Skiing Through Prehistory: Why the Ring of Fire Feels Primordial

There’s something surreal about skiing on an active volcano. Steam rising from vents, snow underfoot, and dense jungle at the trailhead. It feels otherworldly. But there’s a reason these places feel so ancient: they are.

Equatorial regions, especially those along the Pacific Ring of Fire, have remained climatically stable for millions of years. While glaciers came and went across the poles and continents, the tropics stayed warm, wet, and relatively undisturbed. This allowed ancient species of plants and animals to survive and evolve slowly, while their counterparts in harsher climates either adapted rapidly or went extinct.

That’s why the flora and fauna you encounter near the equator often resemble something out of prehistory. From towering tree ferns to reptiles that haven’t changed much in 100 million years, the ecosystem feels frozen in time. Scientists often call the tropics a “museum of evolution” — a place where ancient lineages are preserved.

Now add skiing into the mix. The volcanoes of Ecuador offer a rare kind of adventure: the chance to carve turns on snow-covered peaks that rise out of jungle or cloud forest. These landscapes combine intense geologic energy with deep ecological history. You’re not just skiing a mountain; you’re skiing through Earth’s deep past.

It’s this unique blend of altitude, climate, and biodiversity that makes skiing in Ecuador feel so different. It’s not just about the snow quality or the summit views. It’s the feeling that you’re somewhere ancient. Somewhere wild. Somewhere that hasn’t changed all that much since long before humans showed up.

Whether it’s a trip to up Cayambe, Cotopaxi or Chimborazo, one thing is certain: skiing Ecuador’s volcanoes isn’t just an expedition. It’s a trip back in time.

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