rockfall.
SUGGESTED FURTHER READING
Biggar : The Andes - A Guide for Climbers, 2005 ISBN 0953608727
Kearney : Mountaineering in Patagonia, 1993
Shipton : Land of Tempest, 1962 and That Untravelled World, 1969
Tilman : Mischief in Patagonia, 1957
Neate : Mountaineering in the Andes, 1994
Lonely Planet and Footprint travel guides to Chile
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