Skiing the southern volcanoes of chile

The southern volcanoes aren't quite as demanding as their neighbors to the north, but they still offer some fantastic skiing.  They are also off the beaten path and have a bit more off a "lost in Chile" kind of feeling to them.  This is a great trip for adventurous souls who aren't quite ready to commit to the bigger peaks, yet.  
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September 27th to October 6th
Volcanoes: Mocho-Choshuenco, Casablanca, Puyehue and Osorno
US$3200 per person

The Experience

In my opinion, the best combination of skiing, adventure and culture is found while skiing the iconic volcanoes of Chile.    

As the Andes stretch south, past Santiago, they become smaller until the cordillera changes character from a huge range to one of smaller, weather-worn hills with dramatic volcanoes reaching upward.  The landscape is one of massive forests and lakes with snow-capped peaks dominating the horizon.  

For about a four-or five-week period in September and early October, these volcanoes offer up prime skiing conditions.  The heavy storms of mid-winter have deposited meters of snow; but the spring is arriving, bringing clearer weather and the ability to get up on the peaks.  While lingering storms bring the occasional powder day, corn snow is the real prize of the area – it's regularly the best corn I have ever skied. 

There are dozens of volcanoes in this area, each with their own character and adventure.  I have skied most of them; but there are twelve that standout as fantastic peaks for people looking to get the most of a limited amount of time in Chile.  These are the peaks I choose to guide regularly.  Each has their own character, from technical difficulty to commitment level to skiing challenge.  I know these peaks intimately and will find the right fit for you. 

Over the years, I have refined this trip to be as logistically simple as possible so we can focus on the skiing and the cultural experiences.  Even after ten-years of guiding these peaks, I still look forward to it each year.

For 2018, I am offering this fixed itinerary to accommodate small groups looking for a reasonable price.  I will have room for up to six-guests total.  If I have more than four-guests, there will be an assistant guide.  I want to make sure that everyone gets to travel in the mountains at a pace they are comfortable with.  While we will share resources, we can travel independently in the mountains.  This is the best of both worlds. 

Meet in Temuco on September 27th and drive south to the park of  Huilo Huilo.  We'll have an easy evening, giving everyone a chance to rest for skiing the next day.

We'll have the 28th and 29th available to ski the Mocho-Choshuenco volcano.  If the weather is good both days, we should be able to ski from both peaks!

On the 30th, we'll move from Huilo Huilo farther south to the area of Casablanca and Puyehue.  

The 1st and 2nd of October will be dedicated to skiing Casablanca and Puyehue.  There's lots of adventure in this area - hot springs, horses and great, little restaurants all come into play.

On the 3rd, we'll move farther south again, closer to the volcán Osorno.  

We have two days, the 4th and 5th to ski volcán Osorno.  If there's enough snow and good weather, volcán Calbuco could end up on the list as well.  We will end the trip with a celebratory dinner in Puerto Varas.  

The group will depart out of Puerto Montt on October 6th.


The price: US$3200 per person.  This includes guiding, lodging, all food, some alcohol, ground transportation during the trip, and hot spring visits.  For more details click here.