CHILE

GUIDED SKI & SPLITBOARD EXPEDITION

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Spanning the entire western edge of South America, La Cordillera de los Andes is +7,000km/4,350mi long, making it the longest continuous mountain range in the world. Chile, in particular, is home to an impressive stretch that runs nearly the entire length of the country, forming its borders with Bolivia and Argentina. From north to south in Chile, access to the mountains is literally endless. So many valleys, so many possibilities.

For 2024, we’ve planned two distinct itineraries for you to choose from. Sure, we’re disclosing far more details about one than the other (read on to find out what we mean), but no matter which adventure you choose, expect the best in accommodation, food, people and riding…plus regular hot springs soaks and fine Chilean wine! Both itineraries feature our absolute favorite zones, but with private vans at our disposal we are keeping the option open to move north or south as necessary to target the best weather and best snow. Have you ever dreamed of chasing the endless winter? Join us this September-October!

AVAILABILITY & REQUIREMENTS

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AVAILABILITY

Max 6 per session.

Itinerary One: September 22-October 1 - FULL

Itinerary Two: October 3-12 - 2 SPOTS LEFT

EXPERIENCE

Participants must be advanced to expert level skiers or snowboarders, with at least 1 year touring experience. Participation does not require formal avalanche safety certification. For both itineraries, basic ski mountaineering experience (using an axe and climbing in crampons) is preferred.

PHYSICAL FITNESS

Participants must be in excellent physical condition and comfortable touring for long distances carrying their own backcountry packs. For Itinerary Two, participants must additionally be comfortable shouldering larger packs with all personal equipment needed for winter camping. Days will typically range from 1,200-1,800m (4,000-6,000ft) of vertical gain.

GEAR

Splitboards are required for snowboarders. Participants must provide personal touring equipment, avalanche safety tools and basic mountaineering kit (harness, axe, crampons, ski/split crampons). For Itinerary Two, larger backpacks and winter camping equipment such as sleeping bag and insulated pad will also be necessary. We will distribute mandatory gear lists closer to the expedition start date.

VISAS

There is no visa required for most nationalities visiting Chile. A tourist card valid for 90 days will be issued at the airport on arrival.

2024 DATES

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SEPTEMBER 22-OCTOBER 1

OCTOBER 3-12

2 ITINERARIES: EACH 7 DAYS RIDING/10 DAYS TOTAL

DETAILS

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ITINERARY ONE

A volcano-focused mission in Chile’s jaw-dropping Northern Patagonia region.

Our guide team will meet you in the capital city of Santiago and will have the vans pointed south to the village of Las Trancas, at the base of the Nevados de Chillán volcanic complex. The 5-hour drive will land us in one of the best zones for skiing in Chile, with lift access to the foot of 3 volcanic cones: Chillán Viejo (3,122m/10,242ft), Chillán Nuevo (3,186m/10,452ft), and Cerro Blanco (3,212m/10,538ft). The terrain is the real draw, featuring trees, playful gullies, couloirs, and aggressive big mountain lines. Our time here will be focused on lift-assisted touring, with some of our lines literally ending at the edge of secret backcountry hot springs. Off the mountain, Las Trancas is a special spot to be based, with a great ski town vibe and hopping restaurants and bars.

After 3 big days in the Chillán backcountry we’ll drive another 5 hours south to Malalcahuello in the Araucanía Region, known for its indigenous history, national parks, and other-worldly Araucaria (monkey puzzle) trees. Malalcahuello is another sweet spot surrounded by incredible touring possibilities—some zones accessible via random dirt roads, and of course, the prized summits of Volcán Tolhuaca (2,806m/9,206ft), Volcán Lonquimay (2,865m/9,400ft), and Volcán Llaima (3,240m/10,630ft) all nearby. The Corralco Ski Resort on Lonquimay’s southeastern flanks will help us reach the summit quickly for a huge descent. Llaima is the real gem. It’s one of the largest and most active volcanoes in Chile, with a steep 1,800m descent possible on its south face.

For our final objective, we’ll continue further south to the vibrant “adventure capital” of Pucón where we’ll have our eyes on Volcán Villarrica (2,860m/9,383ft) and its +1,500m of consistent fall line riding. While a little touristy, Pucón is close to some amazing hot springs and will be a great spot to close out the trip with a classy meal and a night on the town. The next day it’s back to Santiago via a short flight from nearby Temuco.

ITINERARY TWO

Our second itinerary will be run as the South American version of our Mystery Trip. Expect a mega adventure, but not many details other than where to meet and when, and what to pack! The meeting point will be Temuco, at the edge of Northern Patagonia’s Lake District—reachable via a short flight from Santiago. Our guide team will pick you up from the airport and it’ll be a few hours drive to your first stop, where you’ll spend 2-3 days shredding and acclimating, with super comfortable accommodation and a selection of restaurants to return to every night. We promise the first few days will be appreciated before you set out on the main objective of the trip: a basecamp mission deep in the Andes (elevations 3,500-4,000m/11,500-13,125ft), where, weather permitting, we’ll plan on staying 5 nights out in the mountains. This trip is perfect for those with winter camping experience as well as previous experience in larger mountains, and will be quite a bit more exploratory than the volcanoes itinerary. It’s also one that you won't find offered by any other operators. The bonus of not disclosing too much information ahead of time is that we’ll be able to remain flexible and ultimately commit to the basecamp location that makes the most sense based on weather and conditions. You better believe there are already some awesome options being discussed!

GUIDES

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Our 2024 Chile expeditions will be lead by AMGA guide Eric Layton, with Chilean local Manu Olivares in the tail position. Eric has years of experience heli and ski tour guiding throughout Chile, and will spend the better part of 3 months in Chile this year August-October. Meet our guides.

BOOKINGS

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USD $4,050/PERSON

EITHER ITINERARY: EACH 7 DAYS RIDING/10 DAYS TOTAL

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ARRIVAL/DEPARTURE REQUIREMENTS

ITINERARY ONE: Participants will need to arrive in Santiago (airport code SCL) on or before September 22. We’ll pick you up there. For your return to Santiago on October 1 you’ll need to arrange a return flight from Temuco (ZCO). One-way domestic flights are frequent and cheap, and should land you back at SCL in time for an international departure that same day.

ITINERARY TWO: Participants will need to arrive in Temuco (airport code ZCO) on or before October 3. One-way domestic flights from Santiago (SCL) are frequent and cheap. On the tail end we’ll bring you back to Santiago for your international departures on or after October 12.

PRICE INCLUDES

40 Tribes Lead and Tail Guides; Airport transfers and private transport between all locations; Lodging and all meals except in transfer locations; Horse/snowmobile support, if required; Tents and cooking supplies; Hot springs fees; 7 days of epic guided skiing/splitboarding!

PRICE DOES NOT INCLUDE

Airfare and baggage fees; Medical/evacuation insurance; Meals in Santiago and in transit locations such as Temuco; Alcohol; Tips for guides.

BOOKING POLICY

A 20% deposit is required to secure your spot, with the remainder due 4 months prior to the expedition start date. Our cancellation/refund policies can be found here.