Patagonia is known as the “land of contrasts” where legends abound having developed over the passing of time. This is a region where the glaciers reach down to temperate forests and where massive granite walls rise from vast deserts that stretch as far as the eye can see. Explorers such as Darwin and Eric Shipton were fascinated by this part of the planet - one of those rare places to remain wild and pure. It is a real paradise for adventurers and travelers.

October, the southern hemisphere spring, is the ideal time to ski the slopes of the Bariloche volcanoes - the area between Argentina and Chile. We will take advantage of a 17-day trip to climb 10 summits and ski untracked slopes against the back drop of the most stunning scenery in Patagonia. We will ski one off-piste run after another staying in cosy hotels and mountain huts where we will experience the lifestyle and sample the exceptional cuisine of the region.

We will be skiing on tow different areas – several days on the Argantina side and several days on the chile side. Some days to move fron one area to the other. This will give us time to explore these two incredible countries. Our journey will take us via lakes, vast forests, untracked mountains and national parks. Skiers can even bring their non-skiing partners along as this trip is wonderful even if you are not skiing. On the days that we ski, a guide will organize a hike (on foot) to explore the area below the snow-line for people who does not ski.

The trip will finish with a weekend in the vibrant town of Buenos Aires.

FEATURES OF THE TRIP

The highlights :  The wild beauty of this unspoiled natural environment.

                     The quality of skiing.

                     The inimitable welcome of the Argentineans and Chileans.

                     The wonderful food - especially the steaks.

                     The surprisingly good quality wine! 

Best time of the year : End of September beginning of November

Dates : Friday 21 September to Sunday 7 October 2012

Number of days away : 17

Number of days skiing : 6

Level : 4 to 5 hours to walk up - For competent skiers.

Number of participants :  6 - 8 people + 1 guide            

Accommodation : Good quality hotels  and  mountain huts.

Formalities : French citizens need a passport which is valid for more than 6 months.

Equipment to be carried : All the routes can be completed with a day pack. Travel bags are transported by minibus.

Local transport : Private minibuses are used for all transfers during the trip.

PRICE :  € 3480  per person  excluding flights. + Flights to Buenos Aires then Bariloche.

                 At the time we planned the trip, tickets cost approximately € 850.

Air Travel : Airline AEROLINEAS ARGENTINAS