Information Details

Cost:

  • $7500 – one person
  • $3950 – two or more people

Dates:

Currently, these programs are being offered on a private basis only. The program is available from September through March. Contact the AAI office for availablity – info@alpineinstitute.com or 360-671-1505.

Patagonia Icecap - Map

Prerequisites:

  • Excellent physical condition
  • Previous experience camping in a wintery backcountry environment
  • Multi-day backpacking and/or mountaineering experience
  • Previous glacier travel experience

Inclusions:

  • Four Season Tents
  • Cooking Equipment, Fuel, Stoves and Expedition Meals
  • Snowshoes
  • Glacier Equipment: Crampons, Harness, Ropes, Shovel, etc.
  • Sledge/Sled
  • Communications Device (inReach/VHF Radio)
  • Expedition First Aid Kit
  • Transfer El Chaltén-Río Eléctrico

Exclusions

  • Transportation from El Calafate to El Chaltén
  • Lodging at El Chaltén
  • Porters (available upon request)
  • Personal Equipment
  • Alcoholic Drinks
  • Gratuities
  • Personal Travel and Rescue Insurance
  • Services Not Specified

 

Information Program Structure

  • 8-Day Expedition
  • Estimated Distance Covered: 62m/100km
  • Backpack Weight: 65lbs/30kg (porters available for additional cost to reduce pack weight)
  • Difficulty: Strenuous
  • Baseline winter camping and simple glacer skills required.
  • Pricing is ratio-based.
  • Timeframe: September-March

​The primary goal of this program is to traverse a piece of the Patagonian Ice Cap or Icefield. We do this by walking on trails, talus, glaciers and steep snow slopes. In addition to this, we must cross rivers — sometimes on a zipline — and we must move in all sorts of different weather conditions.

A successful ascent of Gorra Blanca is the icing on this spectacular cake.

The Icefield Expedition is a physically demanding program, but not a terribly technical one. Those who have climbed moderate glaciated peaks successfully like Mt. Baker, Mt. Rainier or Cotopaxi should have the right physical fitness for this trip.

Patagonia Climbers

​The wind in the area is sometimes referred to as “the broom of God.” It is for this reason that we have devised a 10-day itinerary. You’ll note that there are two additional days built in to accommodate for weather or to add rest days.

It is important to note that part of the reason this area is so beautiful is because it is hit by high winds and storms regularly.