Chile Backcountry Ski Expedition
Chile Backcountry Ski Expedition
Start ski mountaineering in Chile.
The wide, steep slopes of the Chilean volcanoes will give our teams over 5000’ of descent as they soak in the panoramic, postcard-worthy views. These slopes provide a blank canvas for our teams to carve out some of the best runs of their lives. Aside from skiing, Chile’s unique culture and landscape create opportunities for lifelong memories. Imagine volcano corn skiing, natural volcanic mineral hot springs, and farm-fresh Chilean food to finish the day. Chile provides the perfect location to apply your skillset to new places while being lead by our certified guides.
Chile Backcountry Ski Expedition Itinerary
- Day 1
- Arrival into Chile
Welcome to Temuco, Chile, the largest city in Chile’s “Lake District”. After you arrive in the early afternoon and meet the team, you’ll board our vehicle and travel through lush farmland and dense forest in search of snow-capped volcanoes. The 2-hr drive brings you to our new home, the Canon del Blanco Lodge. From here, you’re perfectly situated for the next two days of skiing and riding.
- Day 2
- Climb and Ski Lonquimay Volcano
After breakfast at Canon del Blanco Lodge, you’ll load up for a 1hr drive to the base of Volcan Lonquimay. Your first tour of the trip brings you high above the town of Malalcahuello and the ski resorts located at the base of Lonquimay. In perfect conditions, you’ll be able to skin to the top, but everyone will have an ice axe, ski crampons and boot crampons in case we encounter firm snow. A quick ride up the lift will shorten our tour. At the top, you’ll be standing above more than 4,000’ of perfect spring snow that leads back to the car.
- Day 3
- Climb and Ski Llaima Volcano
Across the valley from Lonquimay you’ll see Volcan Llaima, your second objective of the trip. After an early rise and breakfast, you’ll hop in the car for another 1hr drive to the base of the volcano. While your legs will feel heavy to start, this feeling will quickly dissipate as the sun begins to rise, and you find yourself climbing another perfect slope. Llaima is a bit steeper than Lonquimay, and it’s crater rim is covered in ultra- sharp lava rock formed during an eruption in 2009. After you descend more than 5,000’ back to the base, you’ll be racing for the hot springs at Canon del Blanco Lodge.
- Day 4
- Rest day in Pucón
With nearly 10,000’ under your belt, today’s leisurely pace will be welcomed. After you rise for a late breakfast at Canon del Blanco Lodge, the team will drive to Pucon, a small mountain town near the base of Volcan Villarica. Known for its outdoor activities, Pucon is home to many hot springs and blends lazy afternoons with a vibrant and social scene in the evening. An afternoon soak and dinner in town will prepare you for tomorrow’s tour on Volcan Villarica.
- Day 5
- Climb and Ski Villarica
One of the most active volcanoes in Chile, Villarica is the prize of Pucon. A 45 minute drive will bring you to the start of your climb. A bit steeper than the previous two, you’ll start your ascent on skins, but will switch to crampons as you near the top. The strong smell of sulfur will let you know you’ve made it, and you’ll quickly switch to skis and boards before your third perfect spring run of the trip. Back in Pucon, you’ll have the afternoon to explore before another night in town.
- Day 6
- Rest day and drive to Termas de Puyehue
After a leisurely breakfast in Pucon, you’ll continue to travel south through the Lake District to the town of Terma Puyehues. Located along the shores of Lago Llanquihue, it is is a little town with wide streets and grassy lawns. The last objective, Volcan Osorno, stands proudly just to the south.
- Day 7
- Optional Rest Day or Climb and Ski Casa Blanca or the ski resort
Today we will decide to continue our recovery as a rest day/weather day, go climb & ski Casa Blanca, or hit the Hot Springs!
- Day 8
- Climb and Ski Osorno Volcano
Your last tour of the trip is arguably the best. Right on the shore of Lake Llanquihue, Volcan Osorno is the prize. After an short drive to the base, and 4-5hr ascent, you’ll have earned every bit of glory you’re about to experience. This last descent back to the car marks the completion of your adventure, and it’s time to celebrate. You’ll head back to Terma Puyehue or a grand goodbye dinner.
- Day 9
- Drive to Puerto Montt and Depart
Depart from Puerto Montt.
