Ski season in the North hemisphere is done, but the South is just getting started. Head to Chile’s lake district for a fiery blend of ski mountaineering and backcountry skiing, and conquer four Andean volcanoes in only 8 days! It’s as simple as it gets—you summit a beautiful Patagonian peak, you ski down world-class 30-45-degree corn slopes, and then it’s on to the next one! In between adventures, you’ll roam quaint lakeside towns, rest in cozy lodges, and recoup in rejuvenating termas (hot springs). If you lava good challenge, don’t miss out on this one! Learn more about volcano skiing in Chile from Greg Hill, ACMG Ski Guide extraordinaire and soon-to-be Assistant Rock Climbing Guide.
Spend 8 days summiting and skiing the Patagonian Andes! Tackle four of Chile’s most spectacular volcanic summits, and ski to your heart’s content on exhilaratingly steep corn slopes! In your off-time, take in Chile’s scenic lake district by diving into its culture, cuisine, and reenergizing hot springs.
Arrive in Temuco for the 2-hour transfer to Malalcahuello, where the tour begins. Arrive early enough, and you’ll have a free afternoon to relax in Malalcahuello’s natural hot springs!
The adventure begins with a visit to the beautiful Lonquimay Volcano. We will take a chairlift at the Corralco ski area on the volcano. From there, we will ascend to the summit, enjoying a breathtaking view of the surrounding volcanic terrain. The descent promises to be a thrilling experience, and the day will end with a relaxing soak in the hot springs of Malalcahuello.
We are exploring the magnificent Llaima Volcano, starting early at the Las Araucarias Ski Resort. After ascending the volcano, we have the thrilling experience of skiing down it, with the vast crater and smoky fumaroles adding to the sense of adventure. Finally, we transfer to a comfortable hotel in Pucón, where we can rest and relax after an exciting day.
On Day 4, you will have the opportunity to experience the charm of Pucon, a ski town in Chile. This picturesque town is situated on the shores of Lake Villarrica and is known for its scenic beauty and bustling activity. In the background, the magnificent Villarrica Volcano towers over the town. You will have the afternoon to explore and relax and may want to treat yourself to the local hot springs..
Today’s schedule will take us to climb the Villarrica Summit, which stands at an impressive 2,847 meters. We will commence from the Ski Pucon area and gradually ascend to the summit. If conditions are favorable, we can expect a swift and exhilarating descent. After our successful climb, we will return to Pucon to spend another night and share stories of our conquest.
On Day 6 of our expedition, we will visit the beautiful city of Puerto Varas, located by Lake Llanquihue. Our next target, the Osorno Volcano, offers breathtaking views of this city. This day will provide a welcome change of pace, allowing us to rest and explore Puerto Varas. It is the perfect opportunity to relax and anticipate our upcoming adventures.
For our last day of skiing, we will take on the spectacular Osorno Volcano. Along the way, we will encounter stunning landscapes and challenging climbs. Depending on the year, an exciting climb over rime ice may occur to reach the summit. The view from the top is a breathtaking 360° panorama of the surrounding lakes. Our descent signifies the end of our skiing adventure and is a fitting finale.
Your journey wraps up in Puerto Montt, a beautiful city on the shores of the Pacific Ocean. Catch your first flight home here—don’t forget to wave goodbye to the volcanoes of southern Chile.
What you get on this adventure:
What’s not included:
This trip is suitable for advanced backcountry skiers and riders only. You must be very comfortable on steep terrain and have at least 20 days of touring experience.
To participate in this tour, you need to have previous backcountry skiing experience. You will be skiing, touring, and summiting on challenging and steep terrain for 6 full days.
You must be capable of linking turns on steep slopes (up to 45 degrees) while maintaining control. You should also have some experience using alpine climbing and mountaineering equipment, including an ice ax and crampons.
Clothing
Mandatory gear can be rented if you don’t have your own. Please let us know if you need to rent gear—some of it can be rented from your guides, and we can help you out with other equipment.
Group sizes and prices:
Backcountry skiing in Chile can be arranged for larger groups. Contact us to make arrangements.
Min. age requirements:
To get to this ski tour, most people fly into La Araucanía International Airport, also known as Temuco Airport, in Temuco, Chile. Make sure to pick a flight that arrives by the early afternoon.
Your guides will meet you in Temuco at a pre-arranged time and transfer you to Malalcahuello, marking the start of your tour.
We highly recommend that you cover all your bases with both medical and travel protection. To make your booking and traveling experience as carefree as possible, simply choose Redpoint—the official 57hours insurance partner!
Redpoint tailors their 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.
Once your booking is confirmed and your trip is paid in full, you will be offered to purchase Redpoint’s protection. If you need any help or require more information, let us know and we will be happy to help!
Deposits
You can secure one of the set dates with a 30% deposit upon booking. The remaining 70% of the trip price is to be paid 90 days prior to departure, at the latest.
Cancellations
Booking fees are non-refundable in all cases. During checkout, however, you can choose one of 57hours’ flexibility options:
Basic
Flexible
Super Flexible
