Patagonia Ascent

Ice Climbing and Glacier Travel Course

  • Ice Climbing and Glacier Travel Course

Located 40 km north of El Chaltén, near Lago del Desierto, this aesthetic peak and its surroundings offer the perfect terrain to learn the basics of ice climbing and glacier travel.

The objective of this course is to build a solid foundation in technical and safety knowledge. Participants will acquire the necessary skills to move safely in glacier environments, perform basic rescue techniques, and take their first steps into ice climbing.

  • Duration: 3 days (full days in the field)
  • Pax: 4 persons
  • Recommended season: November to April

Included Services

  • UIAGM/IFMGA mountain guide
  • Accommodation in Creston hut
  • Sleeping bag
  • Dinner and breakfast
  • Technical equipment
  • GPS
  • Communication (VHF and satellite)
Not Included Services
  • Boots
  • Transportation
  • Drinks
  • Rescue insurance is not included. Participants must have their own coverage (see Terms & Conditions).
Attention: National Park entry fees are not included in this program. You can purchase your tickets at APN – National Park Website.
PROGRAM

CONTENTS

  • Safety and equipment for ice climbing
  • Safety chain review
  • Energy absorbers
  • Belaying techniques
  • Use of crampons (classic technique)
  • Front-point technique and progression
  • Ice protection
  • Snow and ice anchors
  • Crevasse rescue
  • Glacier travel
  • Safety tips for snow and ice climbing

PROGRAM

The day before the course we will have a brief meeting with the guide to check equipment and arrange last-minute details.

DAY 1 & DAY 2

Early in the morning we drive about 1 hour to the parking area near Creston. We hike approximately 200 meters of elevation gain along a steep trail to reach Refugio Valle del Creston.

After setting up base camp, we prepare equipment and continue ascending for about one hour over moraine terrain to reach the glacier, where we carry out the technical training.

In the evening, we descend back to the hut through the forest.

  • Duration: 6–8 hours
  • Elevation gain: 500 m

DAY 3

Creston peak ascent. Early in the morning we start climbing towards the summit, applying the techniques learned during the course.

We cross the glacier to reach a saddle, then follow the ridge climbing 50° snow slopes and mixed terrain to reach the summit.

Descent back to base camp and return to the road.

  • Duration: 8–10 hours
  • Elevation gain: 1300 m
DIFFICULTY

Intermediate: may include off-trail sections and steep scree. Distances between 10 and 20 km, with elevation gain between 500 and 1000 m. 

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Note: You can check our Difficulty Levels, General Information and Terms & Conditions for more details before booking.