Overview
Moutaineering Course in Patagonia

This mountaineering course is ideal for anyone who wants to volunteer abroad in one of the most awesome and remote places on the planet. Volunteers will master the art of mountaineering living in the Campo Hielo Ice Cap region of Chilean Patagonia – an area of towering mountain peaks, emerald lakes and vast glaciers. The mountaineering course aims to get you to a level that you will feel confident to plan your own expeditions in the future, by acquiring a number of mountaineering skills that range from crevasse rescue techniques to environmental ethics, and go on a range of adventures that include traversing glaciers and crossing lakes on a packraft. You may find it so enjoyable that this 21-day adventure marks just the beginning of your mountaineering adventures!

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An excellent expedition. I enjoyed the classes, and the guides were great. If only they carried our backpacks for us…

James S., Student, 2007

Highlights

Learning a variety of things from your experienced and qualified guides, including: 'Leave No Trace' camping and travel skills; crampon, belay and rope techniques; try ice climbing, rock climbing, abseiling, and, if weather allows, climb a nearby peak, knowledge about glacial travel, obtain a WEA (Wilderness Education Association) “Outdoor Leader” certification, the environment, local flora and fauna, and Patagonian natural history; practicing leadership skills; learning backcountry gourmet cooking skills; and building group dynamics.

Location

Expeditions commence from the small town of Coyhaique, Chile and move onto the Northern Ice Cap (Campo de Hielo Norte) for the duration of the trip. The access to the Northern Ice Cap is approximately five hours drive from Coyhaique, deep in the beautiful Aysen region of Chile.

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Field Conditions

After a brief stay at base camp to brief and prep for the trip, students will head out to camp in the remote Patagonian wilderness. Students will be completely self sufficient while in the field, carrying everything they need for the duration in their backpack. Your home will be high-quality mountain tents, and you will learn skills of cooking, cleaning and surviving in the wilderness. All food is provided but the group will cook together. Challenges include long (8-10 hours) days walking with heavy backpacks over uneven, challenging terrain in sometimes bad weather!

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What's Included

Pre-departure support, a 24-hour emergency phone line, professional instruction throughout from qualified and experienced guides. Transportation for the duration of the course, all food, tents, all group cooking equipment, all technical climbing equipment, all snow equipment, all safety equipment including first aid kits (except personal prescription medications), maps and compasses, Wilderness First Aid Practitioner qualification, Leave No Trace Practitioner qualification, Outdoor Leader certification.

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