In February and March of 2025 I went to Torres del Paine to climb and trek. For the climbing, I went with my friends, Rani and Tonya. Tonya was going to attempt the Sharks Fin, a 5.8-5.9 climb, Rani and I were going to attempt climbing a peak called Trono Blanco. The following pictures and video chronicle our climb.
We met our guides Andres and Nico and porters Nico and Warren in Puerto Natales, Chile, about two hours from Torres del Paine. Our guides Andres and Nico are renown in South America, Wareen is a geologist and climber, and Nico (the porter) is a beginning climber. I felt lucky that I had such a team. Tonya arranged the climb and worked with Rodrigo, another friend of her husband Brad, to arrange climbing permits. This was my first expedition.
Looking at the French Valley before getting on the catamaran to travel to Paine Grande Refugio.
Andres Zegers is a very accomplished mountaineer and worked with Tonya’s husband Brad for years in South America.
Nico is also an accomplished climber and is Rani’s and my guide.
Italian Camp looking at Paine Grande and an avalanche, which is preceded by a sound of thunder. Avalanches happened several times a day.
Rani pointing to Tonya as we hike up the French Valley.
At British Camp. From left to right: Me, Rani, Nico (the guide), Warren (porter), and Nico (porter)
Our tents at British Camp
At the creek next to British Camp
Me, Warren, and Nico hiking to the climb base with Paine Grande in the background.
Our party hiking to Tonya’s Shark’s Fin on the left and Rain and my couloir (a narrow steep gully, often with snow, in the mountains) at 1 o’clock.
At the top of the coulior. We did not summit due to conditions. The journey was still breathtaking.
We got back at nine and slept. The next day we rested. That night is rained and snowed and we decided to descend.
We headed down after resting for a day since the weather snowed.
The Shark’s Fin after the snow.
Rani and Nico at Paine Grande Refugio enjoying a hot chocolate and beer. We’ll see Paine Grande in a week when we do the O-Trek.
Warren, Andres, and Tonya waiting for the catamaran at Paine Grande.