DESCRIPTION:

An introduction to the vertical world. Different places around El Chalten are visited to practice the basic techniques, safety and movement on the rock. It is a first contact with the climbing gear and a variety of climbing situations; the instructor teaches the best way to overcome them.

Casa de Guías wants to show you the vertical world. Monitored by expert climbers, certified instructors and AAGM (Association Argentina de Guías de Montaña) Mountain Guides. 4 hs rock climbing in El Chaltén. There are different climbing sectors just in the village with a nice variety of routes. You will be introduced to know the basics of rock climbing technique in top rope style. Climbing is a unique sport, your whole body is going be engaged and your mind will experience the thrill of going up! Learn how to move on the vertical! All the necessary gear - harness, climbing shoes and helmet – is provided. Max - ratio: 1: 4.

THE FOLLOWING SERVICES ARE INCLUDED:

All climbing gear: ropes, karabiners, safety equipment, climbing shoes, harness, Helmet. VHF radio communication. First Aid Kit. Insurance.

NOT INCLUDED:

Food and lodging in El Chaltén. Personal equipment (check equipment list). Transfer in / out El Chaltén. All services not specifically indicated above.

PERSONAL EQUIPMENT:

Comfortable pants, polar fleece, windproof anorak, hat, sunglasses, sunscreen, camera, water bottle, gloves.

NOTE:

The Casa de Guías Staff and Mountain Guides will assess you on any matters, doubts and questions, as well hotel booking/buses/meals organization issues. Casa de Guías would like to emphasize that a good mountain spirit is essential for a successful and learning experience. Please remember that to fully enjoy this unique place you should be in good physical shape.
You should properly be aware that mountain climbing is a very tough outdoors activity and inherently dangerous, being the weather in this region legendary famous for its wild character. 
Our Mountain Guides are fully experienced in the area so expedition members will have to accept all decisions regarding weather, safety, member/participant’s lack of ability and itinerary modifications of any degree.

DESCRIPTION:

This programme was designed as an introduction to the climbing World. In order to fully comprehend and get familiarized with the procedures of climbing we recommend a fully extended climbing course.
The day will begin on easy slopes where we are going to practice the basic positions and climbing concepts. We’ll then analyze and learn different knots and the basic security, an introduction to climbing gear and belaying techniques.
In order to improve the techniques that we are learning we are going to climb different routes and grades: dihedrals, vertical and slabs always on top rope style. The guides will lead all the climbs.
By the end of the day we will climb an easy short two-pitch route so we can understand climbing progression in a wall. An introduction to rappelling will also be given.
All the practices are going to take place in different crags around the village.

THE FOLLOWING SERVICES ARE INCLUDED:

All climbing gear: ropes, karabiners, safety equipment, climbing shoes, harness, Helmet. VHF radio communication. First Aid Kit. Insurance.

NOT INCLUDED:

Food and lodging in El Chaltén. Personal equipment (check equipment list). Transfer in / out El Chaltén. All services not specifically indicated above.

PERSONAL EQUIPMENT:

Comfortable pants, polar fleece, windproof anorak, hat, sunglasses, sunscreen, camera, water bottle, gloves. Lunch.

NOTE:

The Casa de Guías Staff and Mountain Guides will assess you on any matters, doubts and questions, as well hotel booking/buses/meals organization issues. Casa de Guías would like to emphasize that a good mountain spirit is essential for a successful and learning experience. Please remember that to fully enjoy this unique place you should be in good physical shape.
You should properly be aware that mountain climbing is a very tough outdoors activity and inherently dangerous, being the weather in this region legendary famous for its wild character. 
Our Mountain Guides are fully experienced in the area so expedition members will have to accept all decisions regarding weather, safety, member/participant’s lack of ability and itinerary modifications of any degree.

DESCRIPTION:

This programme was conceived as a more personalized alternative to the classic Glacier Trek. We’ll concentrate mostly on ice climbing. In order to fully comprehend and get familiarized with the procedures of climbing we recommend a fully extended climbing course. The practices are held in the Torre Glacier.
Early in the morning (7 am) we leave the village towards Laguna Torre (Lake Torre) following a well marked trail. Before reaching the lake we’ll stop at Campamento Prestadores to pick up harnesses, crampons and the rest of the climbing gear that we need for the glacier. We’ll also take a break to have some tea or coffee at our mess tent.
Another 30 minutes or so and we’ll be at the lake in the point where the Fitz Roy River is born: here we’ll cross it through a so called “Tyrolean rope”. Once on the other side of the river a rocky steep trail up and down around the lake will finally take us to the glacier
We will climb different walls, first on a low angle slope and then on a more vertical one, always in top rope style. Prior to this anyhow, we’ll start with a brief introduction on crampons technique, glaciology and general safety concepts. The so called French Technique will allow us to walk in a safe way on the ice: this first step is going to be very important in order to develop the necessary confidence and equilibrium in our footwork and body. After this approach to the glacier we will choose different ice formations called seracs and crevasses to start practicing ice climbing: the technique is called piolet traction. We will spend the rest of the day improving our style. The total time that we spend on the glacier is approximately 4 hs.

THE FOLLOWING SERVICES ARE INCLUDED:

Certified mountain guides (Argentine Mountain Guides Association, and National Park Administration). Group first aid kit. Technical and safety equipment (rope, harness, crampons, rescue kit, etc.). VHF radio communication. Insurance. Assistant (depending on the amount of members).

NOT INCLUDED:

Food and lodging in El Chaltén. Personal equipment (check equipment list). Transfer in / out El Chaltén. All services not specifically indicated above.

EQUIPMENT LIST:

Dress like an onion. Warm clothing (polar fleece), comfortable pants, trekking boots, waterproof jacket and pants, gloves, wool hat, cap, daypack (40 lts), sunglasses, water bottle, lunch, sunscreen, spare socks. Etc.

NOTE:

Please remember that to fully enjoy this unique place you should be in good physical shape. The Casa de Guías Staff and Mountain Guides will assess you on any matters, doubts and questions, as well hotel booking/buses/meals organization issues prior and after the expedition. Casa de Guías would like to emphasize that a good mountain spirit and collaboration of all expedition members is essential for a successful and learning experience. You should also know that there is a common share of load that you will have to carry. Besides the weather (expect cold temperatures, snowfall and high speed winds), you should be prepared to carry up to 15 kgs on your backpack and be able to walk on very uncomfortable ground i.e. glacier moraines, screes,  glacial ice and snow. It is also expected your collaboration when setting/breaking camp and cooking. Porters are available at your expense.
Our Mountain Guides are fully experienced in the area so expedition members will have to accept all decisions regarding weather, safety, member’s lack of ability and itinerary modifications of any degree.

DESCRIPTION:

This school is an introduction to ice climbing and glaciers. The curriculum is rather intensive so in order to fully comprehend and get familiarized with the procedures of climbing we recommend a fully extended climbing course.
For a more comprehensive and extended course there’s a four-day school option in which we’ll see crevasse rescue and also reach the upper zone of the glacier.
Furthermore you should not forget that experience is a fundamental talent in mountaineering that only builds up in a gradual way every time we go out.

DAY 1
Early in the morning (7 am) we leave the village towards Laguna Torre (Lake Torre) following a well marked trail. Before reaching the lake we’ll stop at Campamento Prestadores to pick up harnesses, crampons and sort out the climbing gear that we need for the glacier. We’ll also take a break to have some tea or coffee at our mess tent. Another 30 minutes and we’ll be at the lake in the point where the Fitz Roy River is born: here we’ll cross it through a so called “Tyrolean rope”. On the other side of the river a rocky steep trail around the lake will finally take us to the glacier.
We’ll start with an introduction on crampons technique, glaciology, general safety concepts, and use of the ice climber gear. Basic knots. Self arrest.
First of all we have to learn how to walk: the so called French Technique will allow us to walk in a safe way on the ice: this first step is going to be very important in order to develop the necessary confidence and equilibrium in our footwork and body. As we move we’ll learn about the topography of the glaciers and the situations that we can expect. Then we’’ll see the different ice axe techniques.
After this approach to the glacier we will choose different ice formations called seracs and crevasses to start practicing ice climbing: the technique is called piolet traction. We will spend the rest of the day improving our style. Return to Campamento Prestadores. Dinner.

DAY 2
After breakfast we’ll depart again for the glacier. Today we’ll first have introduction on belaying, route finding and roping up for glacier travel. Later on before climbing we’ll learn about the ice anchors placements (ice screws) and other anchor options. Then we’ll spend the rest of the day reviewing and improving what we learned yesterday with more ice climbing. As we keep on climbing you will improve your belaying technique always supervised by the monitor.
All the practices are going to be held on the lower/ablation area of the Torre Glacier.

THE FOLLOWING SERVICES ARE INCLUDED:
 
All meals during the expedition since we leave El Chaltén until our return. Certified mountain guides (Argentine Mountain Guides Association, and National Park Administration). Group first aid kit. Technical and safety equipment (rope, harness, crampons, rescue kit, etc.). Cookware, stove, tent. VHF radio communication. Insurance. Assistant (depending on the amount of members).

NOT INCLUDED:

Food and lodging in El Chaltén. Personal equipment (check equipment list). Transfer in / out El Chaltén. Extra porters. All services not specifically indicated above.

EQUIPMENT LIST:

Backpack 70 Lts. Sturdy hiking boots (preferably water proof). Socks, thin liners and thick outers. Spare socks and clothing. Long underwear and shirt. Lightweight hiking pants. Fleece pullover (two layers: thick and thin). Rain jacket and pants. Gaiters. Wool hat. Two pairs of gloves (one waterproof). Sun cap, sunglasses and sunscreen. Sleeping bag (- 5/10° C) and mattress. Water bottle. Pocket knife. Headlamp. Personal medical items. Moleskin.

NOTE:

Please remember that to fully enjoy this unique place you should be in good physical shape. The Casa de Guías Staff and Mountain Guides will assess you on any matters, doubts and questions, as well hotel booking/buses/meals organization issues prior and after the expedition. Casa de Guías would like to emphasize that a good mountain spirit and collaboration of all expedition members is essential for a successful and learning experience. You should also know that there is a common share of load that you will have to carry. Besides the weather (expect cold temperatures, snowfall and high speed winds), you should be prepared to carry up to 15 kgs on your backpack and be able to walk on very uncomfortable ground i.e. glacier moraines, screes,  glacial ice and snow. It is also expected your collaboration when setting/breaking camp and cooking. Porters are available at your expense.
Our Mountain Guides are fully experienced in the area so expedition members will have to accept all decisions regarding weather, safety, member’s lack of ability and itinerary modifications of any degree.