SO WHAT'S THIS GOING TO COST?
You can use the table below to get a very good idea of what a trip with me will cost. The value is given as US Dollars per person for the trip. For example, if you are a group of four-people on an eight-day trip, the average price will be $2800 per person for the entire trip, or $11,200 total. As a rule, this price includes everything, except airfare, laundry or spa services and gifts for friends and family. I do everything I can to make sure there are no hidden costs or surprises. More details are provided below the table.
It is possible to make this slightly cheaper by staying in some less-expensive accommodations at some of the peaks. It is also possible to make this trip slightly more luxurious, and therefore more expensive; but the prices given represent what I consider the perfect balance of adventure, comfort and value.
During the planning process we will create a more exact outline of what's included and final price.
It is possible to make this slightly cheaper by staying in some less-expensive accommodations at some of the peaks. It is also possible to make this trip slightly more luxurious, and therefore more expensive; but the prices given represent what I consider the perfect balance of adventure, comfort and value.
During the planning process we will create a more exact outline of what's included and final price.
One Peak (4-days) Two Peaks (6-days) Three Peaks (8-days) Four Peaks (10-days) Five Peaks (12-days) Six Peaks (14-days) |
One Person
$4500 $7000 $9000 $10,000 $12,000 $14,000 |
Two People
$2500 $3700 $4900 $5900 $6900 $7900 |
Three People
$1900 $2700 $3600 $4400 $5200 $6000 |
Four People
$1500 $2100 $2800 $3500 $4200 $4900 |
"What is included in this price?"
To start with: I am an AMGA-certified ski guide who has spent every Southern Hemisphere winter in Chile since 2004. I am passionate about guiding and opening doors for my clients that they could not open on their own. I love Chile and the adventure and I also operate with the highest-standard of client care and risk management. My business is based in the U.S. and fully insured. I am accountable for my actions and decisions. From the time you send me that first note asking about skiing in Chile until after you are home again, I will be the one taking care of you and this experience.
The agreed upon price will include lodging, food and transportation. I cut no corners. All the lodging is at small, locally owned establishments. I have a personal connection to the owners and/or managers. Each experience is authentic and comfortable. The food is fantastic. We explore the local fare and also make sure we are properly fueled for big days in the mountains. I actually do a fair bit of simple cooking on each trip in order to make sure we have the energy we need. I also do the driving and we always have an appropriate, safe vehicle. There is no reason to feel at risk while on the roads. Beyond this, I include "extras" like hot springs visits, beer after skiing and wine at dinner – because these are absolutely part of the Chilean experience.
Gear: Chile Powder Adventures has a stock of avalanche beacons, probes and shovels for each client. There are also Dynafit ski crampons and very nice boot crampons for everyone. If there is any camping involved, all the base camp gear will be provided, including tents for everyone. In 2017, there will be a small fleet of DPS demo skis, but not enough for entire groups. But there is the possibility I can help you with a pair of skis. I don't charge extra for any of this. I know that traveling to South America can be daunting and I want to make it a little easier for my guests. All of the gear is perfect for this environment and impeccably maintained.
Tips: It's no secret that guides make a significant portion of their income from tips. But what about owners? What about all the folks that help us along the way? Don't worry about it. I am the guide and the owner. I do what I do because I love it. If I wanted to get rich, I would have worked on Wall Street or something. I have priced my trips so I am paid a fair wage. Furthermore, I make sure that all the folks that make these trips special are taken care of as well. This is just one more way that you can know, for sure, how much will this trip really cost.
The agreed upon price will include lodging, food and transportation. I cut no corners. All the lodging is at small, locally owned establishments. I have a personal connection to the owners and/or managers. Each experience is authentic and comfortable. The food is fantastic. We explore the local fare and also make sure we are properly fueled for big days in the mountains. I actually do a fair bit of simple cooking on each trip in order to make sure we have the energy we need. I also do the driving and we always have an appropriate, safe vehicle. There is no reason to feel at risk while on the roads. Beyond this, I include "extras" like hot springs visits, beer after skiing and wine at dinner – because these are absolutely part of the Chilean experience.
Gear: Chile Powder Adventures has a stock of avalanche beacons, probes and shovels for each client. There are also Dynafit ski crampons and very nice boot crampons for everyone. If there is any camping involved, all the base camp gear will be provided, including tents for everyone. In 2017, there will be a small fleet of DPS demo skis, but not enough for entire groups. But there is the possibility I can help you with a pair of skis. I don't charge extra for any of this. I know that traveling to South America can be daunting and I want to make it a little easier for my guests. All of the gear is perfect for this environment and impeccably maintained.
Tips: It's no secret that guides make a significant portion of their income from tips. But what about owners? What about all the folks that help us along the way? Don't worry about it. I am the guide and the owner. I do what I do because I love it. If I wanted to get rich, I would have worked on Wall Street or something. I have priced my trips so I am paid a fair wage. Furthermore, I make sure that all the folks that make these trips special are taken care of as well. This is just one more way that you can know, for sure, how much will this trip really cost.
Discounts?
Yes. There is one way to get a discount. Commit to a trip and pay the deposit before the middle of February and I will discount the trip 10%. For 2021 trips, the due date will be February 15th, 2020. I do this because my pricing structure accounts for time marketing trips. Planning trips is more fun than selling trips. Commit early! You will save money and your trip will be that much more dialed!
Other than this, I do not offer discounts. I cannot save money by spending less on food, lodging, gas or insurance, so any discount offered comes directly out of my pocket, which is to say I feel I have over-priced my service. I haven't. I feel very strongly that these trips are an excellent value.
Other than this, I do not offer discounts. I cannot save money by spending less on food, lodging, gas or insurance, so any discount offered comes directly out of my pocket, which is to say I feel I have over-priced my service. I haven't. I feel very strongly that these trips are an excellent value.
How does the payment process work?
A deposit of 50% of the cost of the trip is due upon commitment. I cannot hold your spot until this deposit is paid. Once this deposit is paid, you will be very high on my priority list. We will begin the planning process and I will be available to answer all your questions and prepare you for your upcoming adventure. The remaining balance will be due 30-days before we are scheduled to ski together.
I prefer payment by check, but can handle credit card payments via PayPal. I lose 3% on the deal, but if that's what you need to do, I can handle it. If you live outside the U.S., this is what will likely do, as the PayPal and bank fees end up being about the same.
I prefer payment by check, but can handle credit card payments via PayPal. I lose 3% on the deal, but if that's what you need to do, I can handle it. If you live outside the U.S., this is what will likely do, as the PayPal and bank fees end up being about the same.
Cancellation Policy
No one likes to think, or talk, about the possibility of canceling a trip. I tended to avoid the subject for many years and when the situation arises, it always stinks for everyone. In Chile, we say, "Clear bills make good friends." So here's the skinny on my policy.
If, for some reason, any reason at all, you need to cancel your trip, here is what happens:
If you cancel before June 1st of the year you are scheduled to ski in Chile, I will keep 25% of the cost of the trip and refund you the remainder of your deposit paid. But... This 25% is not totally lost yet. It can be applied to a trip the following year. It will be only be completely forfeited after one-year. Why? The majority of this money will be lost to deposits at lodges and other reservations in Chile. I do business with good people in Chile and I need to honor my commitments with them. If there is anything remaining, it might be used to compensate me for my trip planning and preparing for your trip.
If you cancel after June 1st, I will keep the 50% deposit. Again, 25% can be applied to the coming year. But in this case 25% will be forfeited. Why? The reality of this situation is that I will not be able to sell this space on my calendar. Skiing in Chile is a "bucket list" type trip for most folks and people don't commit at the last minute. So if you cancel with late notice, I will end up with a hole in my schedule. This is a disappointing situation for all involved. For this reason, I highly recommend travel insurance. If you are canceling for medical reasons or an emergency of some kind, you should be reimbursed.
If you cancel within 30-days of your trip, you may lose your entire payment. I will do my best to refund as much as possible, but many of the wheels will have been set in motion. If I am able to not pay for items (such as food and gas) I expected to buy, or some businesses (like hotels or car rental places) don't demand full payment, I will certainly refund this portion of your payment. I will do my best to work with you so you lose as little money as possible. At the same time, I ask that you understand that as a small, high-quality, operation, I am severely effected by cancellations. Again, trip insurance goes a long way toward alleviate financial stress in this situation.
If, for some reason, any reason at all, you need to cancel your trip, here is what happens:
If you cancel before June 1st of the year you are scheduled to ski in Chile, I will keep 25% of the cost of the trip and refund you the remainder of your deposit paid. But... This 25% is not totally lost yet. It can be applied to a trip the following year. It will be only be completely forfeited after one-year. Why? The majority of this money will be lost to deposits at lodges and other reservations in Chile. I do business with good people in Chile and I need to honor my commitments with them. If there is anything remaining, it might be used to compensate me for my trip planning and preparing for your trip.
If you cancel after June 1st, I will keep the 50% deposit. Again, 25% can be applied to the coming year. But in this case 25% will be forfeited. Why? The reality of this situation is that I will not be able to sell this space on my calendar. Skiing in Chile is a "bucket list" type trip for most folks and people don't commit at the last minute. So if you cancel with late notice, I will end up with a hole in my schedule. This is a disappointing situation for all involved. For this reason, I highly recommend travel insurance. If you are canceling for medical reasons or an emergency of some kind, you should be reimbursed.
If you cancel within 30-days of your trip, you may lose your entire payment. I will do my best to refund as much as possible, but many of the wheels will have been set in motion. If I am able to not pay for items (such as food and gas) I expected to buy, or some businesses (like hotels or car rental places) don't demand full payment, I will certainly refund this portion of your payment. I will do my best to work with you so you lose as little money as possible. At the same time, I ask that you understand that as a small, high-quality, operation, I am severely effected by cancellations. Again, trip insurance goes a long way toward alleviate financial stress in this situation.