Why Ski with a Guide in Chile?

You are looking for an adventure and the typical avalanche hazard is easier to manage than a continental snow climate.  So why would you want to ski with a guide in Chile?  

Most people didn't go out on this day because it was raining in the valley. We drove through that and toured in the sunshine all day.

Avoid Avalanches

There is no public avalanche bulletin in Chile.  It is true that most areas of Chile don't deal with persistent slab or deep slab instabilities – not usually anyway. The problems tend to be wind slabs and storm slabs, which are easier to manage.  With this in mind, these problems are often found in very specific areas and if you find the problem it can be bad news.  And of course, bad news is really bad when any type of help is a long way away.  The Andes are big and remote and conditions change quickly.  As a guide I am constantly thinking about where the good skiing is and the problem isn't.  My clients focus on the turns.

Get the Goods

The wind moves the snow around like you have never seen. Understanding where the snow was blown away – and more importantly, where it went – is the game we play in Chile.  Slight changes in elevation and aspect make a huge difference. I love hearing stories about people skiing crappy snow while my group has been skiing pow.  Weather forecasting is nearly non-existent (although it's getting better) and your Accuweather App isn't going to cut it.  Understanding weather models and applying them to local patterns is the only way to get anywhere.

Elimate Headaches

Want to test your relationship?  Travel in the developing world together.  Read any blog post about traveling in Chile and there are always stories of frustrations.  People often say that "things don't work."  They do work.  They just work differently.  After twelve-years in Chile, I understand the logistics.  I work hard to make the trips go smoothly.  I want my guests to see the best of the country and get the most skiing.

Get Away from the Crowds

Okay, skiing in the backcountry of Chile isn't really crowded. But why go all the way there to do the same thing your friends did a couple years ago?  I build my trips to get off the beaten path.  We don't follow the Lonely Planet guidebook.  From the best skiing to the coolest lodging and authentic food, I want your trip to be special.

Experience the Culture

My goal with every trip is to make my guests feel as if they are visiting my house.  I want to play host in this place I love so much.  I want to share the mountains and the culture.  I don't want anyone to miss an opportunity to experience those once-in-a-lifetime events that we often don't see when we are new to a place.  

I know: so many people have a vision of traveling through South America like Che Guevara on his motorcycle, spending Pesos on red wine and being invited to asados by the gauchos. It will be so romantic. If you are traveling solo you will definitely fall in love with a latin lover.  If you are traveling with a partner you will only fall more deeply in love.  Or... You will spend most of your time trying to figure out the bus schedule and wondering how anyone has ever found good snow in this place.