Discussion Topic |
|
This thread has been locked |
| Messages 1 - 6 of total 6 in this topic |
DaveT.
Big Wall climber
southeast face portaledge
|
|
|
Topic Author's Original Post - Dec 11, 2008 - 03:35pm PT
|
A lot of people have been sending me emails lately, to inquire on the permit process in order to climb in the Torres del Paine region of Southern Patagonia.
It is not as difficult or expensive as many might think, in fact it is not hard to get at all; and most importantly it is FREE. You need to go to Chilean Government's website and fill out what I refer to as the 'pre permit application'. It is called the DIFROL permit, and can be found quite easily on google. I believe this is the link-
http://www.difrol.cl/index.php?option=com_content&task=category§ionid=12&id=7&Itemid=27
You need to fill out this form at least five buisness days before arriving in Puerto Natales, the small town that is the gateway to the Paine. Have them print you a copy of this 'pre permit', and take it into the park with you when you go to climb. Take the form to the Administration office in the park, and a few minutes later you will have your official permit to climb. You will need a copy of all of the passports of the climbers in the group. Only the 'leader' of the group needs to go to the Admin. office. The only tricky part to the whole process is that you need show proof of rescue insurance.
Rescue insurance is extremely easy to get, it is one of the benefits of being a member of the American Alpine Club. I believe the membership dues of the AAC is only $40 for ages 28 and under, and something like $70 for adults. With your membership you also will be sent a free copy of the amazing American Alpine Journal and a copy of the Accidents of North American Mountaineering. Even if you are not planning on coming to the Paine, there is no reason not to be a member of the AAC. There are all sorts of perks as well, such as access to climbing grants, discounts on huts and climbers ranches, unlimited climbing info, all sorts of events and activities, and much more. Just knowing that I have trailhead to trailhead climbing insurance that pays for search AND rescue, makes me feel better whether I am cragging or pushing my limits up in the high mountains. And the coverage is world wide, not just in the U.S. If you do decide to sign up, put my name (Dave Turner) into the referral box on the sign up form so they know I referred you.
So if you are planning on coming to the Paine- Fill out your DIFROL online, become a member of the AAC, come to Natales to pick up a copy of the pre-permit, take it to the Admin. office in the park, and I will see you up there!
Any one needing more info on the process, or the area, can email me directly at elcapbum@yahoo.com And if you have not seen it yet, here is a link to my latest trip report from down here in the thick of it!-
http://www.supertopo.com/climbing/thread.html?topic_id=739748
Here is a link to get yourself or others signed up with the AAC-
https://americanalpineclub.accountsupport.com/pages/join.php
Enjoy, and good luck with the weather!
-Dave Turner, from Puerto Natales at the moment
|
|
SteveW
Trad climber
The state of confusion
|
|
|
Dec 11, 2008 - 05:06pm PT
|
The AAC also offers climber's camps across the country--
the Teton Climbers ranch, Buffalo Willies in Cody (ice climbing extraordinaire), etc.
|
|
Bldrjac
Ice climber
Boulder
|
|
|
Dec 12, 2008 - 09:51am PT
|
Hey Dave,
Great TR and pictures. Congrats on the new route! I'm coming down in a couple of days with friends to trek and climb.
How are ice conditions right now? We're planning on hanging out in the Vallee Frances and doing routes in this valley.
Thanks for the information on the permit system. Hopefully doing this in advance speeds things up some. Hope to see you soon.
Best,
Jack Roberts
|
|
DaveT.
Big Wall climber
southeast face portaledge
|
|
|
Topic Author's Reply - Dec 12, 2008 - 03:14pm PT
|
Jack,
I will be up in the French Valley, basing out of there for most of the season. So if you come up that way, keep an eye out for the huge orange MSR tent at Campamento Britanico, I will be there. At the moment, I am the only one up there, so I wont be hard to find.
As for ice conditions- The only good ice climbing in the Paine has already gone out of season, is fading fast, or is under the seracs of Paine Grande. El Chalten has a bit more mixed and ice climbing, right now in the Paine you will find mostly rock and snow climbing. If you had any questions about specific routes or info, you can hit me directly at elcapbum@yahoo.com if you like. The route that has the most reliable ice for the French Valley is the buttress on Fortaleza.
There are a few pics of the route on this link, but as time passes, it is less and less likely it will be in-
http://www.supertopo.com/climbing/thread.html?topic_id=739748
-Dave
|
|
Bldrjac
Ice climber
Boulder
|
|
|
Dec 12, 2008 - 07:46pm PT
|
Dave,
Thanks for your reply. I'll contact you with more specifics via your yahoo address. I've got a list of potential routes like The Fortalesa, The Shark's Fin in addition to just looking at potential FAs....How long is the hike up to Campo Brittanica?
Thanks,
JACK
|
|
| Messages 1 - 6 of total 6 in this topic |
|
SuperTopo on the Web
|
Let us know!