My name is Donny Roth. I am the owner of Chile Powder Adventures, which sounds like a big operation, but is actually a one-man-show. I'm the point-of-contact, guide, photographer, driver, occasional cook, and whatever else needs to be done. I started skiing before I can remember and it was the dominant focus of my life for more than forty years. I have coached ski racers, taught skiing at Bridger Bowl, Aspen and Portillo, worked as a heli-ski guide in Chile, taught avalanche education courses throughout Colorado and guided skiing all over the world. For a handful of years I was working as an ambassador for backcountry skiing, traveling around the globe, creating and telling stories and images to be shared in both traditional and modern media. I am grateful for my "fifteen minutes" of relative fame. I am also grateful that it is in the past.
I first came to Chile in 2004 to work at Portillo, the iconic ski resort at the foot of La Laguna de las Incas, high in the Andes, north of Portillo. I started working independently in 2008, which allowed me to explore more of the Andes to the south. In 2018 I decided to build a house here. When the Covid-19 pandemic disrupted travel and work, this place became home. I would like to share it with you.
The pandemic allowed me to take a step away from guiding and this was very good for me. With time to reflect, I realized that my life was spent in pursuit of personal achievement and the praise of others. I was always trying to prove myself. I needed more certifications to add to my title, more first descents, more accolades on social media, more exposure in the media. My well-being was directly related to my success and failure. Conversely, challenging myself to build a modest, sustainable home, off-the grid, in the Andes has helped me develop a depth of character that would not have been possible for me while immersed in modern culture.
I was also motivated to step away from guiding because I was not thrilled about the direction the guiding (and outdoor) industry is going. From my perspective, 99% of the industry is catering to the wealthiest 1% of the people in the world. Guided experiences have become extremely exclusive - services for the most privileged people in the world to prove they are literally and figuratively above those who still need to work for their reward. Now the "gold standard" of "experiences" in the mountains involves not just helicopters, but luxurious mountain "residences" or private yachts, fine dining and more staff than guests in order to make sure no one is ever slightly uncomfortable. To each his own, I suppose; but in my opinion, this misses the point of traveling in the mountains.
Chile Powder Adventures is different. First and foremost, it is inclusive rather than exclusive. This includes the financial aspect; but it also goes beyond. I want my guests to feel included in the decision making and process. I want everyone to feel welcome, valued and safe. Additionally, I am focused on helping people pursue true adventure. And for me, an adventure has three elements: a goal that seems a bit out of reach - there is an element of uncertainty; there will be obstacles to overcome and new skills to learn; and the result, regardless of success or failure is personal transformation - you will be a different person at the end of the journey.
I disagree with the idea that travel in the mountains is just an expression of privilege - the pursuit of the meaningless. Our intentions matter. If we go into the mountains with something to learn, not something to prove then it can be extremely valuable. There are a lifetime of lessons to be learned in the mountains. There are metaphors that apply directly to the biggest adventure of all: life. If you are looking for adventure in the mountains, especially if you are willing to pursue it with humility and an open mind, then I want to support you.
I have immersed myself in these mountains because being here is an adventure and I know this is good for me. If my experience is useful to you, I would be honored to be at your service.
Saludos,
Donny
I first came to Chile in 2004 to work at Portillo, the iconic ski resort at the foot of La Laguna de las Incas, high in the Andes, north of Portillo. I started working independently in 2008, which allowed me to explore more of the Andes to the south. In 2018 I decided to build a house here. When the Covid-19 pandemic disrupted travel and work, this place became home. I would like to share it with you.
The pandemic allowed me to take a step away from guiding and this was very good for me. With time to reflect, I realized that my life was spent in pursuit of personal achievement and the praise of others. I was always trying to prove myself. I needed more certifications to add to my title, more first descents, more accolades on social media, more exposure in the media. My well-being was directly related to my success and failure. Conversely, challenging myself to build a modest, sustainable home, off-the grid, in the Andes has helped me develop a depth of character that would not have been possible for me while immersed in modern culture.
I was also motivated to step away from guiding because I was not thrilled about the direction the guiding (and outdoor) industry is going. From my perspective, 99% of the industry is catering to the wealthiest 1% of the people in the world. Guided experiences have become extremely exclusive - services for the most privileged people in the world to prove they are literally and figuratively above those who still need to work for their reward. Now the "gold standard" of "experiences" in the mountains involves not just helicopters, but luxurious mountain "residences" or private yachts, fine dining and more staff than guests in order to make sure no one is ever slightly uncomfortable. To each his own, I suppose; but in my opinion, this misses the point of traveling in the mountains.
Chile Powder Adventures is different. First and foremost, it is inclusive rather than exclusive. This includes the financial aspect; but it also goes beyond. I want my guests to feel included in the decision making and process. I want everyone to feel welcome, valued and safe. Additionally, I am focused on helping people pursue true adventure. And for me, an adventure has three elements: a goal that seems a bit out of reach - there is an element of uncertainty; there will be obstacles to overcome and new skills to learn; and the result, regardless of success or failure is personal transformation - you will be a different person at the end of the journey.
I disagree with the idea that travel in the mountains is just an expression of privilege - the pursuit of the meaningless. Our intentions matter. If we go into the mountains with something to learn, not something to prove then it can be extremely valuable. There are a lifetime of lessons to be learned in the mountains. There are metaphors that apply directly to the biggest adventure of all: life. If you are looking for adventure in the mountains, especially if you are willing to pursue it with humility and an open mind, then I want to support you.
I have immersed myself in these mountains because being here is an adventure and I know this is good for me. If my experience is useful to you, I would be honored to be at your service.
Saludos,
Donny