Mountain Guides
Frey Refuge Winter Trek with Overnight – Private Adventure in Bariloche
Reaching Refuge Frey in winter, walking along snowy trails surrounded by granite spires covered in ice, is a unique experience. The silence of the forest, the crunch of snow under your feet, and the warmth of the refuge at the end of the day make this trekking special for you, who seek to connect with the mountain in its most intimate form.
Duration: 2 days (overnight at refuge)
Difficulty: Moderate
Route: 10 km one way (20 km total)
Dates: June to September
Refuge altitude: 1,700 m (5,577 ft)
Elevation gain: +990 m (3,248 ft)
Type: Private tour
Points of interest: Lenga Forest, Van Titter Stream, Gutiérrez Lake Viewpoint, Refuge, Toncek Lagoon, Catedral Needles.
The trekking starts in Villa Catedral, next to the ski center.
After a brief technical talk and final gear adjustments, you load your backpack and take the first steps toward the snowy forest.
Depending on the amount of snow, snowshoes will be placed in the most suitable spot. At this time of year, the terrain can combine mud, water, and snow, so it’s essential to wear waterproof footwear like trekking boots to keep your feet dry and avoid the cold.
In the first part of the hike, you’ll walk along the slope of Cerro Catedral, with views of Lake Gutiérrez and, in the distance, Cerro Ventana.
Then, after crossing the Van Titter Stream, you’ll enter a large lenga forest. Everything will be covered by a white layer, and on the sides of the trail, you’ll see green colihue canes framing the path like a natural tunnel. If you’re lucky, you might spot a woodpecker drilling into the tree bark.
Refugio Frey, with its classic stone and wood construction, is one of the most picturesque in the area thanks to its granite carvings. It awaits you covered in snow, like something out of a fairytale. Upon arrival, you’ll take off your wet footwear, warm up by the wood stove, and enjoy a hot drink or a comforting meal.
The interior is lined with wood, and the roof is tiled. It is located at an altitude of 1,700 meters (5,577 ft) and is open year-round.
To sleep at the refuge, you only need to bring a good sleeping bag. The nighttime atmosphere, among mountaineers and with the moon’s reflection on the snow, is a postcard hard to forget.
If the weather allows, you can explore a little further or simply sit and contemplate the snowy surroundings.
The refuge was inaugurated in 1957 and is named after Emilio Frey, the first superintendent of Nahuel Huapi National Park and president of the CAB (Bariloche Andean Club).
From inside the refuge, large windows show the frozen Toncek Lagoon, and the granite needles surrounding the area transform into ice sculptures.
Do you know why it is called Cerro Catedral? When you look up the mountain, you’ll understand.
Behind the refuge lies Toncek Lagoon, probably frozen or completely covered in snow. It is one kilometer long, 18 meters deep, and covers 500 square meters. Its waters are green and it receives water from Schmoll Lagoon, which is located at 1,950 meters (6,398 ft), the highest lagoon in the entire park.
Are you ready to discover the most picturesque refuge in Bariloche covered in snow?