Ice fields, mountains and glaciers
With a total of over 440 000 hectares of ice the
northern ice cap is an impressive landmark and very influential factor
on climate, landscape and culture. There are 5 glaciers which run off
the ice cap to the east, three of these are included in the Aysen Glacier
trail: the Soler, the Neff and the Colonia.
The first expedition onto the ice took place in 1921
when Dr. Frederick Reichert led a scientific and recreational exploration
for 18 kms along the San Rafael Glacier. In 1953 the summit of San Valentin
was climbed for the first time by members of the Bariloche “Club
Andino”. In 1964 the first crossing of the northern ice field was
completed between San Rafael and the Colonia Glacier. This expedition
was led by Eric Shipton.
The majority of expeditions now enter via the Leones, Soler or San Rafael
glaciers. Other interesting options for getting on to the ice field are
the Gualas and Lucas valleys.
Close to, or on the northern ice cap, and of particular
note to mountaineers are the the following summits, they all have very
few ascents, multiple new route possibilities and intense alpine conditions
with sometimes ferocious winds and challenging snow and ice conditions.
San Valentin - 4 058m
Hyades - 3 078m
Pared Sur - 3 000 m
Slightly further away of easier access and equally dramatic
proportions are:
Cerro Castillo - 2 675m
San Lorenzo - 3 700m
El Avellano - clean rock and tons of potential routes. |
