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Sled Access Backcountry Skiing

Sled Access Backcountry Skiing5/57
Sled Access Backcountry Skiing5 out of 5 based on 7 reviews
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SLED ACCESS BACKCOUNTRY SKIING & RIDING
Bariloche Argentina

Book before 1st March for 20% off advertised price
Location: South America | Tour Focus: Guided | Terrain Focus: Backcountry
Ability: Strong Intermediate to Expert
Price p/p From price based on 3 night plus 3 ski day package for 2024
Base/invoice currency is in USD inc taxes.
*Displayed price may vary due to currency fluctuations.
USD 3,600
Backcountry snowmobile skiing and snowboarding. Full Argentine adventure experience & stay in a rustic mountain refugio that offers magnificent views. 3-7 day packages that include guided sled skiing, lodging, gourmet cuisine, drinks, and transport.
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Custom Booking Period: Jun 01 - Oct 15, 2024
Min Days: From 3
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Availability: Available
Future rates & dates are currently not yet available for this operator. Click here to enquire.
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Mallin Alto Sled Access Backcountry Tours

Mallin Alto near Bariloche in Patagonia Argentina offers backcountry sled skiing in a beautifully remote setting. Despite its proximity to Bariloche, you’ll feel like you couldn’t be further away from it all.

You’ll stay in unique lodging deep in the mountains. The refugio sits high on a ridge, and with lots of large windows you’ll enjoy magnificent views from your “dome-tent” guest room, the breakfast room, and the gorgeous dining room. See the lodging tab for more on the refugio and the dining experience.

Sled skiing/snowboarding packages are for 3 to 4 days and nights, or you can stay for a week if you really want to disconnect from it all. All packages include lodging with full board, alcoholic beverages, guided sled skiing, and transport to/from Bariloche.

Mallin Alto sled skiing and snowboarding is for hardcore escapade enthusiasts. You’ll have to leave all stress behind, get into the relaxed Argentine culture, and have an open mind to adventure. The Mallin Alto lodge is blissfully out in the middle of nowhere and despite the Instagram worthy views from the refugio and the many luxurious comforts provided such as epicurean meals, princesses need not apply!

You can check out the Mallin Alto overview for information on the terrain, location and reviews.

If this looks of interest or you have any questions, you can inquire here>> 

Where is Mallin Alto?

Mallin Alto is located near Bariloche in Patagonia in Argentina, deep in the mountains and far from civilization. Transport is included from the Bariloche airport or your Bariloche hotel. The journey from Bariloche to the refugio takes about 2.5 to 3 hours and it’s a bumpy adventurous trip that emphasizes that you’re getting away from everday life. See the location information for more on getting there.

Ability & Terrain

Whilst you do need to be in good physical condition, you don't have to be an expert skier or boarder to join a Mallin Alto tour. As a minimum you should be a “strong-intermediate” with respect to a variety of off-piste snow conditions. Much of the terrain is wide open with plenty of room to manoeuvre. Experts will still have fun and there are various rock features for launching if you wish.

The Mallin Alto ski and snowboard terrain includes a little tree skiing when there is fresh snow and cold temperatures. 

Equipment

You need to have a helmet and your own snowboard or skis (fat skis are recommended). Ski and snowboard rentals are available in Bariloche if required. All guests can be provided with a beacon and backpack with shovel and probe, but BYO if you have it. 

Guides

The backcountry guides at Mallin Alto are locals with IFMGA mountain guide qualifications. The guides take up to a maximum of 6 guests.

Itinerary

Whether you go to Mallin Alto for 2 days/2 nights or 7 days/7 nights, each trip starts and ends with travel in the late afternoon. The suggested times in the itinerary are approximations to provide an outline of each day. This is Argentina where everything is flexible, there are no clocks, and you can probably take your watch off.

Travel Day

  • 5:00 pm – Pick up from Bariloche Airport or your Bariloche hotel. Transportation in 4WD vehicle and then oversnow transport to the lodge.
  • 07:30 p.m. – Settle into the refugio and have a relaxing cocktail
  • 08:30 p.m. - Mountain dinner with signature wines.
  • Stay overnight in the comfortable lodging

Day 1 - SKI DAY

  • 9:00 am or thereabouts - Breakfast.
  • 10 am or so – Safety talk then beginning of the skiing/snowboarding day
  • 1:00 pm - Typical Patagonian lunch at the lodge
  • 2:00 pm: Continue with the skiing day
  • 5:00 pm - Après ski with handcrafted beers or wine, a snack and perhaps a soak in the hot tub
  • 8 pm or thereabouts - Dinner & open bar
  • Stay overnight

DAY 2 onwards - SKI DAY

  • 9:00 am.- Breakfast.
  • 10:00 am-ish - Beginning of the skiing day.
  • 1:00 pm - Lunch in the snow (or possibly keep riding and have a late lunch)
  • 2 pm - Continue with the skiing day.
  • 4:00 p.m. – Apres ski, with a traditional Argentine picada (snack), drinks and handcrafted beer.
  • 5:00 p.m. - Descend to the city of San Carlos de Bariloche and get dropped off at the airport or your hotel
  • Or if you’ve booked a 3 or more day trip, you get to relax and repeat the evening activities of Day 1

What to Pack

You’ll need to pack reasonably lightly because there is somewhat limited space on the UTV for oversnow transport.
  • Ski or snowboard equipment and clothing
  • Avalanche safety gear (beacon, shovel, probe) if you have it, or you can use the Mallin Alto equipment, including an airbag backpack
  • Swimming attire in case the hot tub is fired up
  • Keep warm clothes (e.g. jacket, beanie, gloves) at hand for the trip up. Guests usually go up in the covered UTV but there’s always a chance of jumping on the back of a snowmobile.
  • Warm casual clothes – the refugio doesn’t have central heating and whilst there are plenty of open fires and wood combustion stoves to stay warm, it’s best to layer up

What Not to Pack

  • Your hairdryer as you won’t be able to use it
  • Fancy clothes – casual clothes will be quite acceptable

Mallin Alto Lodging

The Mallin Alto refugio sits at the treeline up at 1,650 metres of elevation near the top of the ranch, so it affords the most remarkable mountainous views. Despite “refugio” translating to “refuge” which may conjure up thoughts of a barebones mountain hut, like many other Patagonian refugios, it’s so much more. It’s definitely rustic, but it has many creature comforts such as gourmet cuisine, plenty of fireplaces and pot belly stoves, comfortable beds, and ensuite bathrooms with wood fired showers. The lodge has grown organically and is a jigsaw puzzle of dome tents integrated with rooms and larger communal spaces. It's quirky and asymmetrical throughout the building. It feels like the lack of physical structure of the lodge also takes you away from the normal structure of life, and it makes you feel more relaxed.

As to be expected for a refugio, it’s geographically isolated and this is also part of the appeal. It takes time to get there, so you really feel like you’re getting away from all the hustle and bustle of Bariloche and your everyday life.

Guest Rooms

The three guest rooms are dome tents that are fully integrated with the building, and all have insulation and ensuite bathroom with toilet, bidet and shower. All rooms have large windows to take in the magnificent views, and there are views from the bathroom also. All have heating via a wood heater as well as lots of layers of bedding to keep you warm in case the fire goes out. Hot water is derived from an individual fire stove that the staff can light for you a little while before you’d like a shower.

Room 1 – Dome with 2 single beds or large double bed. Shower with magnificent views, although water pressure might not be 5 star. Heating comes from the combustion stove in the lounge area.

Room 2 – Larger dome with a double bed, plus 2 single beds, and a mezzanine level with a mattress on the floor that could be utilised for families. Ensuite with mountain views from the handbasin area. Combustion fire for heating & power points.

Room 3 – 4 single beds so it’s ideal if you have your own small group. Like the other rooms it has an ensuite bathroom.

Room allocation is dependent on the number and mix of other guests.

Communal Areas

Upstairs near the kitchen is a cozy living area that has a large open fireplace, a sofa, and a dining table surrounded by windows that show off the mountain views. The sheepskin covered concrete seats have hydronic heating underneath that transmit heat from the combustion fire, making it a warm and toasty spot to sit.

Downstairs is a large communal room that features large stunning floor to ceiling windows that showcase the mountains, that’s of course when it’s not dumping with snow. Lunch and dinner may be held at the large dining table, and there is a bar, and the obligatory open fire, plus a wood fired pizza oven that also heats large stone bench seats draped in sheepskin.


Food and Drinks

The fare on offer is pretty special, especially considering the remote location and that all cooking is undertaken on a wood fired stove. You will definitely never be hungry at Mallin Alto.

Breakfast is usually simple and consists of toast and jam, scrambled eggs, cheese, fruit, orange juice and coffee.

Lunch is often a 3 course affair and includes wine if you wish. Depending on the timing of lunch, apres ski snacks are often provided which could include pastries or savoury appetizers such as fondue style dips, or hors d'oeuvres.

Dinner is usually a 3-course meal. At times it is a set-menu, whilst at others it is an a la carte menu with a choice of 3 to 4 items for each course. Parrilla style cooking on the open fire of ribs or lamb may feature some evenings, which is a fantastic Argentine experience. Mallin Alto produces its own meats.

There is no shortage of alcoholic beverages on offer, including an array of Argentine red wines. Other options may include local handcrafted beers or some spirits such as gin.

Dietary requirements such as vegan or coeliac can be catered for with advance notice.

Facilities & FAQs

  • The rustic outdoor hot tub is perched on the corner of the deck, offering fabulous views across the mountains. It’s an inimitable experience, soaking in the hot tub whilst sipping on some fabulous Mendoza wine or local beer. The hot tub requires significant heating via a wood fire, so note that it may only get fired up pending staff resources at the time.
  • There is no phone service, although occasionally you can get a signal when you’re at the top of some of the runs.
  • There is no wifi so you’ll enjoy getting away from it all. Disconnecting from the world is part of the appeal of Mallin Alto. The staff have emergency communications.
  • There are power points in some of the rooms or in the kitchen to charge your phone or a GoPro. The power is derived from a generator so you can’t use a hairdryer or anything else that draws a lot of power. The generator isn’t necessarily on all day, so you may need to ask the staff to turn it on if you need to charge something. Lighting in the rooms is battery operated, so the lights work even if the generator isn’t going.
  • The showers don’t have hot water 24 hours a day. The hot water is wood fired so if the fire hasn’t been lit when you want a shower, just ask the staff to heat it up for you.
  • The water is safe to drink.

2024 Rates & Inclusions

Package Rates

 Rates are per person in US Dollars
 Package 1st June to 30th Oct
 3 nights + 3 days sled access riding $3,600
 4 nights + 4 days sled access riding $4,700
 5 nights + 5 days sled access riding $5,700
 6 nights + 6 days sled access riding $6,600
 7 nights + 7 days sled access riding $7,400

Notes about rates: 

  • rate is per person
  • base/invoice currency is USD
Inclusions
  • Rustic hut style accommodation
  • Full board plus alcoholic beverages
  • Sled & 4WD access to backcountry
  • IFMGA certified mountain guides & use of avi beacon
  • Transfers to/from Bariloche
Add-ons
No optional extras to display
Not Included

Mallin Alto Booking Terms & Conditions

Deposit and full payment

  • Deposit is 50% of the cost of the trip
  • The remaining balance is due one month prior to departure
  • Payments can be made via direct bank transfer to a USA account or via Visa Card, Master Card or American Express
  • Credit card payments attract a surcharge of 5%

Cancellation Policy

  • 30% cancellation fee for cancellations made more than 3 months before the start of the trip
  • 50% cancellation fee for cancellations made between 1-3 months prior to trip departure
  • There is no refund for cancellations made less than one month prior to departure. 

Cancellation by Mallin Alto
In these 6 years we never cancelled a program due to bad weather or complications with the route....however in the unforeseeable circumstance that a trip had to be cancelled, Mallin Alto would provide a full refund for the cost of the tour; however, Mallin Alto is not responsible for any additional expenses incurred in preparing for the tour (i.e., airline tickets, equipment purchase or rental, hotel reservations).