Patagonia Backcountry Ski Trip
Route 40 Backcountry Touring
With a new itinerary, this unique Argentina backcountry adventure focuses on human powered ski touring and splitboarding, accessing some of the best backcountry terrain in northwest Patagonia. Route 40’s Road of the Seven Lakes is renowned for being one of the most scenic in Argentina and home to stellar off-the-beaten path backcountry access. Led by our team of IFMGA guides, you’ll discover beautiful tree runs, large alpine bowls, chutes and couloirs very few have had the privilege to explore. The stunning villages of San Martin and Villa La Angostura are your bases for the week. Unwind in our comfortable downtown hotels each evening – walking distance to bars, cafes, restaurants and local artesan markets.
Trip Highlights
- Embark on a thrilling Patagonia adventure as you immerse yourself in the warm embrace of the local mountain culture. Let two bilingual and certified ski guides be your expert companions as you navigate the pristine backcountry and breathtaking landscapes of this enchanting region.
- Discover the allure of San Martin and Villa la Angostura, two idyllic mountain havens where the captivating fusion of Swiss and German heritage breathes life into their architecture and tantalizing gastronomy.
- Feast on succulent local trout, handmade pastas, and grilled local veggies. Sample the irresistible empanadas, a true Argentinean delicacy, and experience the legendary steaks that have cemented Argentina’s gastronomic fame.
Trip Highlights
Itinerary
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- Fly into San Martin de Los Andes (CPC airport) by 4:30pm
- Airport to hotel transfer
- Check in to our downtown hotel
- Group meet-and-greet 7:00pm
- Welcome dinner at favorite locally owned San Martin restaurant
- Group breakfast at the hotel
- Daily open itinerary to explore the best backcountry zones south of San Martin along the 7 Lakes
- Post ski: Explore the village of San Martin
- Authentic Argentine group dinners in town
- Group breakfast
- More exploring at our local IFMGA guides favorite backcountry zones
- Drive south along the 7 Lakes passing glacier cut lakes, old growth trees and snow capped peaks
- Arrive to the charming mountain town of Villa La Angostura
- Check-in to hotel
- Group dinner in select downtown restaurant
- Group breakfast to fuel up for more adventure
- 2 days of guide lead extensive backcountry adventures
- Return to our hotel
- Group dinner in town
- Night owls venture out to local bars and craft brew pubs
- End of day seven, farewell dinner in town
- Breakfast
- Say adios to your guides
- Morning transfer to the Bariloche airport to start your journey home
- Want to extend your trip? No problemo. Check-out suggestions in the “FAQs” below
Is This Trip For Me?
You should be in very 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 strong 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 1,000 meters (3,300 feet) per day in multiple ascents, with the ability to handle up to 1,500 meters (4,900 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.
- Lift tickets if we opt to use a resort for backcountry access.
- Private ground transportation throughout the trip, beginning with a group pickup at San Martin de Los Andes airport.
- Thoughtfully selected hotels and lodges offering comfort and authentic Patagonian character.
- Daily breakfast
- All dinners hosted by your guides at our favorite local restaurants
- Regional wines selected to complement each dinner
- Gratuities for hotel staff, restaurants and drivers are already taken care of, so you can relax and enjoy the journey.
- travel insurance
- flights
- lunches
- alcohol except for red wine selected by your guides each evening at dinner
- guide gratuities at your own discretion
View or download the packing list
FAQs:
- When is the best time to come for the best conditions? August through September offers the most consistent powder, typically delivering peak snow and touring conditions.
- Is there Wi-Fi in the lodge? Yes, the hotels offer reliable Wi-Fi so you can stay connected.
- 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 $30–$50 per day for lunches, snacks, and après-ski. Credit cards are accepted in most places, but having some Argentine pesos is handy for smaller stops.
- 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 features a cozy open fireplace in the main living area, boasting a peaceful, quiet setting just a few blocks from the town’s main avenue. Rooms are en suite with free WiFi. Breakfast and hot drinks are included with our stay.
San Martin
All rooms at The Hotel & Spa La Cheminée offer free WiFi and views of the surrounding peaks. The spa and wellness center, which features a sauna and hammam, is a great way to relax after a day of ski touring / splitboarding.
Book Trip Now
Expert guiding. Small groups. Off the beaten path Patagonia adventure.
Pricing Details: (in USD)
- $5495 per person, shared twin room with private bath
- Solo travelers are comfortably paired with another guest of the same gender whenever possible
- Optional private room: $995 (limited availability)
- Deposit: 25% to confirm your reservation
- Final balance due 90 days prior to departure
Questions? Call us at 1-307-213-9094 or contact us via email.