South America Volcanoe Skiing 10/5 - 10/13 - 8 Day Trip (4 Peaks)
The volcanoes and culture of Southern Chile have to be experienced by any traveling skier! 8 Day Trip (4 Peaks)
Dates Can be Flexible upon request 3-6 Guests Total for this trip. 6 Guests can fit in the 2 vehicles allowing for up to 6 guests maximum.
Chris Martin will meet you in Santiago, Chile and pick you up upon your arrival in the van we will all be staying in for our adventure.
From Santiago down through Argentina, many volcano options exist. Each volcano brings its own adventure and characteristics that are unique to its landscape. On this trip, an example of one of our goals is to reach the summit caldera (top volcano cone) of volcanoes while experiencing the homegrown cultural vibe of Chile.
The volcanoes and culture of Southern Chile should be on the list of any traveling skier. IFMGA guide Chris Martin is offering (Mindful Mountaineering) ski descents of four of Patagonia's volcanoes. From Santiago through Chile heading south, many options exist for objectives, each with their own unique characteristics and challenges. Experience the homegrown cultural vibe of Chile while skiing and riding in September-October (South America's Spring). The ten day trip takes place during the early fall where we are transitioning to winter here in the Lower 48. Traveling to South America for corn skiing and the chance of powder is a welcome escape and a great way to jump start your winter ski season early!
Price Breakdown: Once you arrive in Chile, Transport, Vaning, lodging, and meals are included in the price.
8 Day Trip (4 Peaks) – 3-6 Guests, 1-2 guides
Climb and ski four Andean volcanoes in eight days: Volcán Lonquimay (9,400' | 2,865m), Volcán Llaima (10,253' | 3,125m), Volcán Villarica (9,341' | 2,847m), and Volcán Osorno (8,701' | 2,652m) or Volcán Tronador (11,453')
Day 0 – October 5, 2024: Arrive In Temuco, Chile
Day 1 - October 6: Towards the end of September, guests and guides will fly to Santiago, Chile and catch a short flight over to Temuco, Chile. After a gear check on October 6, the crew will pack up into vehicles and travel to Volcán Lonquimay (9,400') and stay for the evening in Malalcuello.
Day 2: Waking up early to catch prime conditions, you will ascend Volcán Lonquimay via the Carallco Ski area and a hike to the summit for an attempt to ski from the caldera. Lonquimay is a great warm up ride for the volcanos to come. After descending back down, you'll enjoy a well earned meal before sleeping for another night in the nearby town and enjoying the local hot springs of Malacuello.
Day 3: An early morning departure, you will drive to Volcán Llaima, which is one of the largest volcanoes in Chile at 10,253' (3,240m). Once you return from your summit attempt and ski, we will drive to the cultural town of Pucon and stay in a hotel for the next two evenings.
Day 4: Waking up more leisurely than the day before this will be a rest day. Soak in the hot springs, grab a shower, and experience the culture of Chile before packing for more skiing! Pucon offers a cultural experience beyond most, a worthy town to have a full rest day within.
Day 5: Waking up in Pucon, we will make the short drive to the base of Villarrica, located in Pucon. One of Chile's most active volcanoes, it is also known as Rucapillán, a Mapuche word meaning "great spirit's house." At 9,341' (2,860m), Villarrica is one of a small number of volcanos worldwide known to have an active lava lake within its crater. We will have the options of ascending Villaricas Glaciated West aspect of the mountain, offering complex glaciated travel to the summit.
Day 6: We will awake in Pucon with our sights to travel to Puerto varas, located by Lake Llanquihue. Here we will consider our final objective, either skiing Volcan Osorno or Volcan Tronador.
Day 7: We will ascend our volcanoe of choice. We will then make the 30 minute drive to Puerto Montte where we will stay for the evening before flying out of Puerto Montte the next day back to Santiago.
Day 8 – October 13: A short transfer to the Puerto Montte Airport. Your return flight home to your country of origin can be booked evening of October 13 or the next day on October 14.
Gear List:
Traveling with your gear can be tricky for some folks so here are a few tips:
When traveling to Chile it’s best to carry your boots in your hand on the plane. Then pack your helmet goggles, gloves, and outerwear in a carry on bag. Check a ski bag (packing skis / splitboard, avalanche equipment, backpack, sleeping bag, helmet) and check a duffel bag (clothes, layers, etc). If you can fit in one ski bag and a carry on then you're a pro! If Boots fit inside your luggagge that acceptable too!
Skiing in South America requires climbing a mountain of logistics. We are managing that so you can enjoy your time and focus on skiing with a rad group of people. The costs for this expeditions is outlined below.
Whats Included in the Price?
The cost of your trip includes your land costs, except for in-town meals. This cost includes lodging per the itinerary, double occupancy lodging during town stays, and group lodging in mountain huts.
- Breakfasts are in town, and all meals are served during mountain stays
- Group camping and climbing equipment
- All park and climbing permits
- Scheduled in-country transportation
- Airport transfers
- Certified guides
- Solo travelers will be paired with similar gender in a twin shared room
Whats NOT included in the Price?
Please take note of the following items that are not included in the ski trip package:
- Flights to/from the country of origin
- Airport taxis
- In-town dinners
- Tips for guides or local staff
- Travel, rescue, or any other type of insurance, highly recommended/required
- Hospitalization or evacuation costs
- Excess baggage charges
- Alcohol
- Other personal expenses
Check it all out here: Copy & paste the links below
https://vimeo.com/305303615
https://rmuoutdoors.com/blogs/on-our-way-a-patagonia-ski-adventure
Payment
I prefer to accept checks for this trip. I ask for 50% down upon commitment. The remaining balance is due 1 month prior to your trip dates.
Cancellation Policy
If you cancel before January 1st of the year you are scheduled to ski in Chile, I will keep 25% of the cost of the trip and refund you the remainder of your deposit paid.
If you cancel after January 1st, I will keep the 50% deposit. The reality of this situation is that I will not be able to sell this space on my calendar. Skiing in Chile is a "bucket list" type trip for most folks and people don't commit at the last minute. So if you cancel with late notice, I will end up with a hole in my schedule. This is a disappointing situation for all involved. For this reason, I highly recommend travel insurance. If you are canceling for medical reasons or an emergency of some kind, you should be reimbursed.
If you cancel within 30-days of your trip, you may lose your entire payment. I will do my best to refund as much as possible, but many of the wheels will have been set in motion. If I am able to not pay for items (such as food and gas) I expected to buy, or some businesses (like hotels or car rental places) don't demand full payment, I will certainly refund this portion of your payment. I will do my best to work with you so you lose as little money as possible. At the same time, I ask that you understand that as a small, high-quality, operation, I am severely affected by cancellations. Again, trip insurance goes a long way toward alleviating financial stress in this situation. No refunds will be given because of weather while in Alaska, once on the trip or within 30 days of the trip, all sales are final.