Specs
Spots to visit & ride
- Malalcahuello
- Corralco Ski Resort
- Lonquimay Volcano Summit
- Malalcahuello Backcountry
- Lonquimay Backcountry
- Sierra Nevada Volcano
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An experience your family will never forget: visiting the very edge of the world to enjoy one of the most beautiful sports surrounded by completely untouched, wild nature.
Ski Touring
Resort Backcountry
Challenging (3/5)
Intermediate (2/4)
Unlimited
8 Days / 7 Nights
Spots to visit & ride
Click on each section below to get all the info.
Discover the magic of the Andes with your family on this ski touring adventure!
From the majestic Lonquimay Volcano to the powder-filled slopes of Corralco, immerse yourself in the natural wonder of the Araucanía Andina. As you ski through enchanted forests, ascend ridges with panoramic views, and ride untouched snow on a Cat and snowmobile, feel your heart fill with excitement and joy.
End each day with a warm meal, a relaxing soak in a hot tub, and memories that will last a lifetime. Come experience the thrill of the Andes with us!
1. Corralco Ski Resort
Corralco Ski Resort offers a unique freeride skiing experience on a volcano, where ancient forests meet stunning mountain ranges. With access to a variety of runs, the resort’s lifts offer freeriders of all levels the opportunity to descend with breathtaking views. With heavy snowfall throughout the winter season, Corralco delivers an uncommon snow experience that is unmatched anywhere in the world.
Skiing on a volcano is a unique experience! The majestic backdrop of the volcano adds an extra level of excitement to your ski adventure, making it unforgettable. With access to a variety of runs, you can challenge yourself to your heart’s content, no matter your skill level. And with the lifts, you can easily access the most stunning vistas and runs with ease. It’s an adventure you won’t want to miss!
2. Lonquimay Volcano
With assisted access from the lifts at Corralco, ascending Volcán Lonquimay (2,856m/9,400ft) will give you one of the most spectacular experiences we have in Chile.
As you approach the summit, you’ll be able to see the entire line of mountains crowned by gigantic volcanoes in the distance. At the top, the 360-degree beauty is the reward for all who put in the effort.
Volcán Lonquimay is a classic for those visiting Araucania, and you don’t want to miss out on this breathtaking adventure!
3. Deep Araucanía Freeriding
The Araucanía region, home of more than 8 volcanoes, is a freeride paradise that promises an unforgettable experience. With tons of annual snowfall and mountain ranges in every direction, Araucanía delivers on the goods.
With the help of local guides, we’ll venture deep into one of its valleys in search of the best powder. It’s a day dedicated to nothing but deep fresh tracks among araucarias, ancient trees found only in this region.
You won’t find this kind of skiing anywhere else in the world. Get ready for an epic ride!
6. Sierra Nevada Volcano
Volcán Sierra Nevada in the Araucanía region of Chile is an incredible freeride skiing destination that offers some of the most extreme lines in the region. This majestic volcano towers at an elevation of 2,523 meters (8,277 feet) and is surrounded by stunning forests and mountains.
As a freeride skiing destination, Volcán Sierra Nevada is a true paradise.
Technical Level
This trip is rated as Intermediate (2/4): recommended for athletes who have already gone backcountry a couple of times, can navigate the mountain, descend moderate to steep slopes without issues and are familiar with the equipment.
Physical demand
This trip is rated as Challenging (3/5): recommended for athletes with good physical condition. Daily activity time may be up to 6 hours, distances covered may be up to 18 km, positive elevation may be up to 1000m, and you may reach an altitude of up to 4,500 meters above sea level.
Support
Accommodations
Meals
You will land at ZCO airport in the La Araucanía region. Transportation will be waiting to begin the journey by land through the incredible ancestral lands.
The destination will be Malalcahuello, a small town nestled in the middle of the forest surrounded by mountains and volcanoes.
Once there, we will stop at a specialized rental if there is any missing equipment and then settle in to stretch our bodies, regain energy, and rest for the amazing week ahead.
Our first day of skiing will be mellow to warm up. The ski instructor will assist each member of the group in getting accustomed to the snow conditions by adapting the technique slightly to master the Andean snow before venturing into the backcountry.
We’ll hit up the ski resort with plenty of opportunities for freeriding and the possibility of taking a backcountry run if the group is going well.
We’ll have breakfast at the Lodge and head over to Corralco Ski Resort for our first mission: The Lonquimay Volcano.
Because we know that some of you may have a bit of rust on your touring skills, the guide will review all safety measures and basic techniques to master the backcountry before beginning the ascent. This first climb is relatively easy, so it’s a great opportunity for us all to get on the same page.
Assisted by the lifts, we’ll begin the ascent to reach the summit. The scene will be unreal, with the surroundings populated with volcanoes at 360 degrees full of forests at their feet.
Being a volcano, conditions on the descent can be variable and usually vary to fresh powder. We’ll take a break at the resort’s cafeteria before skiing some groomers or just return to the Lodge to rest after the mission.
Today is the powder chasing day. Six hours of endorphin pumping good times with exhilarating panoramas!
Access unlimited terrain ranging from steep and strict to open and dreamy under the leadership of a local guide and immerse yourself in the natural wonder of the Araucanía Andina.
During the ascent you will learn about the native trees including the Araucaria “Monkey Puzzle” tree reaching up to 168 feet high with a genetic history dating back 240 million years and the oldest one in the world scientifically aged at 1021 years in the nearby Conguillio National Park.
A retrospective on the geological history of the surrounding volcanos, many of which are still active is included.
The day starts early with breakfast on the way to Parque Paso Nevado.
The ascent begins with the help of a snowcat until the point where the slope does not allow the machine to continue. That is where we put on our skins and attack the summit.
The tour takes you through an enchanted forest and up a ridge with views of the Sierra Nevada and the Llaima volcano.
After a satisfying lunch, you’ll descend 4700 vertical feet to Cañon del Blanco through a hidden valley, followed by relaxation in a hot tub in the middle of the forrest and a delicious charcuterie board.
The day begins late, allowing us to rest and recover fully. A hearty breakfast will energize us for a few runs at Corralco.
Our local guide will continue to show us around the resort, ensuring that we become familiar with every corner of it.
After a day of active rest on the slopes, we’ll head down to the Lodge to prepare ourselves for the final day of pure enjoyment: freeriding with the assistance of a sled.
A sick day of freeriding in the Andean Araucanía on a snowmobile. We’ll hit up some epic terrain, maybe some steep chutes and wide-open bowls, all while taking in the stunning views of the surrounding landscapes.
The snowmobiles allow us to access some remote and hidden spots where the snow is untouched and the stoke level is high.
After we’ve charged hard all morning, we’ll stop for a break and fuel up with some snacks and drinks.
Then it’s back to shredding the powder until the sun goes down. It’s a day filled with adrenaline, thrills, and some of the most incredible snow you’ll ever ride.
This is how you end a freeride trip in the Andes.
Depending on the flight schedule back to Santiago from Temuco (ZCO), our shuttle will pick us up on time.
We’ll say goodbye with our hearts full of an experience we will never forget and with the desire to keep discovering this incredible corner of the world.
Disclaimer
Although we do everything possible to stick to the previous schedule, the itinerary and departure in general are subject to change for numerous reasons, mainly to seek out better snow conditions. In the Andes you will always find fresh powder, let’s go for it!
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. DPS skis, BCA, and other top brands support Andes Touring. Hit us up!
Resort & BC trip gear list
Gear
Accessories
Base layers
Mid layer
Outer Layer
Personal first aid kit:
For additional activities
Also recommended
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’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.
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.