Epic Adventure
Volcano Skiing in Chile
Embark on an unforgettable volcano ski mountaineering adventure in the Andes of Southern Chile. Our trips feature a four guests to one certified ACMG guide ratio, ensuring personalized attention and safety.
Indulge on an unforgettable nine-day adventure in the Araucánia region of Chile, where you’ll summit iconic volcanoes like Lonquimay, Lliama, Rucapillán (Villarica), Sierra Nevada, Antuco and Quetrupillan.
This action-packed journey is designed to elevate your ski mountaineering skills while immersing you in the rich culture and stunning scenery of Southern Chile. Experienced guides will help you build confidence and proficiency with each ascent and descent.
Unwind in wood fired hot tubs or hot springs after big days in the mountains. We choose comfortable accommodations complete with kitchens and plenty of room to stretch out after skiing.
Join us for an unparalleled ski mountaineering experience that blends incredible volcano skiing and splitboarding and Chilean culture and landscapes.
Volcano Ski Mountaineering in Chile
ARAUCANÍA REGION, SOUTHERN CHILE
The ultimate backcountry skiing and splitboarding experience amidst the spectacular volcanoes of Chile’s Araucania region! Our tour combines epic ski descents with visits to small towns, national parks, volcanic landscapes, rejuvenating hot springs, and cozy accommodations, creating an unforgettable adventure. While we provide a planned itinerary, we remain flexible with our plans to accommodate changing conditions or volcanic activity, ensuring your safety and enjoyment.
Jump on board for an epic journey through Chile’s Araucaniá region and experience some of the finest corn skiing on the planet..
Details
Dates September 26-October 4, 2024
Sample Itinerary
We’ve run a similar program the past two years and have had great ski conditions on the volcanoes of the Araucaniá region.
- Trip length- Nine days
- Volcanoes: Lonquimay, Sierra Nevada, Llaima, Villarrica and Quetrupillan
- Day 1 Arrive in Temuco. Your guide will meet you at the airport. Enjoy a two hour drive through lush Chilean farm lands and into the mountains. Check into accommodations and welcome dinner.
- Day 2: From our comfortable base in Malalcahuello we’ll head to volcan Lonquimay. The Corralco ski area is at the base, which makes for a fun Chilean atmosphere.
- Day 3 Ski Sierra Nevada or Llaima.
- Day 4 ski volcan Lliama. The prize of the Araucaniá region, hitting the north face in prime conditions makes for a 1900+m run!
- Day 5 More skiing around Malalcahuello. Après hot springs and local Chilean cuisine in Malacahuello
- Day 6 Transfer to Pucón We’ll enjoy a slow morning and drive to Pucón. After checking into our accommodations we’ll head into town for dinner.
- Day 7 From Pucón, we’ll ski volcanoes Villarrica, or Quetrupillan
- Day 8 From Pucón, we’ll ski volcanoes Villarrica, or Quetrupillan.
- Pucón offers plenty of great restaurants and local hot springs.
- Day 9Transfer to Temuco
- Other possible volcano objectives are: Antuco, Sollipulli, Mocho Choshuenco, Puyehue, Osorno and more…
Price $ 3900USD
Three spaces available
-Exclusive small group size
-Four guests to one guide
-Lodging-We stay at locally run establishments that are clean, comfortable and distinctly Chilean. Accommodations are based on double occupancy, if you’d like private accommodations, we can arrange that for you for an additional fee.
-We provide breakfast and dinners on the trip.
-Transportation (4×4 vehicle)
-One visit to local hot springs. (More hot spring trips can be arranged at an additional cost.)
-Tailgate après when appropriate—it’s always nice to enjoy a cold beverage after a long day in the mountains.
While this is a backcountry ski and splitboard adventure, we make sure you get to enjoy Chilean food and culture. For the backcountry enthusiast who likes to travel, backcountry skiing in Chile is an incredible experience.
Skiing the Andean Ring of Fire
Chile Volcano Ski Mountaineering
In the heart of Southern Chile’s Araucanía Region, just north of Patagonia, lies a realm steeped in natural wonder. Here, amongst the ancient coihues and towering Araucarías, the Mapuche people, one of Chile’s indiginious nations, call home. Picture snow-capped volcanoes, rising from emerald valleys, while untamed rivers carve their serpentine paths towards the distant ocean. These volcanoes, alive with the pulse of the Earth, tell tales of their fiery past – Llaima erupted in 2009, and Villarrica most recently erupted in 2023.
You’re guaranteed plenty of adventure on our nine-day odyssey as we ski these majestic volcanoes. Due to spring conditions, we carry standard backcountry ski day packs along with some ski mountaineering essentials such as, ice axes, boot and ski crampons, and harnesses. For groups who’d like to delve a bit deeper into the Araucanía backcountry, Tolhuaca and Lanin beckon as overnight sojourns, promising epic adventure on a larger scale.
Safety remains paramount on these trips. In order to achieve successful ski descents of the volcanoes, we require favourable weather, minimal avalanche risk, and edgeable snow. Late September through mid-October generally provides this window.
Please contact us with any questions you may have.
Volcano Ski Mountaineering in Chile
FAQ
Weather: We’ve found late September into October to offer more consistent, stable weather windows. While later dates generally promise better weather, they may require some walking in trail shoes with skis or a board on your back due to rising snow lines.
Snow Conditions: Anticipate melt-freeze spring conditions, ideally skiing sun-softened corn on the descent. While corn skiing off the volcano tops is common, lower flanks may be softer. We’ve encountered everything from great powder skiing to varying conditions in between.
Required Skills: Previous backcountry touring experience, advanced downhill skiing ability, and excellent physical fitness are essential for this adventure. Strong uphill touring skills and systems are necessary. We’ll encounter various high mountain snow conditions in Chile, including both powder snow and more challenging conditions at different elevations. Expect days with vertical gains ranging from 4000-5000 feet (1200-1500m).
Experience/ Ability: This trip accommodates those with basic ski mountaineering skills, which will be taught/reviewed during the journey.
Gear: For skis, we recommend a waist width of 90-105mm. Ski length is personal preference. For splitboarders, bring a board with good edge hold, not a powder board.
Private Trips: If you have your own group, we can create a custom trip for you. Contact us, and we’ll provide a quote tailored to your preferences.
Rest Days: Feel free to take a rest day anytime during the trip.
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