Chile Mechanized & Lift Accessed Backcountry Trip

Central Andes & South of Chile

Not Rated

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Duration

12 Days / 8 days of skiing

Tour Type

Specific Tour

Group Size

8 people

Languages

Central Andes, South of Chile

Overview

Overview

For 12 days, we will explore the country’s top ski destinations on a road trip-style journey through the Chilean mountains. We will start in Santiago, where we will meet before heading to the mountain village of Farellones. From there, we will ski El Colorado, La Parva, and Valle Nevado ski resorts, accessing the impressive backcountry terrain surrounding these resorts.

We will then move to the Los Andes area to enjoy skiing at Portillo and experience unique catskiing in El Arpa.

The trip will then continue south to the mountain town of Las Trancas, where we will ski at Nevados de Chillán and its surroundings assisted by sleds, before concluding in the city and airport of Concepción (CCP).

Activities

Lift Accessed Backcountry

Lines adjacent to the ski resort but outside controlled terrain. May require short bootpacking and repeated lift use.

Resort Freeride

Off-piste skiing within the ski resort, accessed via lifts.

Catskiing

Snowcat used for uphill access, without the need for skins.

Sled Skiing

Snowmobile used for uphill access, without the need for skins.

Activity Levels

Ski/riding ability

This trip is rated as 3/5: Intermediate-Advanced. Can ski steeper off-piste terrain in good conditions and less steep slopes in more variable conditions.

Backcountry touring experience

This trip is rated as 1/5: Has never practiced backcountry or has only had a couple of introductory experiences.

Fitness level

This trip is rated as 2/5: Short hikes (max. 1 hour) are required to access some lines.

Itinerary

Day 1: Arrival and Meeting in Santiago

We pick you up from Santiago Airport (SCL) or your hotel to meet at noon at our offices in Santiago. We will have a welcome lunch where you will meet your fellow travelers and our team. Any rented equipment will be distributed, and a safety briefing will be held. Then, we will transfer to Farellones to rest before the first ski day.

Days 2 to 4: 3 Days of Skiing in Farellones

Based in Farellones, we will ski at La Parva, El Colorado, and Valle Nevado ski resorts, including their surrounding backcountry. Depending on conditions, we will hike and use car drops to access better lines.

Day 5: Travel from Farellones to Los Andes

After three days of skiing, we will head down to Santiago for a cultural day and lunch at Mercado Central. Then, we will continue to Los Andes, where we will stay overnight.

Days 6 & 7: 2 Days of Skiing in Los Andes

From Los Andes, we will ski at the legendary resort of Portillo one day and enjoy a catskiing day at El Arpa.

Day 8: Travel day from Los Andes to Las Trancas

We’ll leave the Central Andes to head south. Along the way, we will visit a vineyard for a wine tasting and lunch. We will stay overnight in Las Trancas.

Days 9 to 11: 3 Days of Skiing in Nevados de Chillán

We will ski 2 days at Nevados de Chillán and another day accessing backcountry lines by snowmobiles. We will also visit local hot springs.

Day 12: End of the Trip and Transfer to Concepción

We will drive to Concepción, where you can be transferred to the airport (CCP) or a hotel of your choice.

What's included

Logistics and guiding

1 certified bilingual local guide per 5 guests.
Transportation from/to airports and hotels at the start and end of the trip.
Private transportation during the trip.
Lift tickets at all ski resorts.
Catskiing fees at El Arpa.
Snowmobile fees in Las Trancas.
Access to 1 hot spring during the trip.

Lodging

All nights in shared twin rooms. (Ask about private room options.)

Meals

All breakfasts.
Welcome lunch in Santiago.
4 dinners in Farellones.
Lunch at Mercado Central.
Box lunch for catskiing and snowmobile days.
Farewell dinner.
Lunch at a vineyard.
1 drink included per meal.

What's not included

Domestic and international flights
Travel insurance (Check how to protect your trip here).
Meals not mentioned in the “Included” section.
Additional beverages.
Ski and avalanche safety equipment (Ask about our rentals).
Tips for guides and service staff at your discretion.

Optional Add-ons

Private room (subject to availability).
Ski and avalanche safety equipment rental.
Pre/post-trip accommodation and activities.
Booking of domestic and/or international flights.

Dates and Rates

Early booking special offer – book before April 30th and get 10% off!

2025 season available dates:

14 – 25 August 2025

This dates doesn’t work for you? Wanna make it private? We also offer this tour ON DEMAND – Please contact us. We will be happy to tailor this journey to your needs.

Available July – September

List price:

from U$ 5,940

The published rate is the price per person, without add-ons, based on the minimum group size required for the trip.

Acommodations

Accommodations are referential, subject to availability, and may change due to force majeure. If replaced, they will be of similar or superior characteristics.

Important

Some of the locations we visit are over 3,500 meters (11,500 ft.) above sea level.

Ski activities are subject to weather and snow conditions. While we strive to follow this itinerary, it may be subject to change.

In case skiing is not possible on a given day, a refund will be issued according to the activity:

-Resort day: 70 USD

-Catskiing day: 250 USD

-Snowmobile day: 270 USD

For the latter activities, if they are canceled, we will ski at the resort. If this is not possible, an additional 50 USD will be added to the refund and our guides will organize a cultural day based on the group interest.

Packing List

What you’ll need

Here’s the gear list for your adventure. If you tend to get cold in wintery conditions, especially when you’re not moving around, bring extra layers. Dressing appropriately and having the right gear will help the guides provide a safer and more fun experience for the group. In the Andes, the weather can be harsh and change quickly and drastically.

Is anything missing from your gear list? We’ve got you covered with a pro rental with all the necessary equipment. Kastle skis, BCA, and other top brands support Andes Touring. Hit us up!

Resort trip gear list

Gear

Boots
Skis / Snowboard
Bindings
Poles
Helmet
Goggles (sunny & cloudy lenses)

Accessories

POV Camera
Sunglasses
Sunscreen & lip balm

Base layers

Long underwear
Skiing Socks

Mid layer

Down or synthetic jacket

Outer Layer

Warm hat
Face mask
Wind/waterproof jacket
Wind/waterproof pants
Ski gloves or mitts

Personal first aid kit:

Ibuprofen or similar
Antacids
Moleskin or tape (for blisters) and band-aids
Imodium
Prescription medicine
Personal items for women

For additional activities

Sandals, slippers or Crocks for after & bath
Converter and plug adapters
Bathing suit

Got any questions, want to customize or make it private?
Contact us here! We’ll be happy to help.

Embark on an unforgettable journey through the Andes.

Our unparalleled expertise, top-notch guides, passion for adventure and the ability to find fresh powder will guarantee the ultimate backcountry experience.

Get ready for the trip of a lifetime.

Experts / Indispensable / Locals

With insider knowledge of the mountain range, an unwavering commitment to safety, cultural insights, and the ability to customize your itinerary, our local guides provide the ultimate ski touring experience.

They will keep you smiling, comfortable, and constantly learning with every step.

We are specialists

We’ve spent over 15 years exploring, gathering local information, and analyzing data to become experts in delivering the ultimate backcountry experience in the Andes.

We live and breathe Touring.

Powder seekers

Because we know that conditions in the Andes can be unpredictable, our itineraries are always open to finding the best snow available for our guests. Small changes in the itinerary can make a huge impact.

Let’s find those deep fresh tracks.

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