Bariloche Backcountry Tour
Skiing and Snowboarding Adventure in Patagonia
Few places evoke adventure and raw natural beauty quite like the backcountry surrounding San Carlos de Bariloche in Patagonia—long considered the heart of backcountry skiing and snowboarding in Argentina. Join PowderQuest for our 8-day Bariloche Backcountry Skiing & Snowboarding Tour, an unforgettable journey through one of South America’s most iconic mountain landscapes.
This expertly guided adventure combines lift-assisted backcountry touring at Cerro Bayo Ski Resort with three nights at one of our favorite remote touring bases, Mallín Alto. Each day delivers new terrain and breathtaking scenery, from glacier-carved lakes and towering snow-covered peaks to perfectly spaced Patagonian forests.
Beyond the skiing and riding, the Bariloche region is known for its cozy alpine lodges, European-influenced charm, and warm Patagonian hospitality. After full days in the mountains, return to welcoming accommodations, outstanding local cuisine, and evenings spent relaxing with your group—rested and ready for another unforgettable day in the backcountry.
Trip Highlights
- Spend three unforgettable nights in the remote, glamping-style backcountry domes of Mallín Alto, with three full days of backcountry touring in Patagonia’s breathtaking wilderness
- Immerse yourself in the warm and welcoming mountain culture of Patagonia, Argentina, as our bilingual, certified ski guides lead you through an authentic adventure
- Experience the best of both worlds—access pristine backcountry terrain from Cerro Bayo ski resort, then venture deeper into the untouched wilderness of Mallín Alto for an unforgettable off-grid experience
- Discover the charm of Bariloche and Villa la Angostura, two picturesque mountain villages where Swiss and German heritage shines through in the alpine architecture and hearty local cuisine
- Savor the flavors of Argentina, with delicious, locally sourced meals featuring fresh trout, handmade pastas, grilled local vegetables, empanadas, and of course, the legendary Argentine steak, paired with world-class Malbec wine
Trip Highlights
Itinerary
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- Fly into Bariloche, Argentina (BRC airport) via direct flight from either Buenos Aires, Argentina or Santiago, Chile. Details in FAQ`s below
- Meet PowderQuest ski guides and group at the airport at 6:30pm
- Drive past Patagonia’s famous Nahuel Huapi Lake to the charming village of Villa Angostura
- Check in at our hotel
- Group meet-and-greet fireside chat
- Welcome dinner at favorite locally owned Villa Angostura restaurant
- Group breakfast at the hotel
- Drive to Cerro Bayo resort
- Ski Cerro Bayo and the stunning backcountry access from the top lift
- Post ski: Explore the village of Villa La Angostura
- Authentic Argentine group dinner in town
- Group breakfast
- Pack up and check out
- A fleet of 4x4 trucks and snowmobiles take us deep into the Andes, fording rivers, dirt roads, old growth forests until we reach Mallin Alto
- Welcome dinner at our cozy backcountry lodge
- Group breakfast
- Guide lead extensive backcountry and exploring
- Return to our backcountry domes with apres drinks and snacks
- Watch the sunset over Patagonia from the outdoor hot tub
- Group dinner authentic locally sourced food
- End of day seven, return to Bariloche hotel + farewell celebration dinner
- Breakfast included at the hotel
- Say adios to your guides
- Hotel can arrange transportation to Bariloche airport (BRC) based around your departure time
- Want to extend your trip? No problemo. Check-out suggestions in the “FAQs” below
Is This Trip For Me?
You should be in good shape and confident skiing steep and varied terrain and snow conditions, including powder and hard pack. Participants must ski ungroomed black diamond runs without hesitation and have moderate ski touring or splitboarding experience, including efficient transitions, skinning steep terrain, and executing kick turns. Snowboarders should maintain speed on flats, hold a solid traverse line, and maneuver smoothly to keep the group moving, sometimes using ski poles for assistance. You should be comfortable climbing 700-1,000 meters (2,300-3,300 feet) per day in multiple ascents, with the ability to handle up to 1,200 meters (4,000 feet). More on ability levels
Trip Essentials
- Two full-time, certified bilingual backcountry guides with deep local knowledge, focused on your safety, comfort, and cultural experience. (In the rare case of fewer than 4 guests, the trip may be guided by one certified guide.)
- Dedicated bilingual local support office, ensuring seamless logistics and extra peace of mind throughout your adventure.
- All lift tickets for your days on the mountain.
- Private ground transportation throughout the trip, beginning with a group pickup at Bariloche Airport.
- Thoughtfully selected hotels and lodges offering comfort and authentic Patagonian character.
- 3 nights in backcountry lodge, shared glamping style domes
- Daily breakfast
- All dinners hosted by your guides at our favorite restaurants in Villa La Angostura
- Chef prepared meals at Mallin Alto
- Lunches at Mallin Alto
- Apres-ski with complementary wine and beer at Mallin Alto
- Regional wines selected to complement each dinner
- Gratuities for hotel staff in Villa La Angostura, Bariloche, restaurants and drivers are already taken care of, so you can relax and enjoy the journey.
- Flight to and from Bariloche, Argentina
- Travel insurance
- Return airport transfer in Bariloche at end of trip. We’ll happily assist with coordinating the best option for your departure day and flight schedule
- Personal expenses such as drinks outside of included wine, lunches and discretionary gratuities for your guides and Mallin Alto staff
View or download the packing list
- From/to Buenos Aires: There are multiple daily direct flights to and from Bariloche via Aerolineas Argentinas
- From/to Santiago, Chile: Over the past few years, international flights to Santiago have been considerably less expensive when compared to flying to Buenos Aires. Once in Santiago, there are quick direct flights to Bariloche to meet our trip. Same for your return. Sky Airline
FAQs:
- When is the best time to come for the best conditions? August through September typically delivers peak snow and backcountry touring conditions.
- Is there Wi-Fi in the lodge? Our hotels in Villa La Angostura and Bariloche offer reliable Wi-Fi so you can stay connected. There is no Wi-Fi at Mallin Alto, but you may at times have cell coverage to access mobile data.
- Where are the other guests from and what is their backcountry experience? Guests join us from around the world, mostly from North America, Europe, and Australia. Expect a mix of advanced to expert skiers and riders who are comfortable on varied terrain and up for the daily touring adventures as described in the Is This Trip For Me section on this page.
- How much currency should I bring for extras like lunch etc.? While most of your expenses are covered, plan on around USD $25–$30 per day for snacks, après-ski etc. Having some Argentine pesos is handy.
- Can you help me extend my stay? Yes. We specialize in ski resort bookings and other unique excursions such as vineyard tours, Easter Island, Santiago, Buenos Aires and more.
Accommodations
Villa La Angostura
This comfortable hotel boasts a peaceful, quiet setting just a few blocks from the town’s main street. The hotel is made predominately of wood and features a glass-walled “winter garden” and lovely open fireplace in the main social area. Rooms are all en suite with free WiFi. Breakfast and hot beverages are included with our stay.
Bariloche
Las Marianas is a family run comfortable hotel with a variety of room options. The hotel has vestiges of a Swiss chalet, with wooden floors and a cozy lounge featuring a stone fireplace. A breakfast buffet, hot chocolate, daily homemade pastries, bar, and massage services—you’ll feel taken care of by our friendly local hosts.
Mallin Alto
Mallin Alto offers a remote and stunning Patagonian surrounding. The domes and lodge are designed with a wood-and-stone décor and a central fireplace and dining room area for socializing. Bedrooms feature cozy bedding, with up to 4 guest per room and modern, well designed shared bathrooms + hot showers.
Book Trip Now
Expert guided. Patagonia backcountry adventures await.
Pricing Details at a Glance: (in USD)
- $ per person, based on twin share occupancy/private bath, plus 3 nights in backcountry lodge with up to 4 guests per room
- Solo Travelers: Will be paired with another guest in a twin share room, private bath + 3 nights in the backcountry lodge as detailed in the Accommodations section above
- More Privacy Please: Single rooms/private bath available for the 3 nights we are not in the Mallin Alto backcountry for a $495 upgrade
- Payment: A 25% deposit is required to secure your reservation
- Final balance due 90 days prior to departure
Questions? Call us at 1-307-213-9094 or contact us via email.