There's a version of ski touring where the mountain does the entertaining and you just show up. This isn't that version. Across 9 days and 5 volcanoes in southern Chile, we climb what the Andes put here long before anyone thought to build a lift, then ski it back down through crater rims, ash fields, and glacier remnants that look like nowhere else on earth. Lonquimay, Llaima, Villarrica, Mocho, Osorno: each one different, each one earned. Mountain refuges, lakeside towns, and steaming hot springs fill the gaps between summits.
We meet in the small mountain village of Malalcahuello, gateway to the volcanoes that fill the days ahead. The introductory briefing covers the full itinerary, current snow conditions, and mountain safety protocols for the trip. The rest of the day is free to wander the village or ease into the trip with a soak in the local hot springs before the climbing starts tomorrow.
Accommodation: Hotel, lodge, or mountain refuge
Lonquimay volcano opens the tour with a moderate climb and a descent that punches well above its difficulty. We skin up through valleys framed by classic Andean scenery before dropping back down through terrain that mixes volcanic starkness with genuinely enjoyable turns. It’s a strong first outing that eases the legs into the rhythm of the days ahead.
Meals: Breakfast
Elevation: +1,200 m (+3,940 ft)
Accommodation: Hotel, lodge, or mountain refuge
Llaima, rising inside Conguillío National Park, is the more demanding of the two early volcanoes, with an impressive silhouette that makes the extra effort worth it. The ascent is a beautiful traverse through the heart of Andean terrain, and the reward at the summit, wide views and a long, snow-covered descent, makes this a standout for anyone serious about ski mountaineering.
Meals: Breakfast
Elevation: +1,600 m (+5,250 ft)
Accommodation: Hotel, lodge, or mountain refuge
A three-hour drive brings us to Pucón, a picturesque lakeside town on the shores of Lake Villarrica in southern Chile. The afternoon is free to explore the town, rest up, and get ready for the next objective.
Meals: Breakfast
Accommodation: Hotel, lodge, or mountain refuge
Villarrica, Chile’s most active volcano, is next: a moderate ascent leading to a genuinely rewarding descent down its snowy slopes. The volcano’s visible crater and panoramic views over Lake Villarrica and the surrounding valleys make it one of the most sought-after ski mountaineering objectives in the country.
Meals: Breakfast
Elevation: +1,600 m (+5,250 ft)
Accommodation: Hotel, lodge, or mountain refuge
A few hours by vehicle brings us into the Los Ríos Region, where we switch to skins for the final approach to the Mocho-Choshuenco mountain hut, our base for tomorrow’s climb.
Meals: Breakfast
Elevation: +150 m (+490 ft)
Accommodation: Mountain refuge
Mocho is the lesser-known volcano of the trip, but its glaciers and rugged terrain make it one of the most beautiful and demanding ski mountaineering days on the itinerary. The summit delivers spectacular panoramic views over neighboring volcanoes and the wider Andes range, a fitting reward for a genuinely challenging climb.
Meals: Breakfast
Elevation: +1,400 m (+4,590 ft)
Accommodation: Hotel, lodge, or mountain refuge
A four-hour drive brings us to the base of Osorno, setting up the final objective of the trip.
Meals: Breakfast
Accommodation: Hotel, lodge, or mountain refuge
Osorno closes out the tour: a demanding climb surrounded by lakes and forests, with panoramic summit views that make every step of the ascent worth it. The descent crosses varied terrain and fresh snow, a spectacular final reward for the most adventurous skiers on the trip.
Meals: Breakfast
Elevation: +1,400 m (+4,590 ft)
Included:
Add-ons:
Not included:
This ski touring Chile adventure is built for skiers with prior backcountry experience and good physical fitness. Expert-level skiing isn’t required, but previous ski mountaineering experience is strongly recommended.
Expect moderate to demanding ascents ranging from 900 m to 1,600 m (2,950–5,250 ft) of elevation gain per day.
Here’s a list of the equipment you need to bring:
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
A ski touring Chile adventure can be arranged for larger groups. Contact us to make arrangements.
Min. age requirements
If your group has participants under the age of 18, contact us prior to booking to make arrangements.
The price for this ski touring Chile adventure is based on twin-share rooms, but a single occupancy room can be arranged at an additional fee. Please leave a note at checkout if interested.
Solo travelers are welcome—they can either share a room with another same-gender solo traveler at no extra cost, or guarantee a private room by paying a single occupancy fee.
The starting point of your ski touring Chile adventure is Malalcahuello. To get there, most people fly into Temuco Araucanía Airport (ZCO). From there, you can take a shuttle service, public transport, or rent a car to reach Malalcahuello.
You will meet your guide in Malalcahuello on Day 1.
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.