Hike & Ski to Frey Hut: One of the Best Adventures in Bariloche
Hut Trip
If you only have time for one adventure outside Cerro Catedral, make it the Frey Hut.
Before I even arrived in Bariloche, nearly everyone I talked to had the same recommendation:
"You have to spend a night at Frey."
After finally making the trip, I understand why.
The Journey Is Part of the Experience
Getting there isn't effortless, and that's exactly what makes it memorable.
The trail climbs through forests, crosses streams, and eventually opens into granite towers that feel more like Patagonia than what most people picture when they think of skiing in Argentina.
Our trip started in the rain. We killed a couple hours in a café hoping the weather would clear before eventually deciding to go anyway, throwing plastic bags over our backpacks and heading up the trail.
Looking back, I'm glad we didn't wait.
Spending the Night at Frey
Walking into the hut after hours on the trail felt like exactly what you'd hope a mountain hut would feel like.
We were completely soaked, but our bags stayed dry and we were met in the hut by Santiago, who had hot tea ready for us. And the best part, a room full of people who all shared the same goal: getting into the mountains tomorrow.
It definitely reminds you why mountain huts have such a loyal following around the world.
The Skiing
Blue skies greeted us the next morning and I was anxious to see what was in store for us.
The skiing wasn't perfect. Some slopes held great powder while others had been hammered by wind, but that almost made the trip feel more authentic. We explored a few lines around the hut, skied couloirs, and spent the day moving through some incredible terrain.
The seconds day held a beautiful sunrise and another bluebird day. My friend and I were excited to go and try to ski the Y Couloir. We made it to the top and I skied down first to see if it went, but I could see the snow shooting down the couloir and off a cliff, with no idea how big it was. I slowly skied down to the air and it was manageable, so we both ended up doing it.
A little rush is always good, but the biggest goal was to spend a day in one of Patagonia's most spectacular alpine settings.
Would I Do It Again?
Absolutely.
Even if the skiing had been mediocre, I'd still recommend spending a night at Frey. The scenery alone is worth the hike and slowing down becomes part of the adventure.
Owen's Tips
• Stay overnight instead of trying to rush it.
• Bring cash for the hut.
• Go even if the forecast isn't perfect.
• Leave enough time afterward to reward yourself with dinner at Alberto's back in Bariloche.