Ski touring to the volcanos of Chile

The regions of Araucarìa and Lakes District (Region de los Lagos) offer the most enjoyable ski touring experience in the Chilean Andes. This is the vast area of the great lakes and volcanoes (some of them active) at medium altitudes between 2000 and 3000 m.
We have been carrying out this program for many years, with an ever-changing selection of peaks. Among the infinite choice of objectives we suggest to include at least the Laima volcano 3125 m and the Osorno volcano 2662 m, this featuring a typically conical shape and clearly visible from the sea. Other classic objectives are the Lonquimay volcano, the Villarica volcano and the more demanding Lanìn 3775 m volcano, on the border with Argentina and maximum elevation of the area; among the many less known but recommendable peaks: the Nevado Chillàn, the Antuco volcano, the Casablanca volcano, the Puyehue volcano. Almost all mountains can be ascended and descended in one day.
We move around the valleys by 4×4 vehicle and overnight in lodges or cabanas, occasionally in mountain huts for two-day outings.
–> CLICK HERE
to consult the trip report by the Club Avalco, including many suggestions about the possible destinations in the area and other useful info
OTHER DESTINATION FOR SKI-MOUNTAINEERING IN CHILE:
> Andes near Santiago (La Parva, valle del Maipo) with large glaciers and 5000 -6000 m peaks;
> peaks and volcanoes in the Los Cipreces National Parks;
> Monte San Valentin 4058 m (P.N. Laguna San Rafael) and Cerro San lorenzo 3706 m;
> Volcàn Lautaro 3380 m (Hielo Patagonico Sur);
> Cordillera Darwin (Tierra del Fuego).
These destinations mostly require long approaches, namely they are challenging expeditions to be carried out with an independent logististics, since there are no huts in the mountains.
Please consult us to know about the possible programmes or for a special project, also on the argentinian side.
Daily programme
day 1: Arrival Santiago with international flight.
day 2: Domestic flight to Temuco. Pick-up of the rented car.
day 3 – 15: North to south journey with visits to the valleys offering the best skiing opportunities for outings of one or two days. On the last day the rented car will be returned in Osorno or Puerto Montt or back to Temuco.
day 16: Domestc flight to Santiago then connection with the international flight of return.
N.B. The above programme is indicative. The definitive programme will be decided in relation to the team’s requirements and according to the local conditions of snow, wheather, road access.
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Contact us for a customized trip, also for other regions of the Andes.
Trip dates, Duration, Departure
The period of time given in the trip description sheet is indicatively the most recommended for optimun conditions for the planned activities. Different periods are possible, especially during season with special climate situations. Duration is referred to the “standard” programme as per description sheet, however it could change according to the local conditions and/or the team’s requirements. If the trip is included in the Scheduled Trips list (yearly planner), the departure date is the one given in the planner; otherwise it will be decided according to the requests we have received. In any case we suggest to contact us for more precise information. In customized trips, departure date and duration are established according to customer’s request
Challenge scoring
By means of the scores given in the trip decsription sheet we wish to provide an indicative assessment of the challenges to be expected, divided in the following three categories:
FITNESS
Grade 1: adult performing a minimum sport activity (4-8 hours/week), or teenager in medium fitness conditions
Grade 2: adult performing sport activity (8-16 hours/week) or teenager in good fitness conditions
Grade 3: adult performing regular sport activity (16-20 hours/week) or teenager in very good fitness conditions
Grade 4: adult only, regularly performing sport activity and intense training (more than 20 hours/week)
TECHNICAL SKILLS
Grade1: no prior experience in the activity is required, just a natural predisposition
Grade 2: prior experience in the activity as beginner to medium level
Grade 3: prior experience in the activity at medium to high level, with regular practice since min. 3-5 years
Grade 4: excellent technical skills with long experience in the activity (more than 5 years)
ADVENTURE:
Grade 1: no prior experience in adventure travel id required, just a positive attitude to adapt
Grade 2: prior, yet limited, experience in adventure travel, with a strong attitude to adapt and determination
Grade 3: prior experience in adventure travel including remote area and wilderness, or extreme wheather, or uncertainty in route finding
Grade 4: prior experience in adventure travel including remote area and wilderness, or extreme wheather, or uncertainty in route finding, strong determination to overcome unforeseen events
Accomodation
The type of accomodation as planned is indicated in the trip sheet (hotel, lodge, tents, etc..).
Transfers
The means of local transfers are indicated as planned (flight, bus, 4WD vehicle, ferry, etc.). Some changes are possible in relation to the actual availability on site and/or the terrain and wheather conditions.
Service included and Prices
We do not have a price list. Quotes are sent on request only. Details of services included, excluded, or optionally available, will be specified in the quote and confirmed at the time of booking. Prices depend on number of participants and on the specific requirements of the group. They will be definitely set at the time of booking after definiton of all trip details and confirmation of dates. Special prices can be granted according to number of participants, and/or for pre-established groups, clubs and associations, guides with own clients, active athletes, tour operators and travel agents, journalists, physicians, rescue operators, schools, staff of organization running an humanitarian or research project.