An expedition for experienced ski tourers who want to witness the remote and wild Patagonian Ice Cap and push themselves in a wilderness setting. Between 16th November and 2nd December 2015 Requirements: Excellent physical condition, previous experience on expeditions recommended, intermediate skiing skills.
Itinerary:
Day 1 - El Calafate- El Chalten.
We'll be waiting for you at the airport and from there we will drive 5 hours to Chalten, where well check in at our Hotel and go out for a welcome dinner.Restaurant Meal.Night Hotel
Day 2 - Rio Electrico. Well drive to Electricos bridge, where well start hiking to our first camp at La Playita (5 hours).
Day 3 - Paso Marconi.This will be one of the most challenging days on the expedition as we rope up for the first time and climb to the Marconi pass. Expect magnificent views of the Continental Ice-cap. Depending on weather and timing considerations well spend the night at Gorra Hut or camp on the ice cap.8 to 9 hrs.
Day 4 - Rest Day.
Day 5Cerro Gorra Blanca.Well wake up early, and begin the climb of Cerro Gorra Blanca (2910 meters).The climbing will start off relatively flat and then eventually we will ascend the ridge bringing us to the summit of Borra Blanca.
We'll have time for pictures and to look at our proposed route out on the ice cap and if the conditions are good we will be able to easily ski back to our camp.(6-7 hours).
Day 6 - Weather Day.
Day 7 - Moreno Base Camp.From our camp at Marconi well have a long day on our skis, travelling across the ice. Well set camp at the base of the range. 6 to 9 hours skiing.
Day 8 Advanced camp.Well move up with light loads to our advanced camp on the ridge and get ready for our summit push. 4 to 6 hours.
Day 9 Cerro Mariano Moreno.On our summit day, well start out for the summit early in the morning, moving quickly toward the summit.After reaching the top and taking in the incredible view well descend all the way to basecamp. 7 to 10 hour depending on conditions.
Day 10 - Camp Lautaro. We'll move our camp closer to Volcan Lautaro or Cerro Lliboutry. Build our camping platform and settle in for the night.
Day 11 - Climb and Ski Volcan Lautaro or Cerro Lliboutry. Well get up early and make tracks toward the summit of our third objective.After 5-6 hours we will reach the summit have time for photos some hot drinks and then descend via skis back to our camp.
Day 12 - Gorra Hut or Playitas. After breakfast well start skiing back across the ice cap and depending on time spend the night at Gorra Blanca hut or descent back to Playita Camp(6-10 hours depending)Day 13El Chalten. After a few hours of walking we will reach the road at Rio Electrico and wait for our transfer back to El Chalten.Night in a hotel and Celebration dinner restaurant Chalten.Day 14-15Extra days for Weather.Day 16Transfer from El Chaltn to El Calafate.
More information is here - http://www.swoop-patagonia.co.uk/ice-cap-ski-touring-expedition/