Patagonia Backcountry Ski with Adrian Ballinger and Emily Harrington

Patagonia Backcountry Ski Expedition

Intermediate 8 Days Cerro Castillo, Patagonia, Chile

Join us for an unforgettable backcountry ski expedition in the rugged peaks of Cerro Castillo, Patagonia, Chile. This unique opportunity allows you to explore pristine descents, wide-open bowls, and technical couloirs alongside renowned mountain athletes Adrian Ballinger and Emily Harrington.

August 29th, 2025 – September 5th, 2025

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Explore Cerro Castillo

Ski With the Locals + AB and Emily

Cerro Castillo is our guides’ backyard, and they are always seeking the most spectacular and rewarding locations, and Cerro Castillo stands out as one of Patagonia’s premier (but widely unknown) destinations for ski mountaineering. Towering spires and snow-covered peaks rise from the dramatic landscape, creating a playground for backcountry skiers. With conditions reminiscent of the High Sierra or the Alps in spring, the snow transforms into smooth corn, allowing for incredible descents ranging from 30-45 degrees. Every day, we’ll seek out the best conditions to ensure unforgettable skiing on big, beautiful slopes.

Plus, we’ll have the added bonus of sharing the skin track and fireside with Adrian Ballinger and Emily Harrington, two of the world’s most accomplished mountain athletes.

Each day, we’ll head out into the mountains, tackling new objectives that match the groups goals. Cerro Castillo’s varied terrain offers everything from approachable slopes to steep, technical chutes. Whether it’s a long mellow ski tour, a climb to a dramatic ridgeline, or a thrilling descent through a couloir, each day will bring new challenges and rewards.

The Alpenglow Difference:

Certified Guides:

Our Cerro Castillo ski expeditions are led by IFMGA/AMGA certified guides, ensuring the highest level of expertise and safety. Alpenglow’s lead guides bring years of experience in the Andes and a deep knowledge of the local terrain. Their passion for guiding and teaching will elevate your ski mountaineering skills while providing an unforgettable experience in one of the wildest places on earth.

Top-Tier Logistics

We take care of every detail so you can focus on skiing. From airport pickups and transportation to cozy lodge accommodations and delicious meals, we prioritize comfort and efficiency. With our experienced guides leading the way, we’ll adjust our objectives daily to find the best conditions, ensuring an incredible skiing experience.

Preparation

Fitness

Skiers and riders must be in excellent physical shape to join this expedition. Participants must be prepared to climb 4,000 – 5,000 vertical feet in a day. Big days, but lots of fun! Regular, challenging exercise for many months in advance of departure is the only way to gain the necessary level of fitness that is needed on big peaks. Those joining our teams should have at least a general understanding of what it takes to train for an expedition like this. We recommend a structured training program at a gym or with a personal trainer. Please contact us for more information on physical training.

Technical

Skiers must be expert downhill skiers/riders on a variety of terrain and snow conditions. Skiers must be able to link turns in steep terrain (up to 45 degrees) while maintaining control. Prior use of ski crampons required. Skiers are strongly recommended but not required to have basic snow climbing experience including use of an ice axe and boot crampons.

Experience

Skiers must have at least 15 days of backcountry ski touring experience in a variety of conditions and steep terrain.

Our Guides

Meet Your Patagonia Ski Guides

Equipment

Patagonia Backcountry Ski Equipment List

All the gear you need for your Patagonia Backcountry Ski Expedition

Download Equipment Link

Select a category

Hat
Bring your favorite baseball hat for shelter from the sun. No white under the brim – the reflection off of it from the sun is blinding.
Recommended: Black Diamond 5-Panel Synthetic Cap
Beanie
A comfortable, warm well-fitting hat that covers your ears. Make sure that one of your hats fits under a helmet.
Recommended: Black Diamond Levels Beanie
Neck Gaiter (Buff)
A multi-purpose neck gator that can also be worn under your hat. Make sure that it covers as much skin as possible and yet is still comfy.
Recommended: Alpenglow Buff
Balaclava
We recommend a tight-fitting balaclava that is worn under your hat. Make sure that it covers as much skin as possible, but is comfortable enough to wear for hours.
Recommended: Black Diamond Coefficient LT Balaclava
Sunglasses
Must have dark lenses. Minimal light should come in below, above, or around the sides of the lenses.“Wrap” style is best. Ventilation is important and a retainer strap is very useful (Chums or Croakies).
Recommended: Vuarnet Glacier 01
Goggles
These will be worn on stormy or windy days. Make sure you are getting a snug fit with lenses for bright sun. Ventilation and anti-fog features are desired.
Recommended: Vuarnet Everest Goggles
Ski Helmet
A ski specific helmet that is less than 10 years old.
Recommended: Scott Track Plus Helmet
Liner Gloves
These gloves keep the inside of your mitts or other gloves from accumulating sweat on the inside and turning inside out when you take them off, as well as provide additional insulation.
Recommended: Black Diamond Midweight Wool Liners
Lightweight Gloves
All-around gloves for mountaineering, backcountry skiing, and hiking. These gloves (and similar options) are warm, wind-resistant, durable and have a sure grip. You will rarely take these gloves off. They should be snug-fitting, and have some sort of reinforced palm.
Recommended: Black Diamond Alpine Softshell Gloves
Midweight Gloves
These gloves should be full GORE-TEX®, and insulated. These will be the workhorse glove for any expedition.
Recommend: Black Diamond Tour Gloves
or Black Diamond Terminator Gloves
Heavyweight Ski Gloves
Heavyweight, waterproof gloves for those cold, stormy days.
Recommended Men’s: Black Diamond Impulse Gloves
Recommended Women’s: Black Diamond Women’s Impulse Gloves
Liner Socks
A super-thin wicking sock that repels moisture. Liner socks help to reduce the likelihood of blisters. The socks should be thin wool, nylon, or Capilene®. NO COTTON
Recommended: Ice Breaker Merino Liner
Hiking Socks
Your everyday sock, good for day hikes, trekking, and in-town. It’s good to bring several pairs of these socks. NO COTTON.
Recommended: Darn Tough Hiking Sock
Ski Socks
Ski socks will keep your feet warm and dry during long tours in the mountains.
Recommended: Smartwool
Hiking Shoes
These light to mid-weight shoes are for everyday use. The ideal shoe is comfortable to wear for multiple days and scrambles decently on rock. A Gore-tex lined shoe stays drier when hiking in rain or snow.
Recommended: La Sportiva Bushido
Lightweight Top
Ultra-light base layer that effectively wicks moisture away from your body and is breathable. Quick-dry is important as well. One light-colored shirt is recommended for extremely sunny days.
Recommended Men’s: Black Diamond Lightwire Short Sleeve
Recommended Women’s: Black Diamond Lightwire Short Sleeve
Sun Hoodie
Lightweight, long-sleeve sun hoody that is great for protecting from the sun.
Recommended Men’s: Black Diamond Alpenglow Hoody
Recommended Women’s: Black Diamond Alpenglow Hoody
Lightweight Baselayer Top
A long sleeve base layer that is fitted, lightweight and quick drying. Make sure it is long enough to tuck in.
Recommended Men’s: Black Diamond Men’s Solution 150 Merino Crew
Recommended Women’s: Black Diamond Women’s Solution 150 Merino Crew
Lightweight Baselayer Bottoms
Fitted and quick drying. This piece will be a base-layer that will get you through a wide range of temperatures. This can be 3/4 length bottoms if preferred.
Recommended Men’s: Black Diamond Solution 150 Merino Baselayer
Recommended Women’s: Black Diamond Solution 150 Merino Baselayer
Mid-Weight Warm Layer Top
This mid-layer will be worn over your base layer most of the trip.
Recommended Men’s: Black Diamond Men’s Coefficient LT Quarter Zip Pullover
Recommended Women’s: Black Diamond Women’s Coefficient LT Quarter Zip Pullover
Hard Shell Jacket
A lightweight, waterproof and breathable jacket WITH A HOOD that can withstand extreme weather conditions. Make sure you have pit-zips and if you are using an old jacket, re-waterproof it.
Recommended Men’s: Black Diamond Recon LT Stretch Shell
Recommended Women’s: Black Diamond Women’s Recon LT Stretch Shell
Soft Shell Jacket
More breathable than Gore-tex, these soft shell jackets block wind and light precipitation and are great as an outer layer and warm layer under your parka.
Men’s Recommended: Black Diamond Alpine Start Hoody
Women’s Recommended: Black Diamond Alpine Start Hoody
Soft-Shell Ski Touring Pant
You will spend most of your days in these pants. Choose Schoeller® or a soft-shell equivalent. Breathable + water-resistant.
Recommended Men’s: Black Diamond Men’s Dawn Patrol Pants
Recommended Women’s: Black Diamond Women’s Dawn Patrol Pants
Mid-Weight Puffy Jacket
A simple, lightweight puffy jacket. This item is good for layering systems and staying warm. We recommend 800-fill down that is packable and resists inclement weather.
Recommended Men’s: Black Diamond Approach Down Hoody
Recommended Women’s: Black Diamond Approach Down Hoody
Mid-Weight Synthetic Jacket
An active insulation layer that breathes and moves with you while keeping you warm.
Recommend: Black Diamond Vision Hybrid Hoody
Quick Dry Shorts
Throw these on under other layers for when the sun begins to beat, or you want to stretch / relax in Basecamp. Lightweight, durable and comfortable. NO COTTON.
Recommended Men’s: Black Diamond Sierra Shorts
Recommended Women’s: Black Diamond Sierra Shorts
Hiking Pant
Lightweight, durable, quick-drying hiking pant that will be your day-to-day pant during the expedition
Men’s Recommended: Black Diamond Alpine Light Pants
Women’s Recommended: Black Diamond Women’s Alpine Light Pants
Skis w/ Touring Bindings
A lightweight touring ski with touring bindings. Our guides suggest something between 95mm and 110mm underfoot. Keep in mind that extremely lightweight boards are great on the uphill, but can prove challenging in variable conditions.
Recommended Skis: Black Diamond Helio Carbon 95 Skis
Recommended Bindings: Black Diamond ATK Crest 10 Bindings
Ski/Splitboard Poles
Adjustable ski poles with powder baskets. Note: Splitboarders, be sure to use 3 section poles so they collapse small enough to reasonably attach to your pack while in riding mode.
Recommended: Black Diamond Expedition 2 or Expedition 3 Poles
Ski Touring Boots
These need to be a touring specific boot with walk mode, and a rubber sole. Typically sized a bit larger than your regular alpine boot, and light weight is a huge plus. Be sure to try many pairs on to find the right fit; it can make or break a day in the mountains!
Recommended: Fischer Transalp Pro or Transalp Tour WS
Ski Touring Bindings
Alpine Touring bindings are designed to allow up-hill travel and down-hill descent. We recommend a lightweight binding with heel risers to assist on steeper terrain.
Recommended: Black Diamond ATK Crest 10 Touring Bindings
Climbing Skins
Many options are available, and are often comparable. Most important is to ensure your skins are trimmed properly for the ski you will be touring with. Skins with a secure tail clip are preferred.
Recommended for Skis: Black Diamond Glidelite Mix STS Climbing Skins
Recommended for Splitboards: Black Diamond Glidelite Mix Splitboard Climbing Skins
Ski Mountaineering Ice Axe
A small, light weight ice axe designed for ski mountaineering. Typically between 45cm and 55cm.
Recommended: Black Diamond Venom LT Classic Piolet
Ski Crampons
While ski crampons are strongly recommended on our domestic backcountry ski programs, they are required on all of our International Ski Expeditions. These are typically used on early spring days when the snow is often icy on the way up before the conditions transition. Many bindings accept a compatible crampon made by the manufacturer.
Recommended: Black Diamond ATK Ski Crampons
Splitboard
A splitboard that you are comfortable riding in a variety of conditions. Preferably a powder-centric board with good float (longer nose, setback stance).
Recommended: Jones Hovercraft, Stratos, or Mind Expander Splitboard
Splitboard Crampons
While splitboard crampons are strongly recommended on our domestic backcountry splitboard programs, they are required on all of our International Splitboard Expeditions. These are typically used on early spring days when the snow is often icy on the way up before the conditions transition. Many bindings accept a compatible crampon made by the manufacturer.
Recommended: Spark R&D Ibex ST Splitboard Crampons
Snowboard Boots
The same boots you wear at the resort are great for your splitboard. Be sure they’re comfortable, backcountry touring means long days in your boots!
Recommended: Burton Tourist Snowboard Boots
Shovel
A lightweight metal avalanche rescue shovel. Extendable handle is recommended.
Recommended: Black Diamond Evac 7
Probe
A strong, lightweight avalanche probe, 260-300cm.
Recommended: Black Diamond QuickDraw Pro Probe 280
Avalanche Transceiver
A digital transceiver that is simple to use or that you are extremely comfortable using.
Recommended: Black Diamond Recon Avalanche X Beacon
General Mountaineering Axe
One non-technical climbing axe. The tool should be approx. 55cm- 65cm long and comfortable to hold. *Ice axes are also available to rent (for our introductory climbing courses) at no charge from Alpenglow expeditions on a first-come, first-serve basis.
Recommended: Black Diamond Raven Pro Ice Axe
Mountaineering Harness
Must have belay loop, gear loops and adjustable leg loops so that you can layer up underneath it. Easy to pack, lightweight + comfortable. *Harnesses are also available to rent (for our introductory climbing courses) at no charge from Alpenglow expeditions on a first-come, first-serve basis.
Recommended: Black Diamond Couloir
Mountaineering Crampons
Steel crampons with anti-balling plates are required (so that snow does not build-up in the base of your foot). Make sure that crampons have a heel bail and that they fit snugly on your ski or snowboard boots. Crampons are available to rent (for our introductory climbing courses) at no charge from Alpenglow Expeditions on a first-come, first-serve basis.
Recommended: Black Diamond Sabretooth Crampons
Locking Carabiner (2)
Small, lightweight locking carabiners are best.
Recommended: Black Diamond LiteForge Screwgate
Non-locking Carabiner (2)
Small, lightweight small carabiners are best, wire-gates are fine.
Recommended: Black Diamond LiteWire Carabiner
Duffel Bags
2 Duffel Bags – At least one bag should be extremely durable, waterproof, and big – between 90L and 120L. You should feel comfortable leaving it in a puddle for several hours. Remember dry clothes are hot commodities in the mountains! Large enough to fit everything you own, plus what you anticipate buying. Two duffel bags are necessary to fit all your equipment for travel (we don’t recommend checking your backpack, best is to put all gear and backpack into your duffel). Once in country, you can consolidate your gear into one duffel and your backpack. It’s common to leave the second duffel with city clothes and other non-necessary items behind in a locked and secure location that your guide will arrange for you.
Note: For ski expeditions such as the Ecuador Ring of Fire, you can replace one of these duffel bags with a ski/splitboard bag.
Recommended: Black Diamond Stonehauler 120L
Day Pack
Mid-size pack for city days and trekking. Streamlined, neat and lightweight (10-20 liters).
Recommended: Black Diamond Bullet 16 Pack
Touring Backpack
Internal frame pack that is between 25 and 35 liters. Either purchase a matching pack cover, or use garbage bags as liners to protect from precipitation. Make sure the pack is fitted to YOUR body.
Recommended: Black Diamond Dawn Patrol 32L
Headlamps
Please bring two L.E.D. Headlamps. One will be intended as a lightweight backup. L.E.D. headlamps are required. Make sure they have 3+ bulbs. Bring extra batteries. We highly recommend a tilting lamp.
Recommended: Black Diamond Storm 450
Backup Headlamp Recommended: Black Diamond Deploy 325
Hydration Systems
You need to able to carry 2-3 liters of fluid at any time and the system could vary depending on weather and altitudes. Water containers can be: Camelback (only suitable for low elevations and high temperature days trekking or life at the camps), Thermos (one is recommended for summit day), a mix of 1 Liter Nalgene bottles (with insulator sleeve), and HydraPak style silicone bottles that are lightweight and simple, 0.5L recommended.
Recommended System:
MSR Dromlite2L w/ hydration tube
Thermos Stainless King Drink Bottle 24oz.
Nalgene 1 L wide mouth
Hyperlite Insulator
HydraPak Mountain Stow 500ml
Two 1L Nalgene Bottles
Two 1 Liter Wide Mouth Nalgene bottles.
Recommended: Nalgene 1 L wide mouth
Coffee
While Alpenglow provides hot drink options every morning, it can be nice to have your own on hand any time you need a boost. With hot water always readily available, having instant coffee packets can give you the energy you need after a long day in the mountains!
Recommended: Alpine Start Original Blend Instant Coffee
Miscellaneous Ski Items
-Passport (with visa, if necessary)
-2 luggage locks (TSA compliant)
-Optional heated socks
-Optional Airbag (must be a battery fan system. No compressed air.)
-Optional Thermos
-Repair Kit for skis/splitboards (extra screws, tail clip, pole basket, etc)
-Ski Straps
-Non-cotton underwear
-Stuffsacks: assorted sizes, for organizing your clothes and gear
-Sunscreen Required: SPF 30 (or higher)
-Lip balm with SPF 15 (or higher)
-Personal first-aid kit (Band-aids, Ibuprofen, Cough Drops, Moleskin, Pepto-bismol, Imodium, Personal Medications, Saline nasal spray)
-Toiletries
-3-4lbs of Snack food (a variety of snack food, some whole food, some bars, some gels)
-Hand Warmers
-Tote bag for Onsens
-Optional Coin Purse
-Face Mask
-Hand Sanitizer
-Mountain Face Mask (optional)
-Headphones
-Powerbank (6-10K mAh good for 2-3 phone charges, weighing under 8oz)

Experiences

Alpenglow is the best
“I’ve been climbing with Alpenglow for over ten years. After my first expedition, I knew I’d found the best team. I feel like I’m a member of the Alpenglow family, and have come to know and love many of their guides, office staff, and programs. Alpenglow is truly the best!”
Evan M
One of the most incredible ski trips ever
“One of the most incredible ski trips ever. Amazing country, amazing guides, amazing mountains and amazing skiing. I would highly recommend Ecuador and Alpenglow.”
Brant G
I had pretty high expectations for this trip – and they were absolutely blown away
“I had pretty high expectations for this trip – and they were absolutely blown away. A lot of that credit goes to the guides, Nacho and Cristian. Not only was the climbing portion integral to feeling confident moving forward with mountaineering, as well as the 2 successful summits, but the trip was truly fun. I’m really impressed with the attention to detail, and how smoothly everything runs between the Alpenglow office, the local operations/logistics teams, and the guides.”
Brian Farrington
An amazing and unforgettable experience
“Climbing Gasherbrum 2, my first 8000 meter summit, was an amazing and unforgettable experience. The Karakoram range and the culture of northern Pakistan are incredible.
The Alpenglow team, particularly the lead guide, Topo Mena, and the Sherpa crew on the expedition were world-class in every way. They enabled me to explore my limits and advance my big mountain skills, while maintaining high levels of safety.
I am stoked for my next expedition with the Alpenglow team, which is already planned.”
Matthew Greving
63.0692° N, 151.0070° W

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