In August we are heading to Chile! I invite you to the Chilean Volcanoes road trip, to spend ten good summer (winter) days in Northern Patagonia.

More than 100 volcanoes in Chile are spread throughout the country from North to South. Many of them are perfect skitouring and ski-mountaineering peaks. Some are pretty easy technically and physically, some require a high level of skiing and fitness. Most of the easy-reachable volcanoes are situated in Araucania and Los Lagos regions, where we are going.

Besides skiing and snowboarding, you will get a cultural experience, visit different thermal hot springs, local vineyards, discover Patagonian cuisine, and much more.

Logistic

Our journey begins and ends in Temuco, the capital of the Araucania region. There are daily affordable flights from Santiago.

On Sunday, August 20th, upon your arrival, we ride for 4 hours to the village Termas de Chillán, at the base of the Nevados de Chillán volcanic massif with a few 3100+ meters summits. This is one of the best skiing zones in Chile, with a mix of tree and alpine skiing and hot springs. We spend there 3 days, for lift-assisted skitouring.

Then we move to the village Malalcahuello surrounded by volcanoes Tolhuaca (2806m), Lonquimay (2865m), and Llaima (3,240m). With favorable weather, we may ski all three!

Another short ride and we are in Puconm adventure capital of Chile where our goal is a Villarrica volcano (2860m). Relatively easy skitouring and amazing views from the summit, however, as well as from other volcanoes. Pucon is also famous for many nice hot thermal springs around, one of the best in Chile.

Depending on the trip's progress we also may ride further south to ski Osorno volcano (2652m), one of the most scenic volcanoes of Patagonia.

All good things must come to an end, and this applies to our road trip as well. On August 30th we finish our program in Temuco and take a flight to Santiago.

Arrival and departure requirements:

Participants will need to arrive in Temuco (airport code ZCO) on or before August 20. I'll pick you up there. For your return to Santiago, you’ll need to arrange a return flight from Temuco on August 30 or later.

Accommodation

During our road trip, we stay in cabanas, traditional Chilean huts/chalets. Usually, there are 3-4 rooms, a shared bathroom, a kitchen, and a dining room.

For all places, we will self-cater and buy most of our food for the trip in Temuco and other towns on the way. Please let me know if you have any special dietary requirements.

Bookings

2023 DATES:
August 20-30
Price:
2480 € per person, in a group of 4 participants minimum.

Price includes:

  • 11 days program with possible 8-9 days of skitouring and guiding.
  • Transportation, all days - 4x4 pickup or similar.
  • All road expenses - tolls, fuel.
  • Accommodation in all destinations from Temuco to Temuco, private chalets/cabanas.

Extra expenses:

  • International and domestic airfares.
  • Accommodation in Temuco if needed.
  • Meals during the program.
  • Personal insurance.

Prerequisites:

  • Intermediate or higher level of skiing in any snow conditions.
  • Very good physical shape.
  • Basic ski-mountaineering skills (confident use of boot crampons and ice axe).
INQUIRIES & BOOKINGS

Photo credit: Grigory Mintsev, Manuel Elmiger and Daniel Schweiss NieveDelSur.