Mountain Project Logo

Chile and Argentina, October-December 2014

Original Post
Mike Sullivan · · Durango, CO · Joined Sep 2004 · Points: 60

Hey y'all,

I'm going to be in South America for work this autumn, and want to take some time to climb in both Chile and Argentina after my projects are done. I'll be available starting mid October and am flying out of Santiago on January 9. Beyond that, I'm flexible with destinations and dates. Possible destinations could include Pucon, Bariloche, and Mendoza, and maybe a couple of the larger peaks along the border. I plan to base myself in Bariloche for most of November and December. My goals are to do some alpine climbing (any grades from F to AD+ or D) and do a bunch of trad climbing, preferably multipitch anywhere in the 5.7 to 5.10 range, or harder if you wanna lead it. Also open to trekking if the climbing options don't pan out.

Anybody interested in meeting up with me? Anybody have any recommendations on good places to go?

Cheers,

Mike Sullivan
Durango, CO

Danclimber · · Unknown Hometown · Joined Aug 2014 · Points: 0

Hi
I'm also planning a trip to Bariloche area from oct 29to nov 29. That is the time i have available. i now realize that is their spring so it might not be a good time to be there.
Yes it would be good to meet up.
thoughts?
Dan,
Squamish, Canada
moonview1@hotmail.com

Mike Sullivan · · Durango, CO · Joined Sep 2004 · Points: 60

Hi Dan,

I'm trying to check in with friends who have climbed before in Bariloche, but haven't heard back from them yet. From what I've heard/read, the snow may keep us from getting on a lot of the climbs in early Nov, but a lot of routes should be accessible and dry by late November, with conditions getting even better in December. I was in Cochamo last December, which is further south from Bariloche -- the snow was mostly melted off, but a lot of the climbs were still wet even that late in the spring.

Maybe it would be worthwhile to spend early Nov in Pucon or some other (less alpine) destination, and then hit Bariloche later in the month? Let's try and do some more research and see what the options are. I've got a few Chilean climbing websites bookmarked, but haven't had time yet to learn about the options, other than that they exist... I don't know anything at all about climbs in Argentina, except for Chalten and Bariloche/Frey.

You can reach me on email at zarmot@yahoo.com. I'm around for the next day or two, but will be out of touch for most of the coming 3 weeks -- working on a solar project in the jungles of northern Bolivia.

Thanks for contacting me... I'll let you know when I hear back from one of my friends about Bariloche. Please let me know if you dig up any more details.

Cheers,

Mike

Chris Clarke · · Davis, WV · Joined Apr 2009 · Points: 130

I'll be in La Paz then. The last three years have had a fair amount of good climbing weather October-December but who knows about this year.

Mike Sullivan · · Durango, CO · Joined Sep 2004 · Points: 60

Hi Chris,

I'm working in Bolivia until about 5 Sept, and then I have to be in northern Chile on Sept. 20 for more work. I have free time between about the 5th and 15th. If you are in La Paz then, would you be willing to meet? I'd be happy to buy you a couple of beers if you are willing to share some beta on the Real and other climbing options you are familiar with.

Cheers,

Mike
zarmot@yahoo.com

Chris Clarke · · Davis, WV · Joined Apr 2009 · Points: 130

Hi Mike,

I'd be happy to meet you in La Paz but I will be in the US until early morning on the 16th. I'm free after that until mid-December. I'll send you an email.

Cheers,

Chris

Mike Sullivan · · Durango, CO · Joined Sep 2004 · Points: 60

Thanks, Chris -- I'll be in touch via email.

Anyone else out there who has an interest in meeting up in Pucon, Bariloche, or other destinations; or who has some advice to share on climbing in the region?

CathyO · · Catalonia · Joined Aug 2014 · Points: 0

I've just left Bariloche and I'd be very surprised if you can't access the Frey granite in Nov. At the end of Aug they were already talking about closing the Cerro Catedral ski resort because the winter had been so poor and the snowline was so high. There is very little base, so even if they do get a spring snow dump, it'll melt away quickly. Frey is a lovely area!

Mike Sullivan · · Durango, CO · Joined Sep 2004 · Points: 60

Hi Cathy, thanks for taking the time to let me know about conditions. Bummer for the ski season, but that should definitely help with spring climbing. Anyone else out there interested in climbing around Frey/Bariloche this Nov and Dec?

Gabriel Kiritz · · Unknown Hometown · Joined Mar 2010 · Points: 235

Hey Mike - I'm working on Chiloé Island from now (Sept. 5th) until beginning of December. I'm hoping to make some short trips to Cochamó & the Frey/Bariloche area before I finish work, and then I will also have three weeks in December to travel throughout Patagonia. Would love to meet up and climb, weather & time permitting! Feel free to shoot me an email at gkiritz@ucla.edu.

Gabe

Mike Sullivan · · Durango, CO · Joined Sep 2004 · Points: 60

Cool Gabe, I will email you. Cochamó is a pretty amazing place, you're gonna like it!

Michelle Kinny · · Boulder, CO · Joined May 2014 · Points: 50

Hey Mike and Chris! I'm in La Paz at the moment and would love to climb! I'll be in Bolivia for about a month more and want to climb as much as possible. I sport climb 5.11s and can follow trad. Let me know if you're still in the area and want to meet up!
Michellekinny@gmail.com

Mike Sullivan · · Durango, CO · Joined Sep 2004 · Points: 60

Hi Michelle,

I left La Paz on Friday and am now in northern Chile. Chris is very well connected to the climbing scene in Bolivia, so I'm sure he can hook you up with partners. I think he arrives there in just a day or two. Meanwhile, email me if you want contact info for a few local climbers in La Paz. The weather's been pretty rainy, but I hope it clears up for you. You should definitely go meet Denys Sanjines at the Hostal Topaz on Calle Saavedra -- she can hook you up, too. And if it rains, there is a pretty good bouldering wall/cave at the hostel. Saludos y buena suerte!

BeccaS · · Seattle, WA · Joined Jul 2014 · Points: 35

Hi Mike,

I'm in Argentina right now and planning to head out to bariloche and el chalten from mid-nov to mid-dec to climb and trek. I'd love to meet up. I don't have a ton of gear with me (harness, shoes, PA, atc, nut tool), but I'm anxious to get out. My internet access is spotty, but hopefully we can connect sometime before then.

Mike Sullivan · · Durango, CO · Joined Sep 2004 · Points: 60

Hey Becca,

That sounds great. I've got a pretty full rack of trad gear, so we should be set. (However, I only have a single 60m rope, so we'll probably need a 2nd rope for raps, or stick to routes with walk-offs...)

Let's get back in touch in early November and try to plan something out. Do you have a rough idea of your time frame for the Bariloche area?

Cheers!

Shane Lonergan · · Unknown Hometown · Joined Jun 2014 · Points: 0

Hey Mike (and anybody else looking for climbing/hiking partner),

I'll be in Bariloche/Southern Patagonia from 17 October until I fly from El Calafate to Buenos Aires on the 20th November.

I'm interested in climbing (and hiking) - only intended bringing harness/shoes/etc but I could squeeze a few draws and cams in if needs be.

I'd be interested in non-alpine climbing also if we cant get up high.

Shane

Mike Sullivan · · Durango, CO · Joined Sep 2004 · Points: 60

Hi Shane,

Sounds like we should have a week or two of overlap in Bariloche, so let's get back in touch when the time gets closer. I plan to arrive there at the end of October, depending on weather. Since it sounds like you'll be there before me, could you send me some info about snow line and route conditions?

I still need to do more research, but I'm pretty sure that there are a couple of lower elevation sport crags in the region if we are shut down in the alpine due to snow.

Cheers,

Mike

Shane Lonergan · · Unknown Hometown · Joined Jun 2014 · Points: 0

I can't find too much info about current conditions Mike! But I did find a recent picture of Cerritos cathedral! snowbrains.com/wp-content/u… - doesn't look to be that much snow cover!

I notice most articles online about the season list the season start as November so there is a good chance we could get up there in November or else maybe I'll just have to stay a few weeks longer! :) Pictures look incredible!!

Mike Sullivan · · Durango, CO · Joined Sep 2004 · Points: 60

Thanks for the photo link. It does look tasty... I was trying to ask if you could send me some info on conditions once you get to Bariloche, after talking to folks there or seeing Frey for yourself. Assuming you are going to Bariloche first and then working your way south later on in the spring -- is that true?

Cheers,

Mike

Mike Sullivan · · Durango, CO · Joined Sep 2004 · Points: 60

I just edited my original post to skip any more climbing in Bolivia this trip, and to focus on Chile and Argentina -- primarily Bariloche, Pucón, and nearby areas.

I'm also thinking about the possibility of Mendoza (Los Arenales) if any MP'ers have an interest in climbing there in October. Another option would be to try one or two of the 6000 m peaks along the border, maybe something around Ojos del Salado...?

Jordan Moore · · Boulder, CO · Joined Feb 2011 · Points: 60

I'll be in bariloche and the rest of Patagonia October 13th and expect to stay until march. I have a full trad rack, double ropes, mountaineering boots, crampons, and just a straight axe. I can lead up to 5.11 and have limited snow and ice experience but would be interested in some mountain routes. Let me know if you need a partner!

Guideline #1: Don't be a jerk.

International
Post a Reply to "Chile and Argentina, October-December 2014"

Log In to Reply

Join the Community

Create your FREE account today!
Already have an account? Login to close this notice.

Get Started.