Hut With A View

Stepping into the Refugio Lo Valdes, I felt like I was transported from Chile back to Switzerland. The refugio is a massive stone hut with clean, warm rooms, hearty, tasty fare, streams running through the back garden, excellent selection of wines and fabulous vistas in 360 degrees. The refugio is owned and leased out by the Club Andino Aleman (German Climbing Club). They are also providing us with funds to equip some cliffs in the area. They give out free photocopied maps of hikes and climbs in the area to guests and encourage (or at least don't discourage) late night guitar sessions.

These pictures were all taken from the stone terrace where several Chileans of German descent were enjoying the view with copious portions of vino blanco.

From a climber's perspective, this hut puts you within reach one of Chile's most technical peaks, several sport and trad climbing cliffs, 6,000 meter (20,000 foot) volcanoes, natural hot springs, bouldering and winter ski touring. Of course you can always camp for free nearby, but with winter on its way a warm meal and a soft bed are welcome luxuries.

Two events, though, served to remind me that I was down in South America, not up in the Alps. After playing guitar for a couple of hours the English hut guardian pulled a fine bottle of wine off the shelf and poured a free round. And when I was looking for a cup of coffee and breakfast at 8:00 (hardly an early start) before climbing there was not a soul to be found.

http://www.refugiolovaldes.com/