Argentina wanderings

[danimal]

Before heading back to NJ for med school in August, I'll be heading down to Argentina for a last hurrah. I just wanted to give a shout-out for people who might be down there and for some information from those of you who have had the pleasure. If anyone has been down there, especially those who have done some touring in the area, information on good tours would be fantastic. I picked up The Handbook of Andes Ski Mountaineering, which has a ton of great info.. first hand knowledge is always primo as you all know.

Itinerary as follows, but of course snow conditions will decide much:

July 2 - arrive Buenos Aires
July 3-5 - acclimating tours, Refugio San Bernadino
July 6-19 - Las Lenas (resort and touring.. depending on Marte status)
July 20-29 - Bariloche (touring out of Refugio Frey, Cathedral, etc.)
Aug 1 - back to the states

This will be my first solo trip outside of the US, so I'd be more than happy to ski with others. Now it's just a matter of waxing up the skis and brushing up on my non-existent Spanish!

Refugio Frey stoke:
http://cairnpublishing.com/author/tripreports/winter/winter05_06/bariloche/frey/freyhut.jpg

[The Lisa]

Wow, that looks amazing! Have a great time. No need to worry about the language - when I was there a few years ago I only knew the words for beer and chocolate but locals speak enough English to communicate and you eventually will pick up some words and phrases.
Looking forward to hearing (and seeing) all about it.

[RR]

Likewise...anticipating a fine TR.

Rick Steves guides are full of important but often overlooked local "isms".

[icelanticskier]

in touch. i'm saving up vaca time.

great trip you have planned. i really wanted to ski 120+ days this year and a trip down there will easily put me over. the older you get, the more days you can ski. don't let anyone suggest otherwise.

have fun, has been a pleasure touring with you dan

rog

[MadPatSki]

i really wanted to ski 120+ days this year and a trip down there will easily put me over. the older you get, the more days you can ski. don't let anyone suggest otherwise.

You've definitely have the right frame of mind Rog.

Danimal, you might be a bit early, but if you have the be back in the States for Augues, it's probably the only way.

There is a great bus (Via Bariloche) from Bari to Buenos Aires. Direct trip, leave around 5ish pm and arrives in Buenos Aires at 10-11 am the next day. Really comfortable, no transfers. I did it last year and it didn't feel that long at all, there are different classes of buses. Take the semi-exclusion (or something like this). More expensive (still very cheap), but worth it for the long trip.

Have a good trip, if you have any specific question. Feel free to ask. Not for the touring, but logistics and areas. I did Santiago-Pucon-SanMartin Los Andes-Esquel-Bariloche-Buenos Aires (ski areas: Pucon, Chapelco, Lo Hoya, Catedral, Bayo).

http://www.firsttracksonline.com/boards/viewforum.php?f=6

I'll probably add the last year's pictures on these TRs before the end of June.

PS. Dan I've also added my pics from last June 1st. :rolleyes:

[drewvw]

Man that looks like a terrible spot to ski....

Have a blast down there dan, it was great rolling with you this season, I look forward to some cameo appearances from you next season.

[danimal]

You've definitely have the right frame of mind Rog.

Danimal, you might be a bit early, but if you have the be back in the States for Augues, it's probably the only way.


Yeah unfortunately school starts Aug 3rd, I'm getting back home Aug 2nd, so milking it for all it's worth! I figure that I'm flexible and willing to hit up where the good snow happens to be. Within the month if I get 3 face-shot days and 3 corn days, it'll all be worth it!


Rog: make it happen man! Powder should be coming in end of July for ya..

Drew: guest appearances next spring depending on workload.. I'll try to make it out to Denver a couple of times to crash with one of my buddies who's moving out there. US Airways just gave me a nice voucher, so that's looking like a nice option. You gonna be out there for end of december?

[bristlecone]

What a great adventure! I've never been and look forward to your TR.

I'll put in a plug for learning as much Spanish as you can before you go - even if it's just a little, knowing the language opens up experiences and connections that you may not otherwise have had. People appreciate the effort.

Plus, it can be useful when trying to defuse tense situations, such as when a phalanx of papaya-armed sentinels blocks the road...
http://img32.imageshack.us/img32/95/sentinels.jpg

[mainwaring]

you should PM NJAB (or not just another boarder). i don't think he checks in on a regular basis, but if you search for his posts, he does an antipodal trip down to SA most years and would have some good info, etc. especially on touring areas / backcountry and guides.

[danimal]

Plus, it can be useful when trying to defuse tense situations, such as when a phalanx of papaya-armed sentinels blocks the road...

Wow I almost shat my pants! I know what you mean about learning whatever I can... picked up some CD's and books from the library, so now I'm talking to myself in the car in broken Spanish. Buenos Dias, Senor?

[drewvw]

dan, probably won't be out there (in colorado) that early but hey who knows...