Chile Ski Mountaineering Course

Chile Ski Mountaineering Course

Guided Basecamp Skiing in the heart of Patagonia

A ski mountaineering course in Chile is the ultimate way to explore the Andes.  If you’re interested in an adventure of a lifetime, this trip is it.

Discover the exhilarating world of alpine ski mountaineering with our comprehensive 10-day program. Ideal for both debutants and experienced adventurers, this course equips you with essential skills to navigate glaciated mountainous terrain.

Unlike summer mountaineering trips, alpine ski mountaineering offers unparalleled access to remote peaks and breathtaking vistas during the winter months. With a focus on practical learning, our program covers everything from basic techniques to advanced strategies for tackling big-mountain ski objectives and traverses.

No prior mountaineering experience is necessary—our expert guides right there with you every step of the way. By the end of the course, you’ll emerge with newfound confidence and the skills needed to embark on your own alpine ski mountaineering  (splitboard) adventures. Get ready to explore the mountains in a whole new way this winter!

The itinerary of this tent based expedition will be rich in adventure. We choose to be ambiguous about the ski mountaineering course basecamp destination for two reasons:

1) In order to capitalize on the best conditions at the time of the trip, we keep our options open until the last minute.  We’ll head where the conditions will provide the optimal ski and splitboard experience.

2) Out of respect for backcountry locales, we choose not to name the places we may go on this trip.  Social media and the Information Age have brought crowds to incredible places; we practice Leave No Trace principles in advertising this trip. (And at our campsite.) If you choose to join us, we ask you to please tag responsibly if post about your adventures with us and don’t  #doomthespot

BBA, the Balmaceda Airport, is our planned meeting place.  However if the weather forecast in the Central Andes looks better, we’ll head where the weather looks best.  

We’ll have guides skiing in Chile prior to the start of this trip. Based on weather and real time conditions, they’ll make a last minute call on the destination in order to optimize your experience.

Our Chile ski mountaineering course basecamp will be a true backcountry adventure, well off the beaten path.

Imagine spending 5-7 nights on a basecamp trip in a remote part of the Andes.

If you are up for an adventure and are a skilled rider this basecamp is for you.

Check out the wilds of the Andes with us.

Is this for you?

This basecamp trip is for advanced to expert level skiers or splitboarders.  You should have some winter camping experience.

Physical Requirements

You should be in great shape and comfortable carrying your own pack with all personal equipment needed for winter camping and traverses. Days will range from 1,200-2000m (4,000-6,600ft) of vertical gain and 10-20km.
While this is a basecamp trip, we may choose to move camp to access different terrain. You need to be capable of moving yourself and your gear through mountainous terrain.

GEAR for Chile Ski Mountaineering Course Basecamp

Glaciated Basecamp Equipment list

• Shovel
• Probe
• Transceiver (3-antenna)
• Ski touring skis or splitboard
• Skins
• Personal repair kit specific to your equipment
• Ski touring boots/snowboarding boots
• Ski poles
• Headlamp
• Goggles
• Sunglasses
• Personal first aid supplies
• Toque
• Minimum 1L water bottle or Thermos
• Gore-tex (or equivalent) jacket
• Gore-tex (or equivalent) pants
• Puffy jacket
• Warm layers for upper and lower body adequate for below freezing temperatures and wind
• Thick gloves
• Spare gloves
• Lightweight harness (if possible otherwise climbing harness will work)
• 3 locking carabiners
• 4 non-locking carabiners
• 240cm sewn sling (or 5m of webbing)
• 5m x 6mm accessory cord
• Personal prussik
• Micro-traxion (optional)
• Tibloc (optional)
• Ice screw (between 12-22cm)
• 70L & 40L backpack
• Ice Axe
• Ski crampons
• Lightweight crampons
• Puffy pants (recommended for around camp)
• Warm layers for upper and lower body
• Socks x 2-3
• Spare underwear
• Sleeping Bag (at least -18 degrees)
• Inflatable sleeping pad
• Foam sleeping pad
• Inflatable sleeping pad
• Down/synthetic booties for wearing around camp
• Fork/spoon
• Large bowl
• Drinking mug with lid
• Toiletries
• 4-season tent (rentals available)
• Cloth grocery bags (or stuff sacks) to anchor tent in snow
• Guy lines for tent

Dates

October 6-15, 2024

Itinerary:

Day 1: BBA, the Balmaceda Airport and transfer to the staging town for the basecamp.

Days 2-3: Weather dependent, if the weather window is at the beginning of the trip, we’ll head straight to the basecamp location on day 2.

Day 4-10: Ski mountaineering basecamp location and transfer to the airport.

Includes:

-Lodging at the beginning and end of trip.

– Transportation in 4×4 vehicle capable of handling the back roads of Chile and Argentina.

-Basecamp breakfast, appies and dinner.  Lunch and tour food is personal, we’ll let you pick up what you like. (Meals on Days 1-3 and 9,10 are on you.) Weather dependent.

-Cooking gear

-Hot springs visit

-Tailgate après

Curriculum

Our ski mountaineering course offers a dynamic curriculum tailored to adapt to varying snow and weather conditions. While each session is unique, key topics remain constant throughout the program, ensuring comprehensive skill development.

Participants will engage with a diverse range of subjects, including avalanche awareness, winter medical considerations, and emergency response protocols. Trip planning, equipment essentials, and glacier travel techniques are also covered extensively.  We’ll also cover fundamental rope skills for safely accessing steep terrain.

With a strong emphasis on safety and preparedness, students learn essential snow shelter construction and mountain weather interpretation skills. Navigation, route planning, and decision-making processes are honed to equip participants with the confidence to navigate challenging terrain.

Furthermore, our course delves into ski techniques optimized for powder and variable conditions, alongside track setting methodologies. Practical ski tours are integral to the learning experience, offering opportunities for participants to lead climbs, solve route finding puzzles, and revel in the thrill of successful descents.

Join us in mastering the art of ski mountaineering amidst the stunning backdrop of the Andes. This course will ensure you’re primed for unforgettable experiences and safe, rewarding descents.

Price

$3950 USD including tax

Group Size:

Four clients : one guide