Refugio Frey, Bariloche,
Argentina.
The setting for this mountain hut is like something straight out of a fairy tale. At the end of a long summers' day, hikers, runners, climbers and adventurers converge at the iconic Refugio Frey, located 1700 meters above sea level and on the banks of Laguna Toncek, to take shelter and celebrate the outdoor life below the unmistakable rock towers of Cerro Catedral.
Located 40 kilometers west of Bariloche in Argentine Patagonia, Refugio Frey is also situated amid a veritable field of dreams for climbers, who annually come from all over the world. Formed of the most perfect orange granite, the spires and rock here seem almost as if they were designed specifically for climbing. Replete with beautiful cracks the numerous routes in the area offer traditional or sport climbing for all levels of difficulty. The main spire, called Aguja Frey, is located precisely above the hut, giving the hundreds of climbers visiting this spot the opportunity to encounter walls within a 15-minute walk.
The picturesque Refugio Frey owes its name to the engineer Emilio Frey, who, among other achievements, presided over local mountaineering club Club Andino Bariloche (CAB) for 23 years. Completed in February 1957, it is built of the same granite rock and wood as its natural surroundings and is open year-round. The hut, which has 35 beds, can get crowded, particularly during summer months. But the relaxed ambience is always inviting, and the hut offers dinner and breakfast as well as access to a kitchen to cook your own meals.
To get here, hike from the base of the Cerro Catedral ski resort along a 10- kilometer trail. With a slope of about 700 meters, it takes between 4-to-6 hours to reach the hut.