8 DAYS IN THE PATAGONIAN ANDES MOUNTAINS, CHILE
The ski season in the northern hemisphere has ended. If you have developed your ski touring and mountaineering skills, consider taking them abroad. The southern Chilean lake district offers adventure, culture, and fantastic ski touring opportunities. Book our IFMGA Mountain Guides for Patagonia, Chile.
ABOUT THIS TRIP
- Climb and ski four Andean volcanoes in eight days: Volcán Lonquimay (9,400' | 2,865m), Volcán Llaima (10,253' | 3,125m), Volcán Villarica (9,341' | 2,847m), and Volcán Osorno (8,701' | 2,652m)!
- Build your ski mountaineering knowledge with instruction and practice on fun, challenging terrain.
- Experience the beautiful landscapes and welcoming culture of Southern Chile.
- Our stays in comfy Chilean lodges combined with day ascents make this trip a truly unique experience of comfort and ski mountaineering!
Trip Dates:
- September 8-15, 2024
- September 15-22, 2024
OVERVIEW
Ski mountaineering in Patagonia, Chile
Embark on an extraordinary adventure on our Patagonia Volcanoes Backcountry Ski expeditions and explore the thrilling heights of Chile's snow-capped volcanoes. This is a paradise for backcountry skiing enthusiasts, with towering volcanoes above lush forests providing an extraordinary setting for skiers and riders.
Our expeditions guarantee an exhilarating descent of over 5000 feet down these Chilean giants' broad and steep slopes. Each turn offers breathtaking, picturesque views. These pristine slopes provide ideal terrain for creating unforgettable skiing experiences.
But it's not just about skiing. The rich Chilean culture and diverse landscape offer many experiences, forging memories that last a lifetime. Imagine skiing on soft corn snow, unwinding in soothing, naturally heated mineral hot springs, and indulging in farm-fresh Chilean cuisine at the end of your adventure.
Chile is the perfect destination for applying your skiing skills in new and exciting environments, all under the guidance of our certified and experienced guides. Join us for an adventure that combines thrilling skiing with cultural immersion in the heart of Chile's volcanic region.
Patagonia, Chile - Volcanoes Ski Expedition Itinerary
Day 1: Upon arrival in Temuco, you'll take a scenic 2-hour drive to Malalcahuello, where you'll get excited for the upcoming days in this stunning natural setting.
Day 2: The adventure begins with a visit to the beautiful Lonquimay Volcano. We will take a chairlift at the Corralco ski area on the volcano. From there, we will ascend to the summit, enjoying a breathtaking view of the surrounding volcanic terrain. The descent promises to be a thrilling experience, and the day will end with a relaxing soak in the hot springs of Malalcahuello.
Day 3: We are exploring the magnificent Llaima Volcano, starting early at the Las Araucarias Ski Resort. After ascending the volcano, we have the thrilling experience of skiing down it, with the vast crater and smoky fumaroles adding to the sense of adventure. Finally, we transfer to a comfortable hotel in Pucón, where we can rest and relax after an exciting day.
On Day 4, you will have the opportunity to experience the charm of Pucon, a ski town in Chile. This picturesque town is situated on the shores of Lake Villarrica and is known for its scenic beauty and bustling activity. In the background, the magnificent Villarrica Volcano towers over the town. You will have the afternoon to explore and relax and may want to treat yourself to the local hot springs.
On Day 5, we will climb the Villarrica Summit, which stands at an impressive 2,847 meters. We will commence from the Ski Pucon area and gradually ascend to the summit. If conditions are favorable, we can expect a swift and exhilarating descent. After our successful climb, we will return to Pucon to spend another night and share stories of our conquest.
On Day 6 of our expedition, we will visit the beautiful city of Puerto Varas, located by Lake Llanquihue. Our next target, the Osorno Volcano, offers breathtaking views of this city. This day will provide a welcome change of pace, allowing us to rest and explore Puerto Varas. It is the perfect opportunity to relax and anticipate our upcoming adventures.
On Day 7, we will take on the spectacular Osorno Volcano. Along the way, we will encounter stunning landscapes and challenging climbs. Depending on the year, an exciting climb over rime ice may occur to reach the summit. The view from the top is a breathtaking 360° panorama of the surrounding lakes. Our descent signifies the end of our skiing adventure and is a fitting finale.
Our journey concludes on Day 8 in Puerto Montt, a beautiful city by the Pacific Ocean. As we say our goodbyes, we reminisce about our unforgettable and thrilling adventure in the southern Chilean volcanoes.
Join us on an incredible skiing expedition, where each day brings a new adventure and creates memories that will last a lifetime. This is more than just a trip; it's an opportunity to explore nature's grandeur, test your skiing abilities, and indulge in Chile's rich culture.
Discover the Difference with Wasatch Mountain Guides
Experience our Patagonian Volcanoes Backcountry Expedition, led by Wasatch Mountain Guides, who are holders of the prestigious IFMGA/AMGA certification. Our lead guides possess an unmatched depth of experience across South America. Our guides' intimate knowledge of the region's unique geography, climate, and challenges ensures that every adventure is not just a tour but a complete educational experience. They are deeply committed to safely guiding you through these stunning landscapes and imparting insights that only years of exploration can bestow. You can expect to gain a deeper understanding and appreciation of this breathtaking region, making your expedition a journey of discovery and learning.
Our logistics are crafted to the highest standards, ensuring seamless transitions and prioritizing comfort. Trust us to take care of the details while you immerse yourself in the beauty and challenge of the Patagonian Volcanoes.
Patagonia Volcanoes Backcountry Ski Expeditions Questions?
Here are some answers to frequently asked questions about backcountry skiing in Patagonia, Chile.
What sort of experience is required to join this trip?
This trip is suitable for advanced backcountry skiers and riders only. You must be very comfortable on steep terrain and have at least 20 days of touring experience.
Do I need to purchase trip and rescue insurance?
For all our international expeditions, Rescue Insurance is mandatory. This insurance is designed to cover expenses in case a rescue from the mountain is necessary, such as helicopter or medical evacuation costs. Additionally, we highly recommend obtaining Travel Insurance, which can cover unforeseen circumstances leading to trip cancellation, such as illness. We suggest considering Ripcord, which provides a Comprehensive Travel Protection plan with the necessary Rescue (Evacuation) Insurance.
Would you consider a custom private expedition?
We always consider customs. Custom trips make up more than 50% of our groups. Please reach out to learn more!
Is it Safe?
Engaging in outdoor adventure activities inherently involves some level of risk, which is essential to the nature of these pursuits. However, enlisting the services of a professional guide is an excellent strategy for managing and reducing these risks. Activities such as skiing and climbing come with what is known as "inherent risk." This type of risk, by definition, cannot be eliminated, even by a professional. It's an integral aspect of mountain sports. Should you wish to delve deeper into this topic, we welcome you to contact our office for a more detailed discussion.
What is included in the price?
The cost of your trip includes your land costs, except for in-town meals. This cost includes lodging per the itinerary, double occupancy lodging during town stays, and group lodging in mountain huts.
- Breakfasts are in town, and all meals are served during mountain stays
- Group camping and climbing equipment
- All park and climbing permits
- Scheduled in-country transportation
- Airport transfers
- Certified guides
What is NOT included in the price?
Please take note of the following items that are not included in the expedition package:
- Flights to/from the country of origin
- Airport taxes
- Visas
- In-town dinners
- Tips for guides or local staff
- Travel, rescue, or any other type of insurance
- Hospitalization or evacuation costs
- Single supplement charges
- Excess baggage charges
- Alcohol
- Other personal expenses
Please be aware that the costs of delays or changes to itineraries that are beyond the control of Wasatch Mountain Guides or its agents are not included in the package.
