About us

Andescross is a Personalized Outdoor Guiding in Patagonia, Argentina and Chile

UIAGM-IFMGA Certified Mountain Guides

OUR STORY

A natural progression of my lifelong connection with the mountains led me to become a UIAGM- IFMGA Mountain Guide and found Andescross.

As a teenager, I mountain biked the trails to the local climbing crag after school with my friends. On snowy days we managed to get out of school early for powder skiing in the area of Bariloche. We would take weekends off and visit the closest mountain hut to ski or climb, according to the season.

I spent two years in Buenos Aires as an engineer and architect student, but my passion for being outside and my extra energy led me back to pursue a career in the mountains. Who knows, maybe one day I will go back to the desk…

To pay for my climbing and skiing trips in my early 20´s, I spent two summer seasons salmon fishing in remote locations. Here, I learned English and developed a love for Wild places, where I go back every chance I get. In those years I also spent time traveling in the Lower 48 of the USA, climbing towers in the desert of Utah, in the Dolomites of Italy, Spain, Southern France, Czech Republic, and Slovakia.

After exploring mountains in Europe, North America, and South America, I decided to make my passion my profession and began to pursue a career as a Mountain Guide. In 1998, I started guiding in Southern Patagonia, and slowly started to make my career from guiding hiking, climbing, and skiing, until finally I proudly became UIAGM- IFMGA certified in 2005, when

Argentina was first accepted in the International Federation of Mountain Guides Associations

Today, Andescross has expanded to include a highly skilled team of guides, and we enjoy all mountainous activities such as treks, glacier walks, mountaineering, and mountain biking in South America’s Southern Andes. Many consider us to be one of the most experienced ski mountaineering companies guiding in the Patagonian Andes of Argentina and Chile.

We would love to share our passion with you in the pristine mountains of Patagonia!

WHAT IS UIAGM- IFMGA?

OUR TEAM

The Andescross Team specializes in personalized outdoor guiding in Patagonia

Whether you want to go trekking, backcountry skiing, mountain biking, rock climbing, mountaineering, or on a family hike during your vacation in Patagonia, the guide you choose could make or break your trip! We’ve designed our team at Andescross to include guides that are not only professional, highly skilled, and experienced, but also fun, personable, and enthusiastic.

Jorge Kozulj

UIAGM-IFMGA-IVBV certified guide
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Jorge is the owner, founder, and head guide for Andescross. He has been guiding in Patagonia Since 1999 and He holds a UIAGM-IFMGA Mountain Guide accreditation since 2005, which is the highest international recognition in this profession. His best reputation is for Ski Mountaineering and Backountry skiing guiding around the World. Also Climbed Saint Exupery when he was only 21 years old. Guided few times Guillaumet spire in Patagonia with clients via the three main routes, few expeditions to the Patagonian Ice cap included one to Mariano Moreno.

Climbed Fitz Roy via Cassarotto Pilar, Climbed Half Dome in Yosemite twice and several other classics of the valley as Herbert-chounaird on Sentinel. Climbed Mont Blanc with clients few times and Skied some nice steeps in Chamonix as col de Cristaux, Gervasutti on Tour Ronde, Cosmique. Few classic climbs in the french alps as Grand Capuccin, Frendo Spur and intense Summer guiding work in the Alps doing 4000’s as Dufourspitze and others.

Few ski mountaineering trips to Chugach range and Wrangells-St Elias in Alaska. Several guided ski trips to Lofoten and Tromso in Norway. Some to Iceland and Troll peninsula. Some to Berner Oberland in Switzerland.Since 2009 almost once a year a guides a ski trip to the Antarctic Peninsula. Helped several Pro ski athletes to set up movies and photos in Patagonia, as renown Seth Morrison, Eric Hjorleifson, Mark Abma, Chris Rubens, Xavier de le Rue and others

Craig "The Scotish-Arg" Ross

UIAGM-IFMGA-IVBV certified guide
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Craig is a UIAGM– IFMGA Mountain Guide who has devoted his life to his great passions: the mountains and his family. He has been working as a guide since 1996, and for several years now led trips for Nols and Outward Bound in the Patagonia region.

He is a smooth climber and an excellent sportsman. Craig took the opportunity to participate in the Eco Challenge adventure race in New Zealand 2001. He has climbed mountains in Cordillera Blanca (Peru), Yosemite, Canada (Bugaboos), France (Chamonix) and several European countries and Southern Patagonia, where he worked as mountain guide for years.

Today, Craig has a beautiful family and two daughters, so he spends most of his time guiding local in the Bariloche area. Craig is fluent in Spanish and English.

Germán Gonzalez

MTB Guide
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German is our head guide for mountain biking tours. For most of his life, German has been guiding biking trips in the Patagonia region, and he wrote the first guide book about cycling tours in Bariloche and the surrounding area, “Travesías en Bicicleta”. He is a founding member of the Argentine Mountain Biking Guides’ Association, and is also an auxiliary at the Argentine Red Cross organization. German also guides several trips mountain biking in Patagonia, Argentina and Chile for REI Adventures and other international outfitters. He speaks Spanish and English.

In Bariloche, German and his wife run a small, yet popular, outdoor clothing and gear company, Tehuelche. They make their own pants, backpacks, chalk bags, dry bags, saddlebags, hats, gaiters, and more. Check them out online at www.tehuelchepatagonia.com, or see the whole of their family‘s shop by stopping by while you’re in Bariloche!

Pere "the cat" Vilarasau

UIAGM-IFMGA-IVBV certified guide
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Pere is a UIAGM-IFMGA-IVBV certified guide. Originally from Catalunya, Spain with a bit of roots in Patagonia, the Pyrenees and the Alps. A total dreamer and freebird spirit, with amazing skills and smoothness in the mountains like only few people. His major reputation is for being an icon in the climbing community climbing grades as 8b+ (5.14a) with such a facility that makes it look way too easy. He is a cat on the rock and moves in the mountains smooth as no other.

His vast resume includes, several big walls climbs in Yosemite and some ascents in El Cap in a day, including Half Dome and El Capitan few times, several climbs in Canada, Alps and Pyrenees. Several climbs in the Fitz roy massif linking up Saint Exupery and Rafael to mention a few. Guided for many years in Bolivia in the late 90’s, including Pequeno Alpamayo, Huayna Potosi and other classics. He loves Bolivia, so contact him for a trip there!, because he knows the place amazingly good.

Climber, route/ crag developer and deep explorer of the wild lands of Patagonia putting first climbing routes and crags in Spain, Bolivia, Brazil, Chile and Argentina, really he was the motor/ mentor that inspire many of excellent new climbers in Patagonia and taught them how to open new climbing routes and crags back in the late 90’s

Tomás Mueller (Boca Juniors fan)

UIAGM-IFMGA-IVBV certified guide
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He is a fully certified UIAGM-IFMGA Mountain guide, did his course inChamonix, France at the highest level that Ensa requires. He lives full time in Chamonix.
Tomas speaks fluent German, Italian, English, spanish and french… maybe also chinese!
He have done several ascents in Patagonia in very good timing, as a full day adventure in SuperCanaleta and Affanasieff on Fitz Roy. Climbed Cerro Torre.

He guides in Chamonix to make his living and knows very well the little corners of the Alps.
Amazing ascents in the Alps, as the complete traverse of the Aiguilles du chamonix.
Have done several Chamonix classics in Ice-Rock mix routes in amazing speed times
Ascents to Grand Jorasses, Dru, Gran Capuccin and hundreds of other minor climbs in the french valley. Also some ski guiding work in Lyngen Alps and Finmark, Norway
Forgot to mention, he grew up in Argentina, liking Boca Juniors for the ones who likes football/ soccer! Is that good or is that bad? Lets go climbing!

Igor "El Vasco" Bernas

ACMG Ski guide
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Guía de esquí de montaña acreditado por la ACMG (Asociación Canadiense de Guías de Montaña). Igor también posee el titulo de la Asociacion Canadiense de Avalanchay es el responsable de los cursos AST 1 y AST 2 de la CAA, en Bariloche, Argentina. Originario de Durango, Pais Vasco donde empezó a practicar deportes de montaña (escalada en roca y hielo, esquí de montaña) cuando tenia 15 años. Su pasión por el esquí y la escalada le llevaron a viajar a Canada en 2008 donde encontró el modo de convertir su pasión en profesión.

En la actualidad, reside en Revelstoke, British Columbia, Canada donde trabaja como guía de esquí e instructor de cursos de aludes en la temporada de invierno para compañías como Sol mountain Lodge, Icefall Lodge, Snowfall Lodge o Selkirk- Tangiers helicopter skiing.

Igor habla 4 idiomas (Ingles, Frances, Español y Euskera).

Marcos Frischknecht

UIAGM-IFMGA-IVBV certified guide
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Marcos “el yeti” (The Yeti) besides being a UIAGM-IFMGA Mountain Guide is a legend in the Argentinean Mountaineering history and together with Jorge they are TNT in the mountains! Just to mention some of his vast resume: Kilimanjaro back in the day, when nobody was going there, attempt to Broad Peak in the Himalayas, Several climbs in Yosemite valley as the classic Salathe wall, the Nose, Regular NW in Half Dome, Steck-Salathe in Sentinel Rock.

Also his career includes climbs in Squamish, Washington pass area climbing Liberty Bell via Liberty crack. Climbs in the Bugaboos. Attempt to Denali.

Many seasons guiding in Patagonia and many climbs in its Massif, including Fitz Roy, Aguja Saint Exupery, Rafael, Cerro Grande, Mocho and other climbs too. Torres del Paine (North and Central) are in his pocket as well. Today he spents his summers climbing in Patagonia and guiding/climbing in Chamonix.

Nicolás de la Cruz

UIAGM-IFMGA-IVBV certified guide
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Nicolas is a UIAGM- IFMGA Certified Mountain Guide and a very well-recognized as a guide and mountaineer in Argentina. He is the President of the Argentine Mountain Guide Association (AAGM), and the driving force for Argentina to become a member of the UIAGM-IFMGA-IVBV. He is an instructor for both associations.

Since 1990, Nico has been mountain guiding in the Patagonian Andes, and he has guided several ascents of Aconcagua, South America’s highest peak. His climbing and mountaineering resume also includes Shishapangma (8,013m, 26,289ft) in the Himalayas of Tibet which is one of the 14th highest mountains in the world, several mountaineering ascents in the Cordillera Blaca of Peru, Switzerland, and France.

Argentina‘s Nahuel Huapi National Park in Northern Patagonia is Nico’s area of specialization, and for 14 years he managed the mountain paradise, Refugio Frey, in the park.

Nicolas is sponsored by Petzl, Charlet Moser, Movement Skis, and Ansilta. He volunteers for CAX (Comisión de Auxilio Bariloche), which is the local Mountain Rescue Team in Bariloche. He has work experience rigging gear in the film production of “Grido di Pietra” by the same director as “Grizzly Man”, Werner Herzog. He speaks fluent Spanish, English, French, and Italian.

WHAT OUR CLIENTS SAY

70% RATE OF RETURNING CLIENTS FOR OVER 10 YEARS
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“About 10 years ago I contacted Jorge about doing a hut to hut ski trip in the mountains around Bariloche. I chose him because he was a fully certified International Mountain guide. This trip proved to be nothing short of fantastic. Jorge was professional, friendly, knowledgeable of the area we were traveling through and was a great travel partner. He took care of my travel arrangements in Bariloche, booked my room for me before and after the trip, and even picked me up at the airport. The next year, I returned for a volcano ski trip with Jorge. We were fortunate enough to ski from the summit of four volcanoes. In the last decade, I have traveled with him at least 8 times.  We have skied in Chile and Argentina numerous times, including a trip to the Patagonian Ice-fields. As part of his group to Iceland, we skied runs that took us down to the ocean. A few years ago, we skied the Vallee Blanche near Chamonix, France. Jorge and I have a trip scheduled for the Alps this spring.

Jorge’s greatest strength is that he is extremely safety conscience and does everything possible to ensure that his clients stay out of harms way. He is patient and assists clients, ensuring that they are warm, comfortable, and well fed in the mountains. I have even seen him take on the role as referee when clients started bickering among themselves, sometimes going beyond what I felt the clients deserved. He keeps his clients calm when they feel out of their comfort zone and shows them that they can accomplish more than they thought possible. I have not seen any weaknesses from him in managing groups in the mountains. This is what he is trained to do.

He has a great sense of humor, enjoys being with clients and is a good guitar player”

Tom
friend more than client since 2005

“I have skied with Jorge and Andescross in the Andes and the Alps in Europe.   Simply put, the Andes Mountain range is Jorge’s backyard and he knows then well.   In my view, I think it would be very difficult to find another South American based guide with comparable years of experience in the Andes, guiding credentials, and local knowledge.  Over the years, Jorge has gained significant knowledge of the Alps and many other mountain ranges in the world which he includes in his worldwide adventure trips.  He is able to quickly gauge conditions, make safe decisions, and find great untracked skiing.   While mountaineering and backcountry skiing is a highly technical and potentially dangerous activity, Jorge’s vast knowledge significantly mitigates risks, making days relatively safe and most importantly fun and engaging.  While focus on safety, teaching needed skills, and providing helpful feedback is critical, Jorge adds a lot more with his knowledge of the sport, local culture, and enthusiasm.  Andescross goes beyond just providing a guide for the day, but builds lasting relationships and provides adventures that create memories to last a lifetime.  Jorge is a true international mountain guide with professionalism, experience, knowledge and his passion is sincere because he love skiing/climbing and thoroughly enjoys working with his clients””

Peter Muzsi
client for first time in 2008

“Back in 2006 I decided I wanted to try backcountry skiing and soon after I ended up contacting Jorgito at Andescross, which was already a very respected guiding company in Argentina. The idea of climbing all the mountains and volcanos in patagonia in the winter time and skiing them on the way down sounded too good to be true. Our first trip with Andescross was to Frey Hut with a couple of my brothers. The skiing conditions were as bad as Patagonia can offer so we ended up 2 days stuck in the hut in the midle of a storm and one day skiing on pure ice… Still, being there in such a remote and beautiful place , shearing the time with such passionated, fun and crazy people was enough to have me coming back for more than 10 years now.

In this period we have climbed and skied the most amazing mountains in the Bariloche area, most Chilean Volcanos,  Chalten area and this year we had a fantastic trip to Chamonix in France. We probably have a wish list of places to go to that would require we ski up to our 70′ at least.

I can say Jorgito is a very competent mountain guide, he runs a very professional company, always offering new and more fun places to go wile keeping you on the safe side, but,  after all this years friendship is what keeps me coming back. Until we are 70 years old and beyond…”

Marcos Q.
Tigre, BA , Argentina

“Jorge and team helped with all the fairly complex planning and logistics for a supported backpacking trip across the Andes from Bariloche to Puerto Frias for our group of 10 people, and guided us safely along the route.  He and his guides were exceptionally competent, knowledgeable and professional, and everyone had a great time.  I would highly recommend Andescross!”

Cheryl
from The Mountaineers Hiking Club, Seattle WA

“Jorge se ha convertido con el tiempo en un amigo cercano más que en un guía. Hemos compartido muchas aventuras juntos en varias partes del mundo como los Alpes, Bariloche y Chalten, y siempre regresamos de cada viaje pensando en el próximo. Para que un viaje sea exitoso tiene que tener su cuota de riesgo y cautela, algo muy difícil de lograr pero que Jorge siempre ha sabido manejar. Seguramente les quemara la cabeza hablando de …Paciencia estimados clientes!!, nadie es perfecto”

Francisco J
San Isidro, BA, Argentina

“I am currently travelling the world on a sabbatical, looking for amazing experiences. During a stop across south america, I wanted to rock climb in the Frey national park, near Bariloche. I found the Andescross team on the internet, and they teamed me up for 3 days with a world class guide instructor. I am a novice rock climber, and my guide Luciano not only provided me with amazing climbing coaching tips, but allowed me to push myself to go beyond my comfort zone, in all safety.

And once the climbing was over (once summits were achieved and I could not feel my forearms anymore), it was time for some of the best hospitality I have found on the road this last year. Great dinners, food, friends and laughter to fill our evening, until the call of the rock would get us out of our sleeping bag the next morning.

The “ring leader” of this outfit, Jorge went out of his way to find a perfect fit of a guide for delivering a true world class experience. Many Thanks Jorge!

I am looking forward to visiting again Bariloche in the years to come. Could not recommend more highly.”

Patrick , Ex-Google CFO
SFO , USA

“ In just over a six year period, we have done five trips with Jorge and have committed to a sixth next year. We must like this guy!  Jorge is THE guide for your Patagonia adventures…and beyond!

Our first trip with Jorge in 2010 was for backcountry skiing around Bariloche, Argentina. While we were temporarily weathered out of higher terrain due to high avalanche danger from tons of new snow, we never lacked for fun, challenging, and noteworthy alternatives. He shared with us his hometown stashes, something only a generous local guide could do.

In 2011 we skied Antarctica with Jorge. A trip of a lifetime to be sure. Jorge himself had guided there previously so he was extremely knowledgeable about what to expect. He shares our love of skiing and adventure. We were typically the first zodiac out in the morning and the last to come in. If you ski one place, why not watch killer whales from the skin track and or have a standing audience of penguins as you ski down to the water.

In 2012, we asked Jorge if he could customize a trip to Fitz Roy, based out of El Chalten. To ski in the shadow of the Fitz Roy massif had been an idea of ours for a few years. Again, Jorge’s local Patagonia knowledge, his strong relationships with proprietors, and his eye for worthy ski objectives combined for a seamless and memorable experience.

In 2014, we joined Jorge in Iceland. Jorge’s ski mountaineering knowledge extends well beyond Patagonia! Iceland has a great diversity of ski options, great summits from the car with descents down to the ocean and long hours of daylight for extended or multiple objectives. As we were joined with another guide and clients, Jorge easily worked twice as hard to ensure each and every client was satisfied with the trip meeting their expectations. In addition to being a certified ski guide extraordinaire, his people skills, sincerity and professionalism combine for a guaranteed great adventure.

In 2015 we road tripped with Jorge to several volcanoes in Chile. Jorge works tirelessly to ensure his clients are enjoying the adventure, including the apres ski which meant many a hot spring or hot tub. Again, his local knowledge and familiarity with the local proprietors made for a culturally rich and authentic experience. 

Jorge is a consummate mountain guide. He is completely client focused. He is a first rate professional. We trust his judgement, thrill in his ski adventures, and have been blessed to enjoy the beautiful outdoors around the world with him.”

Larina & Bob
Seattle, WA, USA

“Brian climber from CanadaI had the pleasure of meeting Jorge in December 2008. My wife and I were in Bariloche, on holiday in Argentina. Jorge had been recommended to us by a climbing friend back home in Canada. I was able to contact him by phone and we worked out a rendez-vous at the Refugio Frey for a day’s climbing on the rock. His knowledge of the area and the realistic time needed to complete various options, made it easy for me to reach a decision. What followed was one of the best days in the mountains that I have experienced over a lifetime in the sport. Jorge has excellent personal skills and appreciation of my climbing abilities. Our day was more like two climbers well matched on our multi-pitch routes. At all times I felt comfortable and secure. We genuinely enjoyed each others company and discussed many issues common in the mountaineering world. We were blessed with a dazzling spring day and were close enough to the Refugio to break for lunch between routes. At the end of the day, tired and happy we descended to the valley where Jorge very Kindly drove us back to our accommodation in Bariloche.”

Brian, 65, Irish
Canadian climbing legend of Squamish, Canada
www.squamishrockguides.com

This is a Testimonial on behalf of Jorge Kozulj of Andescross – Mountain Guiding Patagonia.

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