When summer hits the north, winter is just getting going in Patagonia. This trip is our way of keeping the ski season alive. Over 13 days, we tour the volcanoes of southern Chile, then cross the Andes into Argentina for the powder around San Martín de los Andes and Cerro Bayo. The skiing is the main event, but the food and drink are a close second: long barbecues, Argentine wine, and local craft beer after big days in the mountains. It’s a little remote and a lot of fun, with some of the best snow in Patagonia waiting along the way.
This 13-day backcountry ski trip takes us through the Lake District of Chile and Argentina, with 10 days of skiing with an IFMGA mountain guide. Starting in Puerto Montt, we ski the volcanoes on the Chilean side, including Osorno and the terrain around Antillanca and Puyehue. Then we cross the border into Argentina for the San Martín de los Andes and Cerro Bayo areas. Most days combine lift access with backcountry touring, and some days head up toward the summits. We spend 12 nights in hotels, with breakfasts where available, ground transportation, and pre-trip logistics all included. The route changes slightly every year to follow the best snow in the region.
Included:
Not included:
In order to join this ski touring tour, great fitness is required as well as previous ski touring experience and the ability to confidently ski black diamond terrain. This is a somewhat remote trip, so you should be comfortable earning your turns day after day and skiing variable snow with a pack on.
You’ll be touring for 10 days across the trip, including glaciated terrain, so solid uphill endurance and good technique on the descent matter more than raw speed. A couple of days start with lift access, which saves your legs for the good stuff higher up. Your guides set the pace to the group and the conditions of the day.
Want more? Discover our collection of backcountry skiing adventures.
Personal equipment:
Ski and safety equipment:
Clothing:
Dress comfortably and for the weather in clothes you can move in. We suggest bringing clothing appropriate for the season. Layers are best and don’t wear jeans.
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Group sizes and pricing:
Min. age requirements:
The starting point of your ski touring adventure is Puerto Montt, Chile. To get there, most people fly into El Tepual International Airport (PMC). From there, you can take a shuttle service, public transport, or rent a car to reach Puerto Montt.
Ground transportation during the trip is included, so once you’re there everything from the drives to Osorno, Antillanca, and Cerro Bayo is taken care of.
We highly recommend that you cover all your bases with insurance. To make your booking and traveling experience as carefree as possible, you’ll be offered to simply insure your trip with Redpoint at checkout.
Redpoint—the official 57hours insurance partner—tailors protection packages for adventure travel, offering a comprehensive travel program, even in remote locations! Trip cancellation, natural disasters, pandemic coverage, medical evacuation, primary medical expenses—regardless of the travel interruption that may happen, Redpoint will have you covered.
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