WINTER BREAK

TORRES DEL PAINE NATIONAL PARK
PATAGONIA, CHILE

TORRES DEL PAINE NATIONAL PARK

WINTER BREAK | PATAGONIA, CHILE | Jan 3-14, 2024

OOVER

OVERVIEW

Join us for a two week winter break adventure in Patagonia! This experience will start with a flight to Punta Arenas in the far southern tip of Chile, which is where we’ll officially kick off our adventure. From Punta Arenas we’ll head north by vehicle towards Puerto Natales, which is one of a few gateway towns to Torres del Paine National Park. From here we’ll prep for what will be an unforgettable 8 day trek on the O Circuit through the heart of Torres del Paine. This classic trek circumnavigates the entire Torres del Paine range and starts with fabulous views of these iconic mountains, before traversing you around glaciers and icefields, beautiful lakes, valleys and the landscapes that make Patagonia one of the most recognizable and treasured wild places in the world. This is a popular time of year to visit Torres del Paine, and with that we can expect to have plenty of opportunities to meet and interact with like minded travelers from all over the world.

After completing this roughly 75 mile circumnavigation of the park, we will be picked up by our local operator and taken back to a hotel in Punta Arenas to clean up, relax, repack, and enjoy a night of sleep in a real bed before the journey back north to the US. A quick transition will have us back on a plane, flying north to start the spring semester with memories from this trip that will surely last a lifetime.

January is the heart of the summer season in the southern hemisphere, and with that will come the traditionally better weather by Patagonian standards. Weather in Patagonia in January is more mild than other times of the year, but its unique geography and climate means that participants should be prepared to experience challenging weather including intense wind, rain and even high elevation snow showers. Participants should prepare to come ready for adventure, challenge and the fulfillment that tends to come from spending time in nature with good people. This trip is not a suitable trip for beginners, and trip participants must come with prior experience hiking and the ability to hike for multiple days on uneven, rugged established trails while carrying a backpack of 30-40lbs (13-18kg) for up to 12 miles (20km) at a time with up to 2,000ft (600m) of vertical gain/descent. Trip participants will be required to participate or show record of participating in a minimum amount of backpacking trips with OEL prior to the start of this program.

LOGISTICS

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What are Bison Bikes?

Bison Bikes is a bike share program managed through the Outdoor Education and Leadership (OEL). Bison Bikes provides long term rentals each semester and during the summer to current Bucknell students at no cost. Students can request a bike through our portal (website). Students are able to recieve ongoing maintenance for their bike, and other related needs throughout the semester. Regular maintenance costs are taken care of by the program and not the responsibility of the student. Significant damanges or a lost/stolen bike is the financial responsibility of the student. Each bike rental includes a bike lock and helmet.
How do I rent a bike through Bison Bikes?

Prior to the start of each fall and spring semester we will make our Bike Request form available here on our portal (website). Simply complete the information requested and submit. Regardless of availability, our staff will be in touch within 2-3 regular business days following the closing date of the lottery. Because less students are on campus and request bikes during the summer, generally all bison bike requests will be met during the summer. Bikes will be assigned based on random selection from the entries received through our Bike Request form. If a bike is available, a pick up time will be shared with you to rent the bike, bike lock and helmet. At the time of pick up, you will also need to review and agree to our Rental Agreement and Liability Form. Spring 2025 Bison Bike rentals will be available for pick up during the scheduled times for pick up and are due back during scheduled times. We will not be able to rent out bikes outside of the pre selected pick up and return times which are shared with the renter upon selection. The renter must be present during these times to pick up and return the bike. You can always Contact Us directly with more questions about the bike request and rental process.
Damage Policy

Regular use of bikes will result in basic maintenance needs (flat tire, chain pops off, brake issues, etc.). Repair and/or maintenance needs as a result of standard wear and tear can be serviced by OEL Rental Center Staff at no cost to the renter. If damage occurs to bikes as a result of abuse or neglect (running it into a curb, attempting to ride down stairs, etc.) renters will assume the responsibility of fees for repairing or replacing bikes/bike parts as required. Repair and replacement fees will be reviewed and assessed by the Bison Bike Student Manager and/or the OEL Professional Staff. Failure to pay damage fees within two weeks from the date they are shared with the renter will result in the renter's information being sent to the Finance Office who may place a hold on the renter's account.
Lock Policy

Every Bison Bike renter is provided with a bike lock upon bike rental. Renters are required to use the lock distributed by the OEL Rental Center for their Bison Bike. Bikes must be locked appropriately around the frame and front tire when not in use. If a bike is found unlocked or locked inappropriately, the bike may be confiscated and the renter notified. If a second offense occurs, the bike may be confiscated and the renter may not be permitted to rent a Bison Bike again during their time at Bucknell. If a renter fails to lock the bike responsibly or does not use the provided lock and the bike is stolen, they will be held responsible for the bike theft. The renter will be responsible for paying all fees associated with replacement of their stolen equipment. Failure to pay replacement fees within two weeks from the date they are shared with the renter will result in the renter's information being sent to the Finance Office who may place a hold on the renter's account. Replacement cost for the bike is $600.00. Replacement cost for the helmet is $30.00. Replacement cost for the bike lock is $25.00.
Return Date Policy

All Bison Bikes will be due during a designated date window/range toward the end of each semester. This will be pre-determined by the OEL Rental Center and shared with the renter at the time the bike is rented. It is the renter's responsibility to schedule their return during this period of time. Failure to return a bike during this period of time will result in late fees as explained in our Late Fee Policy. Failure to return the Bison Bike, helmet, and lock by the scheduled return date may limit the renters ability to be rented a Bison Bike in the future.
Late Fee Policy

Bikes, locks with key, and helmets must be returned during the pre-determined time period as agreed during initial pick up. Late returns of the rental package - bike + locks/key + helmet will incur a flat late fee of $10/day until the cost of the equipment is reached. Bikes, locks with key and helmets returned at different times will result in itemized daily late fees of $10 for the bike, $5 for the lock/key and $5 for the helmet per day until the cost of the equipment is reached. Failure to return items online may limit the renters ability to rent a Bison Bike in the future. Failure to pay replacement fees within two weeks from the date they are shared with the renter will result in the renter's information being sent to the Finance Office who may place a hold on the renter's account.
Bike Maintenance

If your Bison Bike needs maintenance (flat tire, squeaky brakes) please bring your bike into the OEL Rental and Outfitting Center located in Tustin between 12pm-4pm Monday through Friday while classes are in session. The staff can take your bike, and our bike techs will fix it within the next few days. You'll be contacted when it is ready for pick up! If damages are due to irresponsible use, you will be charged for the maintenance costs. Please email oelbikes@bucknell.edu with any questions! If your personal bike needs maintenance, you can bring it into the OEL Rental and Outfitting Center located in Tustin between 12pm-4pm Monday through Friday while classes are in session. The bison bike staff can take a look your bike within the next few days. If your bike just needs a basic tune up, bike techs can service your bike for free. If your bike requires parts or more extensive work, we will return the bike to you and recommend that you take your bike to a local bike shop for maintenance. Links Cyclerly (website link) Cycle Up Cafe (website link) Students and the Bucknell Community are welcome to stop by the OEL Rental and Outfitting Center located in Tustin between 12pm-4pm Monday through Friday while classes are in session to use an allen wrench or bike pump as well. Email oelbikes@bucknell.edu with any questions.