Ready for The REAL Patagonia? Baguales Cat & Backcountry Skiing

[this article is sponsored by Baguales Mountain Reserve]

Check out the video above for a solid of feel of what the Baguales experience is all about.

45-minutes south of the bustle of Bariloche, Argentina is a special place called Baguales Mountain Reserve. Baguales is a large cat skiing operation with three huts, expansive terrain, unique wildlife, and nothing around for miles. The amount and variety of terrain here is impressive. This is the real Patagonia. The Patagonia you read about in books and hear about in stories.

2015 PROGRAMS:

This season, Baguales has excellent new packages that cater to every timeframe and type of skier and rider that include fully certified UAIGM mountain guides. Click the links below for full details about each program:

The Villegas hut is finished in a gorgeous setting and ready for skiers and riders.

NEW AT BAGUALES THIS SEASON:

Baguales spent the off season making their largest mountain hut, the La Mesada Hut, even larger. The main living room now has room for up to 12 guests including two new bathrooms making staying and chilling at La Mesada better than ever.

Baguales on August 3rd, 2015. photo: baguales

The Villegas hut at the base of the impressive Mt. Villegas is now completely finished and ready for clients this ski season. The Villegas area holds incredible freeride terrain and enjoys a forest setting surrounded by gorgeous Patagonian landscapes. Villegas allows for excellent access to both cat skiing and ski touring options.

Some of the rowdy Terrain off Mt. Villegas that will host the Baguales Cup.

Baguales will also be hosting a another freeride competition this year called the Copa de Baguales (Baguales Cup) along with a randonee race on August 5th and 6th, 2015.

Baguales Cup, August 5th and 6th, 2015. — Baguales Cup, August 5-6, 2015.

ABOUT BAGUALES:

Baguales Mountain Preserve is a cat skiing/snowboarding operation in the heart Andes mountain range of Argentine Patagonia. Baguales is the largest cat skiing operation in Argentina with huts at 5,250-feet and peaks up to 8,000-feet.

Baguales supports cat skiing and riding, snowmobiling, backcountry skiing and riding, crosscountry skiing, and more. All activities are performed under the supervision of their fully certified UAIGM mountain guides.

There is something for every ability level and anyone will appreciate the beauty and serenity of spectacular Argentine Patagonia.

Baguales is Home to Three Mountain Huts or Refugios:

La Mesada Refugio

Skiing expeditions begin at La Mesada Refuge sitting at 5,300-feet. This gorgeous wooden cabin gives visitors stunning views of the nearby Ciruela and Villegas mountains as well the La Mesada Valley and Carerra Mountains. This refugio can host up to 20 guests in four twin bedrooms each with private bathrooms, and one large common bedroom with two shared bathrooms. La Mesada refugio sports a large dining room adjacent to a spacious living room with a comfortable bar and sprawling deck allowing for a 360º view of the surrounding wilderness. The comfort of this refugio is juxtaposed to the vibrant wilderness that surrounds it creating a feeling of ease not found many places on Earth.

Villegas Refugio

Refugio Villegas is located at 4,600-feet at the base of the impressive Villegas mountain. Cerro Villegas is a freerider’s paradise. Steeps, cliffs, roll overs, chutes, and wide open faces. Time spent in this refugio at the base of Villegas is a dream come true for any freerider. Refugio Villegas is easily accessed via snowmobile or snowcat and provides lodging for 10 guests in one large bedroom with a shred bathroom, hot showers, a kitchen/dining room, and cozy living room complete with fireplace and large windows overlooking the surrounding terrain and forests.

Del Pinado Refugio

Del Pintado Refugio is the refugio located deepest in the Baguales wilderness. Del Pintado sits at 5,300-feet immediately between the Carreras and Hermanos mountain ranges. This refugio sits on a high wetland at the headwters of the Pichileufu River. Del Pintado holds 10 guests, is ideal for backcountry skiing as is located at the base of some incredible freeride terrain. Many consider these slopes near Del Pintado the best and most fun Baguales has to offer.

Main Activities at Baguales:

Catskiing. With no traditional lifts, this type of skiing allows you to easily experience virgin snow and gorgeous terrain. Guest travel via 2 snowcats that hold of 12 people clients and 2 guides. Depending on the overall ski level, weather and snow conditions, a total of around 8 to 14 daily descents with an approximately of 16,000-vertical-feet.

Backcountry Skiing. Baguales offers a enormous amount of terrain for backcountry skiing that can or cannot be assisted with snowmobile or snowcat. Wether out for a day trip or staying overnight, the terrain and snow at Baguales will satisfy the gnarliest freerider as well as the mellowest backcountry tourer.

Baguales Mountain Reserve offers a wide choice of programes for every kind of client – from those looking for a ski-and-relax weekend to the most demanding skiers and riders. An unforgettable experience awaits wether you cat ski, backcountry ski, try a mix of both or simply relax in the mountains away from everything.

Baguales Mountain Reserve, a natural universe waiting to be discovered.