The search for the Piren Che.

Ski Adventures in the Andes

 SEPTEMBER 2012  

6th - 22nd 

In the Mapuche language “Piren” means snow and “Che” means people. This is the skiing adventure in the land of the Piren Che.

A ski adventure of a lifetime. Skiing in the Andes, Argentina/Chile and experiencing the Patagonian lifestyle. This is not only about skiing but more about soaking up the freedom of the great expanses of South America and skiing some amazing  areas. Learning new skiing skills along the way as we travel the Andean mountains. We will visit the Argentinian resort of Cerro Catedral and onwards to Chile where we can ski a few Volcanoes! Once you have seen the area, we are sure you will want to return. It is a place you will not want to leave....To see more pictures click on the flickr images opposite to browse through the Argentinian albums.

You may wish to take a look at blog posts from South America. Videos and pictures! Have a look in the blog section of the site and look up September 2010 and September 2011.. for more information on Argentina.

Day 1. Thursday.

Depart UK for Argentina!

Day 2. (D) Friday. Buenos Aires, Argentina.

Arrival in Buenos Aires international airport, transfer to our hotel in downtown area of the city. City tour and free afternoon. Seen here, maybe even try fishing on the Rio Paltte!

In the evening transfer to a typical Argentine steak restaurant for a proper welcome to Argentina dinner. If you have never tried a real Argentinian steak, then this is real experience!

Day 3. (B, D) Saturday. Bariloche, Argentina.

After breakfast transfer to Buenos Aires domestic airport for our flight to Bariloche in the Lake District Rio Negro of Northern Patagonia.

Arrival in Bariloche, transfer to our hotel. Gear check up. Welcome to Patagonia dinner. Enjoy the city and relax for the evening.

Day 4, 5, 6, 7. (B, D) Sunday-Wednesday. Bariloche, Argentina.

Ski in Cerro Catedral.

The area has some superb skiing and varied terrain. The views from the Condor 3 lift will amaze you. The name, Condor 3 lift is aptly named. You will see these enourmous birds flying overhead as the afternoon sun warms the air. They circle round the area and get tantilisingly close...except that they seem to know when you are about to get your camera out! Close up, these birds are an amazing sight. Once seen you will never forget the flight of the Condor!

During this period in Cerro Catedral, we will use the time with some coaching from your BASI trainer in adaptability and performances for your skiing which will assist you on off piste. You will need these skills when skiing the Volcanoes over the next few days.

Day 8. (B, L, D). Thursday. Aguas Calientes, Chile.

After breakfast we take to the road that will bring us over the Andes and to the narrow land of Chile, in between the mountains and the sea. On the way there is a chance of putting our boots on and doing a short ski tour to the stunning Cerro Mirador right on the Argentine-Chilean border.

Our destination for today is the small resort of “Aguas Calientes” nested in the Chilean side of the Andes just across the border from Argentina. We drop our packs in the typical wooden cabins and enjoy the afternoon relaxing in the steaming baths of the natural hot springs.

Note: extra baggage can be left in deposit in Bariloche so we travel as light as possible.

Day 9. (B, D). Friday. Llanquihue, Chile.

Early in the morning we drive up the last stretch of the road to the Antillanca ski resort on the Antillanca volcano, here we will have our first impression of skiing on a volcanic landscape.

We depart in the afternoon towards the small hamlet of Llanquihue, right below the majestic Osorno Volcano, set on the shore of the Llanquihue lake, time to relax and enjoy the sunset shining red on the mountain.

Day 10. (B, L, D). Saturday. Llanquihue, Chile.

After a very early breakfast we drive up to Refuge Osorno and start our skinning up from this spot. We take some stunning summit pictures from the top before skiing down back to our vehicles.

We return to our cabins for a well deserved dinner of local Chilean Salmon. 

Day 11. (B, D). Sunday. Bariloche, Argentina.

In the morning we visit the super traditional fisheries and artisan fair of Angelmo in Puerto Montt.

After lunch we start our return journey to Bariloche, arrival in the evening. 

Day 12 & 13. (B, D). Monday & Tuesday. Bariloche, Argentina.

R+R and optional activities in Bariloche.

Farewell to Patagonia Dinner.

Day 14. (B). Wednesday. Buenos Aires, Argentina.

Transfer to Bariloche airport for our flight to Buenos Aires. On arrival, transfer to our hotel. Free afternoon, R+R and optional activities in Buenos Aires.

Day 15. (B). Thursday. Buenos Aires, Argentina.

R+R and optional activities in Buenos Aires. Have your last steak of the trip and maybe go for a Tango night and get the real Argentinian feel! Farewell to this great country.

Day 16. (B). Friday. Depart Argentina.

Transfer to Buenos Aires International Airport.

Day 17.(B). Saturday. Arrive UK.

Itinerary subject to modifications according to weather and group conditions.

Included in the price:

- Ski logistics and tickets.

- Mountain Guide (AAGM certified)

- All meals & lodging according to itinerary.

- All land transfers according to itinerary exclusive for the group.

- First Aid materials.

Not Included in the price:

- Single room supplement.

- Flights and airport taxes.

- Drinks.

- Ski gear.

- Others items not listed.

YOU WILL NEED...

International flights and connecting domestic Argentinian flight from BA to Bariloche.

To ensure your connecting flights please see our travel arrangements section to confirm times etc. Currently, British Airways have a direct flight to BA for £849.00 return for example. Domestic flights in Argentina are by LAN airways. see our travel details page for web links etc.

This is a custom World Class Skiing adventure and as such, we can not confirm the trip until we have the required numbers of skiers booked on the adventure. Therefore, PLEASE do not book your International flights until you have confirmation from us.

SKIING ABILITY.

As this adventure is on out of bounds terrain at times (with a qualified guide) your skiing will need to be at our ABILITY LEVEL 4 'strong parallel' (CHECK THE ABILITY PAGE FOR MORE INFO)

The price excluding flights and insurance and items mentioned above will be confirmed shortly..for more info on travel details check out the TRAVEL ARRANGEMENTS page

PRICE

£4299

Note; price may vary depending on rates etc. We will of course endeavour to keep it fixed. You will be notified of any variations.