Overview
Patagonia Snow School and Volcano Summit Attempt

The Argentine volcano Tronador is 3,478 meters high, making reaching its snow-capped summit a true challenge. Yet by joining this GVI programme to trek in Patagonia, you have the opportunity to conquer this challenge - something few people do! You will be introduced to basic mountaineering skills like crevasses rescue, rope travel, and crampon and ice axe usage. These are skills you will use during your Tronador ascent, when on your way to the top you will traverse some amazing glaciers and snow fields, seeing landscapes in Patagonia few people get to see. In favourable conditions, you then get to enjoy unforgettable views of the Patagonian Andes from the summit of this majestic mountain.

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A roaring thunder of the ice breaking off the glaciers and dropping almost 100 meters to the valleys below, Cerro Tronador, is welcoming us on our way up to the base camp where we will sleep tonight. At 4 AM tomorrow morning we will start heading up to the summit, if the mountain gives us a chance!

Stephen Meyer, Germany 2007

Highlights

Being a member of a rope team; reaching a snow-capped volcano summit to witness the breathtaking views (using crampons, an ice axe and a harness to get you the last part of the way, supervised by our experienced Argentine mountain guides); and feeling the tremendous sense of achievement of conquering each amazing challenge on this incredible adventure.

Skills And Qualifications Received

An introduction to rope teams on glacial terrain; an introduction to walking with crampons and ice axes; crevasse rescue techniques; and ice or rock climbing training.

See Requirements And Training page for more information

Location

San Carlos de Bariloche can easily be reached by plane or bus from Buenos Aires, Argentina. After a short drive from San Carlos de Bariloche in Argentine Patagonia, this trek will start at Pampa Linda, the trailhead to the base camp of Tronador, Otto Meiling.

See Life on the course page for more information

Field Conditions

Accommodation at the base camp of Tronador is in a shared room, where you will stay on matresses in a refugio overlooking the Andes. Running water and basic toilet facilities are available. The food is simple but pays close attention to your nutritional needs so you can conduct strenuous exercise in the conditions of the different seasons.

See Life on the course page for more information

What's Included

Pre-departure support and discounted services, food and accommodation, 24-hour in-country support, a 24-hour emergency phone, transport to and from Bariloche, technical kit, group kit, professional mountain guides and national park permits.

See Book Now page for more information