Ushuaia Husky Sled & Snowshoe Adventure to Alvear Icefall
Difficulty
moderate
Duration
5–6 hours
Fitness Level
Suitable for travelers with moderate fitness—able to hike on uneven snowy terrain for up to 2 hours and tolerate cold conditions.
Overview
Rush across the Tierra Mayor valley behind a team of huskies, lace on snowshoes and climb through a century-old lenga forest to an icefall viewpoint. This five- to six-hour morning trip combines a 2.5 km sled ride, a 1.5–2 hour snowshoe walk and a cozy refuge stop with hot chocolate.
Ushuaia Husky Sled & Snowshoe Adventure to Alvear Icefall
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A line of eager huskies pulls at their harnesses as the van eases off the narrow road and the Tierra Mayor valley opens into a blank field of white. Cold air bites the cheeks and the dogs' breath puffs like small steam engines; the sleigh slides forward with a soft, steady whisper across a two-and-a-half-kilometer run. For a few minutes the modern world is a barred memory—only the rhythm of paws, the pine-smell of the Lenga forest, and the distant glint of ice.
Adventure Photos
Adventure Tips
Layer for variable cold
Temperatures swing quickly; use a moisture-wicking base, insulating mid-layer and waterproof outer shell to stay warm and dry.
Protect eyes and skin
Snow glare at altitude is intense—bring UV sunglasses and high-SPF sunscreen even on overcast days.
Footwear matters
Waterproof boots with good traction are essential—sneakers will get soaked and cold during the snowshoe section.
Respect the dogs
Huskies are eager workers; follow the guide's approach protocols and save treats for the handler.
Local Insights
Wildlife
- Fuegian (Andean) condor (occasional overhead sightings)
- Fuegian red fox (culpeo) signs in the forest edge
History
The Tierra Mayor area carries traces of early 20th-century logging and the island’s indigenous Yámana coastal culture; refuges like Hachero recall a working past repurposed for recreation.
Conservation
Tierra del Fuego faces impact from introduced beavers and fragile subantarctic forests; operators emphasize staying on trails, packing out waste and limiting disturbance to wildlife.
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Adventure Hotspots in Ushuaia
Frequently Asked Questions
Recommended Gear
Waterproof insulated boots
Keeps feet warm and dry during sled and snowshoe sections.
winter specific
Warm layers (base, fleece, shell)
Layering lets you regulate temperature during active climbs and sheltered rest stops.
winter specific
UV sunglasses
Protects eyes from intense reflection off snow and improves visibility while sledding.
winter specific
Small daypack with water and snacks
Carries essentials like water, camera, spare gloves and personal items between activities.
winter specific