Winter Challenge

Progression Techniques
+ Pedro Zanni Mt.

Winter Challenge

Progression Techniques
+ Pedro Zanni Mt.

Winter mountaineering Winter mountaineering Aconcagua Park

Your trip starts now...

This introductory winter mountaineering activity is designed to train you in progression techniques, equipment knowledge, and safety principles for safely navigating your first activity on snowy terrain. On the first day, we'll take advantage of the available snow in the high-mountain area to practice self-arrest in snow with a traverse ice axe and progression techniques with crampons. After the first day of practice, we'll spend the afternoon at the refuge for a talk about materials, equipment, and clothing.
We'll make two ascents, one in Penitentes (+3,000 meters) and another in Aconcagua Park (+4,000 meters) on snowy terrain to apply what we've learned.
Our groups are small to provide the optimal dedication each participant requires to maximize the learning experience during the activity.

You can opt for a less difficult version: Winter Challenge (2 days).

Addressed to:

This climb is intended for people in good physical condition and with trekking experience who wish to experience their first winter ascents with snowy terrain without any other technical difficulties.

Details Details

Next Date: August 16th and 19th

Meeting Place: Mendoza City, in front of the bus station, 9am.

Difficulty: Moderate / High.

Distance / Elevation Gain: 10km / 1100m cumulative.

Requirements: Medically fit with exercise stress test | Good physical condition | Required equipment.

Minimum Group: 2 people.

Includes / Not includes: View full list.

Required personal gear: View fill list.

“Leave no trace.”

During the mountain activity, all waste that came with us returns with us.

Papers, fruit peels, toilet paper, wet wipes, feminine dressings, etc. They can be discarded upon arrival at the shelter or in the destination city upon completion.

Help us keep the mountain clean. Thank you very much!

60/70 liter backpack to carry personal items.
Backpack cover or nylon to waterproof the backpack.
Trekking poles.
Snow Gaiters / Crampons.
Climbing helmet (with size regulation).
Trekking or mountain boots with semi-rigid soles.
Insulating and/or inflatable mat.
Headlamp. Replacement batteries).

Sunglasses or goggles, CAT 4.
Sunscreen factor 60 or higher.
Lip protector.
Personal hygiene elements. Quick drying towel.
Personal first aid kit (band-aids, gauze, adhesive tape, povidone-iodine, 1 pair of disposable gloves, 2 elastic bandages, ibuprofen, sublingual reliveran, loperamide, rehydration salts) and prescription medication if applicable.
Suggestion: 70% alcohol to sanitize your hands.

Two t-shirts (long sleeve/short sleeve).
Diver or fleece jacket or windstopper.
Fine down jacket or synthetic filling.
Expedition down jacket (500gs filling).
Waterproof jacket.
Thermal shoe.
Trekking or fleece pants.
Waterproof pants.
Warm hat, sun cap and buff neck scarf.
A pair of fleece gloves, a pair of waterproof gloves.
Optional: Mittens and/or Mitten Covers.
Crocks (for resting in the shelter).
Two pairs of thin stockings.
Two pairs of thick socks.

Containers to store at least 3 liters. of water per person.
Steel thermos for personal use (at least 500cm3).
Plastic bags to self-manage your waste.
Personal portable charger (powerbank) for camping or shelter days.
Snacks (Ideas: nuts, gummies, cookies, nougats, cereal bars, candies, chocolates, salty snacks, etc.).

After travelling to Puente del Inca and settling into the refuge, we will have a technical briefing on the gear we will be using. After lunch, we will head to Las Cuevas area (3200 meters) to practice using the equipment and take advantage of the higher altitude to facilitate adaptation. Upon returning, we will have another hour of briefings on equipment and recommendations: basics of factors that affect thermoregulation, clothing, and proper use. The rest of the afternoon is free to rest and prepare for the next day. Approximately 4 hours of activity.

We will start the day early with a hearty breakfast. We'll then head to the area where we will begin our day's ascent. We will begin by accessing a gently sloping ravine, gradually gaining altitude until we reach the summit of Cerro Cruz de Caña, where we will have stunning views of Cerro Penitentes and the surrounding mountains. We will take an hour to rest and recharge before heading back to the hut.

Free day to recover and prepare for the next day's challenge.

After breakfast, we will begin our trek to the base of the peak. During this journey, we will focus on slowly ascending the steep slopes as we enter the Matienzo's valley, part of Aconcagua Provincial Park. Once we reach the summit, from where we can see the southwest face of the Colossus of the Americas, the Matienzo Glacier, Juncal Gorge in Chile, and the surrounding mountains, we will take a one-hour rest before descending into the valley to return to the vehicle and Mendoza. End of services.