Skiing the World: A Look at Our International Ski Expeditions

At Alpenglow, we’ve built our international ski trips around more than just skiing. Each destination offers its own rhythm — from bottomless powder to high-alpine volcanoes, from European valleys to the sharp spires of Patagonia. Here’s how they stack up.

Japan Backcountry Ski Expedition — Type 1 Fun in Hokkaido

Japan is where skiing feels playful and pure. Think deep, consistent powder, accessible terrain, and the chance to string together face-shot after face-shot without overthinking the logistics. Based in Hokkaido, our trip is designed for fun — the kind you can count on every single day. Evenings bring local food, onsen hot springs, and a cultural experience that balances the long days outside. If you’re looking for a guaranteed good time in the snow, this one is it.

Switzerland Ski Adventure — Classic Alps with a Modern Touch

Our Switzerland trip is built around Andermatt and Gemsstock, a zone known for its big vertical and endless freeride lines. Adrian hand-picked this trip to highlight both lift-accessed terrain and the touring options that peel off from it. The downtime is distinctly European — cozy alpine towns, great food, and the train system that makes everything smooth and easy. It’s high-end, but never out of reach. For many, this is the ideal balance of big mountains, culture, and comfort.

Patagonia Backcountry Ski Expedition — Cerro Castillo with Local Guides

Patagonia delivers raw adventure. Our trip is based in a small town beneath Cerro Castillo, a jagged skyline that feels as wild as it looks. Guides Gaspar Navarrete (Ecuadorian) and Diego Saez Beros (Chilean) designed this program as their backyard showcase — linking skiing with local expertise. Days are spent exploring a range of terrain, evenings are for relaxing in a local, low-key setting. Unlike some of our Rapid Ascent expeditions, this one is about slowing down and getting immersed in a region that’s still off most people’s radar.

Ecuador Ring of Fire Ski Expedition — Volcanoes at Altitude

This is the most unique ski trip on the list. The Ring of Fire combines mountaineering skills with ski descents on some of South America’s tallest volcanoes, including Cayambe, Cotopaxi, and Chimborazo. At altitude, skiing feels different — the climbs are real, the descents are long, and the setting is like nowhere else. This expedition is also part of our broader climbing school program, so it doubles as a skill-builder for anyone with bigger mountain goals in the future.

Chile Backcountry Ski Expedition — The Andes on a Global Scale

Chile is where you get perspective. The Andes stretch farther than you can see, and the skiing matches that scale. Our program here is part of our Intro lineup, giving skiers a chance to experience South America’s winter while building skills in avalanche awareness and backcountry travel. The terrain is big and accessible, with plenty of options depending on conditions. For many, it’s a first step into skiing internationally, with enough challenge to keep it interesting for years to come.

How They Compare

• For guaranteed powder and fun: Japan is hard to beat.
• For a refined Alps experience: Switzerland blends big terrain with culture.
• For wild, remote adventure: Patagonia puts you at the edge of the map.
• For altitude and big objectives: Ecuador’s volcanoes are the ticket.
• For a first taste of the Andes: Chile balances skill-building with expansive terrain.

Get in touch with our team today to see which trip is right for you!