Summer 2022 | Travel Tips for South American Freeride Series in Argentina
Need help planning your trip down to South America for our biggest-ever series with Freeride Sudamerica? We've got you covered...
We recently announced the launch of the 2023 Freeride season [ CLICK HERE FOR INFO ] and our upcoming series in South America with Freeride Sudamerica! We're so excited to support the biggest-ever Freeride circuit in South America and we cordially invite our North American and global Freeride community to join Freeride Sudamerica for events in July, August and September.
Freeride Sudamerica event organizers, Gonza & Focha, are here to provide resources and logistical help for athletes planning to travel to South America and compete. If you have any further questions, please reach out to them by email at: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
CLICK HERE FOR CHILE TRAVEL TIPS
SCROLL DOWN FOR ARGENTINA TRAVEL TIPS
LATEST UPDATES
For current updates, keep tabs on the following channels and check your emails!
FWQ EMAIL HUB - Click Here
JUNIOR / COACH EMAIL HUB - Click Here
IFSA Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/ifsafreeriders/
IFSA Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/ifsafreeriders
Freeride Sudamerica Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/freeridesudamerica/
Freeride Sudamerica Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/freeridesudamerica/
FREERIDE SUDAMERICA SCHEDULE
Chile
July 30-31: La Parva — Junior Regional
Aug 6-8: El Colorado — Junior Regional and FWQ 2*
Aug 13: La Parva — FWQ 2*
Argentina
September 9-11: Cerro Bayo - Junior Regional and FWQ 2*
September 17-19: Cerro Catedral - Junior Regional and FWQ 2*
ARGENTINA
CERRO BAYO & CERRO CATEDRAL
Orientation: For our Argentine Freeride series, the two venues will be Cerro Bayo and Cerro Catedral. Both are located on the edge of Route 40 and Lake Nahuel Huapi, in one of the most spectacular vistas of Patagonia. The two resorts lie approximately one hour apart, making travel convenient for visiting athletes. It is recommended to rent a car.
Cerro Bayo will welcome the Freeride community and athletes for the first time. The beautiful town of Villa La Angostura, nestled by the Nahuel Huapi Lake, will offer competitors ample lodging and restaurant options. The Cerro Bayo event will take place under the main gondola, with numerous line choices, plenty of opportunities for air, and exciting terrain.
!! ATHLETE SPECIAL !!
Cerro Bayo is generously offering a 50% discount on lift tickets the day before the competition.
Lift tickets for athletes will be FREE on comp day.
Family members can enjoy a 25% discount.
Coach tickets are FREE.
The tour concludes in Cerro Catedral for its final Junior and FWQ events. Located in Bariloche, Cerro Catedral offers legendary Freeriding zones. Navigate massive bowls and lengthy ridges. Enjoy plenty of ski touring and ski mountaineering which includes technical climbs and expeditions to many local refugios (mountain lodge or shelter). This spectacular location will provide a fitting finale to the season.
TRAVEL LOGISTICS 
ARGENTINA TRAVEL & TOURISM WEBSITE - CLICK HERE
Airport: Fly into Bariloche (Airport Codes: BAR or BRC)
San Carlos de Bariloche Airport, also known as Teniente Luis Candelaria Airport, is an international airport serving the city of San Carlos de Bariloche, Río Negro, Argentina. It is located 13 kilometres out of the city.
Travel Restrictions:
Canadian and US Citizens are currently permitted to travel into Argentina. A travel visa is not required.
Is a negative COVID-19 test (PCR and/or serology) required for entry? No.
Although it is not mandatory, we always advice you to undergo a diagnostic test before traveling.
Travelers will have to present the following documents:
- FOR MOST CURRENT/UPDATED mandates and information, see: https://www.argentina.travel/es/page/entry-requirements
- Immigration Sworn Satement and Travel Affidavit must be signed 48 hours prior to making the trip - CLICK HERE and then select "DDjj ELECTRONICA"
- It is mandatory to posess COVID -19 health insurance with coverage for hospitalization, isolation and/or medical transfer services for those who are positive, suspected or close contacts. Those people who enter by land for less than 24 hours will be exempt from the above requirements.
- Those who visit Argentina who are not vaccinated or who have an incomplete vaccination schedule are recommended to carry out a test within 24 hours after entering the country.
Visa Requirements
U.S. and Canadian citizens entering Argentina must have a valid passport. Visa is not required.
- Covid-19 Resources from American Embassy in Argentina - Click Here
- Canadian Travel Advisories - Click Here
- Additional Information about Travel Restrictions & Current Info - Click Here
Money / Cash
Gonza recommends using cash, Argentinian Pesos, for the majority of your transactions here in Argentina. If you do use a credit card, ensure you contact your banking institution to advise them of your travel plans.
TRANSPORTATION
From the airport, it is approximately 15 km to the town of Bariloche. It is an additional 20 km to reach the resort of Cerro Catedral and another 83 km to Villa La Angostura with Cerro Bayo laying 3 more kilometers down the road.
Gonza does recommend renting a car as the easiest and most reliable form of transportation from the airport to the ski areas. It is also useful to have a car to visit restaurants for dinner or to explore. It is not recommended to base yourself out of Bariloche as it is more convenient to stay near the resort.
For additional information, email the crew at: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..
LODGING
For Cerro Bayo, Gonza recommends the Hostel La Angostura. If you decided to pay in cash, you will earn a discount of 10% per night or a discount of 20% for 2 nights or more. The Hostel La Angostura is located in Villa La Angostura, just 13 km to the resort of Cerro Bayo.
Website: www.hostellaangostura.com.ar
Email: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/hostel_la_angostura/
For competing at Cerro Catedral, consider the Hostería La Luna for hostel/hotel style lodging. The Hostería will provided discounted lodging for athletes, family and friends.
Email: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/hosteria_laluna
If you’d prefer a house or cabin rental at Cerro Catedral, contact SARUKI PATAGONIA
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/suraki.patagonia/
Email: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
Contact:
Lucia Romero Fernández
+54 9 11 5708-4612
Camelia Tedin
+54 9 11 5325-9819
TRAVEL INSURANCE
We highly recommend purchasing additional travel insurance, however it is imperative to review the fine print to understand what is and is NOT covered, especially considering the implications of Covid-19 and participating in extreme sports. You should strive to find coverage that protects you from trip delays, cancellations, lost or damaged baggage, Covid-19 quarantine or sickness and medical evacuation. BE SURE TO READ THE FINE PRINT!
IFSA, Freeride Sudamerica, Freeride Chile or any of our resort partners cannot be held responsible for covering costs or providing refunds arising from any event cancellation or mishap falling in these categories.
Companies Offering Snowboard & Ski Travel Insurance
The following insurance companies offer holiday and travel insurance for skiers and snowboarders. Before purchasing, please review the fine print of the plan you are considering for what is covered, especially internationally. We *highly* recommend hopping on the phone to speak with an actual human to discuss possible cancellation scenarios and ensure coverage is tailored to your needs.
Travel Guard (AIG) Click here to get started, or call 1-800-826-4919 (ensure backcountry travel is covered) https://www.travelguard.com/
Global Rescue combined with their add-on IMG Signature Travel Insurance for more complete backcountry coverage https://www.globalrescue.com/
Redpoint Travel Protection - Ripcord Plan is recommended by the American Alpine Club. This policy is ideal for travel to remote locations or developing countries without immediate access to quality emergency medical services (ambulance)
https://redpointtravelprotection.com/compare-travel-insurance-plans/
What About Cancel For Any Reason Insurance?
Travel Guard Insurance offers this option which may provide anxious travelers with added confidence. This allows policy holders to cancel for any reason such as a poor snow year, increasing community spread of Covid-19, sudden border closures or a last minute scheduling conflict. This must often be purchased directly after trip plans have been confirmed and paid for.
What Should Be Covered?
- Personal accident
- Medical expenses (including Covid-19 hospitalization or testing)
- Air ambulance (emergency evacuation)
- The country of Argentina REQUIRES your insurance to include COVID-19 coverage of $30,000 USD or more. This is mandatory to enter the country for non-residents
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION
Additional helpful info for La Parva - Click Here
Additional helpful info for El Colorado - Click Here
Additional helpful info for Cerro Bayo - Click Here
Additional helpful info for Cerro Catedral - Click Here
