Bariloche, Argentina Backcountry Report | Alaskita Photo Tour

Miles Clark | Post Tag for BackcountryBackcountry | Post Tag for Conditions ReportConditions ReportPost Tag for WeatherWeather
Upper Alaskita with a track from yesterday.  photo:  esti erdocia
Upper Alaskita with a our tracks from today onto the good spine. photo: esti erdocia

After discovering good conditions in the higher elevations yesterday in Bariloche, Argentina, we decided to have a look into the backcountry today.  I have a favorite line called Alaskita (little alaska).

The hike out there was mellow with fantastic views.

Backcountry looking west today
Backcountry looking west today

When we got to the top of the line, we were happy to find good ole Alaskan Velvet (ie recrystalized powder) covering the upper slopes.  It was about 6 inches deep, a touch wind-pressed, and smokey.

Alaskita is fun, long line located on the Roca Inclinada ridge that lies between La Laguna and Refugio Frey.

Miles coming into the good spine on Alaskita today
Miles coming into the good spine on Alaskita today

The mini spines of Alaskita were in prime conditions today although they didn’t go all the way through.  The best spine had an 8 foot mandatory air, which made it especially titillating.

We had so much fun on that upper spine that we put on our skins and decided to do a quick lap on it…  until Joe Aussie discovered his binding broken.  From there on it became an extraction mission.

The highest peak in the area, Tronador (thunderer)
The highest peak in the area, Tronador (thunderer)

I skied the rest of Alaskita and the lower fingers are in pretty good shape.  Good enough to ski on top of them, at least.  Joe had to ski down on one ski and traverse to the main gully.

I met up with him and we took turns boot packing up about 1,500 vertical feet back to the ski resort.  A slog for sure, but not too bad.

Aussie Joe after the big boot pack out
Aussie Joe after the big boot pack out

Conditions in the backcountry around Bariloche are solid right now.  The best snow is up high and it gets a bit punchy as you go down, but it’s not too bad.  Certainly worth checking out.

The forecast for tomorrow is sun in the morning and high temperatures, then clouds in the afternoon.  If you get out early, tomorrow could be another fun backcountry day.  A decent sized storm is forecast to show up on Thursday and drop 15cm (we usually get 2-3 times what is forecasted on snow-forecast.com).

Vulcan Putiagudo, Chile in the distance
Vulcan Putiagudo, Chile in the distance

CATEDRAL FORECAST:

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More Snow Reports and News from South America Here:

SnowBrains South America

Lake Nahuel Huapi in Bariloche, Argentina
Lake Nahuel Huapi in Bariloche, Argentina today.
Cerro Inviares.  Highly recommended backcountry ski trip.
Cerro Inviares. Highly recommended backcountry ski trip.
Alaskita in 2011.
Alaskita in 2011.

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