WINTER W TREK

Our winter adventure begins with one of the most iconic and rewarding hikes in Torres del Paine: the trail to the Base of the Towers. Covered in snow and surrounded by frozen peaks, the landscape feels otherworldly: silent, raw, and unforgettable.

We start the day early, entering the Ascencio Valley and beginning a steady ascent through the snow. Our first main point along the route is the Windy Pass. Soon after, we’ll reach Refugio Chileno.

From here, we´ll continue through a snow-covered lenga forest, crossing small frozen streams and passing scenic viewpoints. As we leave the forest behind, the trail becomes steeper and more challenging as we climb up a large moraine, this is the most demanding part of the day. At the top, we´ll reach the Base of the Towers viewpoint. In winter, this iconic spot is even more special: quiet, uncrowded, and surrounded by snow-covered peaks.

We’ll start the day with breakfast at Hotel Lago Grey, enjoying amazing views of the Grey Lake before heading out. From there, we’ll begin our hike in the administrative area of Torres del Paine National Park.

The trail follows the Grey River, which will stay with us for most of the route. It’s a 6-hour walk along the Las Carretas trail to reach the shores of Lake Pehoé, where our refuge, Paine Grande, awaits at the base of the Paine Massif.

In winter, the landscape is quiet, the trail is often snow-covered, and the views are especially striking.

Today we’ll venture deep into the heart of the Paine Massif to discover the stunning French Valley, a natural basin surrounded by sharp granite spires, hanging glaciers, and pristine wilderness.

After a hearty breakfast, we begin our hike with a 2-hour walk through lenga forests and notro shrubs, until we reach the hanging bridge over the French River.

At the entrance of the valley, we’ll climb over large boulders to catch our first glimpse of the hanging glacier high above. From there, we´ll continue ascending for about an hour through a dreamlike landscape, like a Japanese garden, until we reach Le Plateau Viewpoint.

Surrounded by towering peaks and wide-open skies, we’ll enjoy lunch in this breathtaking natural amphitheater before heading back to our mountain lodge to rest.

We’ll start the morning hiking up the winding trail to Laguna de los Patos. In winter, the landscape is covered in snow and ice, creating a quiet and pristine environment. From there, we’ll see sections of the vast Southern Patagonian Ice Field, a geological wonder with still unexplored peaks.

Continuing to the Grey Glacier viewpoint, we’ll cross snowy forests and icy rivers, with the chance to spot southern crested ducks. Lunch will be served with the monumental Grey Glacier right in front of us, where we’ll likely see ice calving from its massive, frozen walls.

Our final day begins with a quiet winter morning to enjoy the surroundings at your own pace. You can take a short walk through snow-dusted trails, capture photos of the frozen landscape, or simply take in the silence and stillness of the season.

Before lunch, we’ll board a boat for a scenic cruise across the icy waters of Grey Lake toward the glacier’s impressive face. In winter, its deep blue tones and rugged surface stand out even more sharply. On the way back, we’ll see the famous “ice mushrooms” shaped by the wind atop the Paine Grande peaks, as we navigate among icebergs of all sizes.

Back on solid ground, we’ll walk about 30 minutes along Grey Beach to meet our transfer, which will take us back to Puerto Natales, where our adventure concludes.