The Shelter
It is located at the foot of the Frey spire, surrounded by towers and rocky spiers and on the shore of the Toncek lagoon of green and cold water, at 1700 meters above sea level.
Description
The Emilio Frey refuge is located in the Nahuel Huapi National Park in the southern area of the Cerro Catedral massif. Surrounded by granite towers and on the shore of the Toncek lagoon, it is located at an altitude of 1700 meters above sea level. The name is a tribute to the engineer Emilio Frey, who since 1895 was linked to the mountain range zone as a member of the boundary commission chaired by Francisco Moreno. He was also Mayor of the National Park and one of the founders of the Bariloche Andean Club, a club that he presided over for 23 years.
The refuge is one of the most picturesque in the region. A true masterpiece of granite carving: lintels, parapets, edges and other high-quality details ensured that the building did not clash with the landscape. Since its opening on February 17, 1957, the refuge has been a meeting point for climbers due to the quality of the rock. In the surroundings of the refuge, countless towers of granite rock offer unbeatable possibilities for practicing traditional climbing. Local, national and international athletes come every summer to climb. An important part of the history of national mountaineering developed and remains alive in Frey.
During the winter and part of the spring, the refuge has also become one of the most used areas by professionals and amateurs to practice ski touring.
Simultaneously, the refuge has been and continues to be a school for amateurs, educational and professional groups to develop trekking and hiking activities. The refuge is the first located on the famous crossing of the 4 refuges, one of the most attractive hiking circuits in the region. For more than 90 years, the Bariloche Andean Club has developed, together with the Nahuel Huapi National Park, one of the most extensive circuits of trails and refuges. The beauty of the landscapes, the complexity of the terrain and the high level of environmental conservation make the area an extremely attractive destination for mountaineering lovers.
The main access to the refuge starts at the base of the ski center. The journey is 10 km long with a positive gradient of 700 meters. During the summer, the trail is of medium complexity. Access is only on foot. It is located in a rugged area, so access for rescue teams usually takes several hours. Telephone communication is partial (only the first half of the route). During the winter, due to the accumulation of ice and snow, the trail becomes more complex and dangerous. It is recommended to hire a qualified mountain guide.
The shelter is open all year round. The services we offer include overnight, half board and full board, with options for vegetarian and vegan dishes and a variety of drinks and wines.
On the ground floor there is a kitchen and a dining room with tables and benches, wood heating, electric heaters and lighting. On the first floor there is the bedroom equipped with bunk beds mattresses, sheets and pillows, but it is necessary to bring a sleeping bag (max capacity 40 pax). There are toilets. The current shelter concession has been in operation since July 2022.
Main Activities
Trekking
Trekking is perhaps the most developed activity here, the forest, the landscapes, the lagoons in the middle of the mountains, birds and other forest animals make this a very beautiful place to walk, know and discover the magic in every moment.
There are three different ways to get to Frey from Bariloche (described in the “How to arrive” section). Two of them traveling most of the time through the beautiful forest of Cerro Catedral and with views of Lake Gutierrez, the third option does not go through the forest, but runs along one of the edges of Cerro Catedral, almost as high as it is possible to reach, offering us spectacular views of the Andes mountain range, mountains, valleys and volcanoes that are in the region.
Many people (well trained) choose to go up to the refuge and down on the same day, combining two different paths, making their hike more complete. While other people more relaxed, prefer to stay to spend one or two nights at the shelter or campsite, to better experience other trekking options that can be done from the refuge.
There is another trek, a little more daring, that connects the Frey Refuge with the San Martin Refuge (also known as “Jakob”). This “crossing” or connection between refuges, offers all types of landscapes and terrain. The journey takes several hours and great effort, not only because of its distance but also because of its 2 large slopes/climbs, but it is totally rewarding. Once at the San Martin Refuge, you can return to the city of Bariloche by another direct route (without returning to Frey), or make another journey to the next refuge.
It is recommended to have good physical condition and experience, you should check the trail condition at the National Parks office. It is a beautiful hike to do in the summer, since with snow the difficulties and risks are high. Many people choose to hire mountain guides to learn and know more about the place, providing, of course, greater security to the activity.
The Emilio Frey Refuge is surrounded by imposing granite spiers and the crystalline Toncek Lagoon, creating a paradise for climbers. The area is famous for its numerous climbing routes that vary in difficulty, from routes for beginners to challenges for advanced climbers. Frey is a world-renowned destination, attracting climbers from all over the world looking to experience its spectacular multi-pitch routes on solid orange granite.
Main Climbing Areas
- Frey Spire: The main spire, visible from the refuge, offers several iconic routes, including the “Normal Route” which is very popular for its panoramic views.
- M2: Shortest tower with a mix of crack routes and slab climbing.
- Campanile Spire: It requires a longer walk from the refuge, with routes that may include crossings through snowfields depending on the season.
- Main Tower: The tallest of the spires, known for its long crack routes and an impressive summit.
El Piramidal Spire: Known as one of the best fissure routes in Frey and accessible with a 40-minute walk from the shelter.
Photo gallery
Plan an unforgettable experience with us today!
We are here to help you and clear up your doubts.
Schedule your stay today