In the summer of 2011, I spent three months travelling through Chile and Argentina and skitouring in the most exciting places in these countries. And, of course, I fell in love with the Andes and Patagonia. Several skitours and heliski programs I did in the following years confirmed my passion for this part of the planet. This program is an excellent opportunity to start your winter season but in spring conditions. Late September to early October is an ideal time to ski tour Chilean volcanoes. The weather is stable at this time of the year, allowing us to make an intense itinerary with a high chance to climb and ski several volcanoes.

Chile is home to over 100 volcanoes, each offering a unique ski-mountaineering experience. From relatively easy peaks that are perfect for beginners to more challenging ones that will test your skiing and fitness, there's something for everyone. And we'll be exploring some of the most accessible ones in the Araucania and Los Lagos regions.

But this program is not just about skiing and snowboarding. It's a comprehensive experience that includes cultural immersion, visits to different thermal hot springs, exploration of Patagonian cuisine, and much more. It's a journey that promises to be as enriching as it is thrilling.

This year, I partnered up with Dima Fedorchenko, my long-term skiing friend and partner for Siberian programs. Since last year, he has resided in Santiago, Chile, and runs different programs and activities there.

Logistic

Our journey begins in Temuco, the capital of the Araucania region. Santiago offers affordable daily flights.

Upon your arrival, we ride for a couple of hours to the village Malalcahuello, surrounded by volcanoes Tolhuaca (2806m), Lonquimay (2865m), and Llaima (3,240m). With favourable weather, we may ski all three!
Another short ride, and we are in Pucon, the adventure capital of Chile, where our goals are Villarrica (2860m) and Quetrupillán (2360m) volcanoes. Relatively easy skitouring and amazing views from the summits, however, as well as from other volcanoes. Pucon is also famous for its many excellent hot thermal springs, one of the best in Chile.

Depending on the trip's progress, we may also ride further south to ski Osorno volcano (2652m), one of the most scenic volcanoes of Patagonia, and then choose some other volcanoes like Sollipulli, Mocho-Choshuenco, and more.

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

I usually rent 4x4 pickups with plenty of space for four people and luggage for logistics.

Considering weather, snow conditions, and other factors, flexibility is key to making this program successful. Be prepared for some changes; the rest is my job.

Arrival and departure requirements:
Participants must arrive in Temuco (airport code ZCO) on or before September 22 (before noon). I'll pick you up there. You must arrange a return flight from Temuco on October 01 or later for your return to Santiago.

Accommodation

During our road trip, we stayed 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 to Temuco and other towns along the way. Please let me know if you have any special dietary requirements.

Bookings

2024 DATES: September 22 - October 01
Price: 3 100 € per person

Price includes:

  • 10 days program with possible 7-8 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/guesthouses.

Extra expenses:

  • International and domestic airfares.
  • Extra accommodation before/after the program.
  • Meals and drinks 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).
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Photo credit: Grigory Mintsev, Manuel Elmiger and Daniel Schweiss NieveDelSur.