CUSTOM Programs
CHILE VOLCANOES
Araucanía Region | 7 & 9 day options | Late-Sept & October
Summit descents in Chile's Araucanía Region.
Fall in the Northern Hemisphere means spring skiing in the Southern Hemisphere: majestic summits, corn snow, and local culture as warm as the abundant termas (hot springs). This trip is a great way to get a head start on your winter ski touring fitness while exploring Chile's breathtaking Araucanía Region.
9,400’ / 2,865m
10,253' / 3125m
8,379' / 2,554m
9,380’ / 2,860m
7,740' / 2360m
OVERVIEW | the experience
Just north of Patagonia, Southern Chile's Araucanía Region is a land of monkey puzzle trees (Araucarías), ancient forests, and otherworldly landscapes. Protruding from lush green valleys are white, perfectly cone-shaped, snow-clad volcanos – a vibe that resembles Switzerland. Many of these volcanoes are still active – Llaima last erupted in 2009 and Villarrica in 2015 (and was most recently active in 2023). Araucanía is also the home of the Mapuche people, the largest indigenous group in Chile.
On this adventure, our goal is to climb and ski as many volcanoes as we can – maximizing our weather opportunities and enjoying the entirety of the experience. The peaks are all one-day missions of varying lengths, so we carry light day packs along with a few extra ski mountaineering tools such as ice axe, boot crampons and a harness (no previous mountaineering experience is needed for this trip).
Safety is number one, always. The elements we need working in our favor to safely ski/ride from any of these summits are: good weather, low avalanche hazard, and edge-able snow (not too firm). We've found late September into October to be the ideal timing for seeing these variables come into alignment.
Guide Tyler Reid has built this program over the last 10+ years, learning the intricacies of skiing in this region while maintaining a strong partnership with our local outfitter Sergio Perez. Since we first started running this trip, we've tested many variations on the timing and itinerary, and we are really psyched on where we've landed with with this current iteration.
ITINERARY | the flow
New as of 2024, we offer this trip in a shorter 7-day version, as well as our normal 9-day program:
This is our standard-length trip, with the goal of skiing 5-6 volcanoes in the region (or as many as weather and snow conditions allow).
7-DAY "HIGH-EFFICIENCY" TRIP (h.e.)
The "rapid" or "express" version of this trip. Getting time off from work is often the crux of cool ski adventures. With this offering, we keep the schedule condensed to one week: leave home on Saturday, arrive home on Sunday. You still get the majority of the experience, with the goal of skiing 4 of the main volcanoes in this region.
On this trip we make an effort to maximize summit and/or skiing opportunities within our given weather forecast and snow conditions. Below is a sample itinerary that gives a good sense of a typical flow for this trip.
We may add or subtract mountains from the itinerary due to various factors. For example in 2015 Villarrica erupted – so we went to Sollipulli instead. In 2023 we skipped Villarrica again due to increased activity, but that didn't stop us from skiing from 6 summits in 9 days!
Here are some of the additional options in the region: Sollipulli, Mocho Choschuenco, Puyehue, Casa Blanca, Osorno, Lanin, Tolhuaca, and more...
9-DAY (classic) ITINERARY
Day 1 — ARRIVE in TEMUCO, DRIVE to PUCON
Travel to Temuco, Chile (ZCO) typically takes 14-24 hours from the US. Airport pickup and transfer to our lodging in Pucon (1.5 hr drive). Overnight in Pucon. D
Day 2 – SKI VOLCÁN QUETRUPILLÁN
Quetrapillán // summit: 7,740' / 2,360m | vertical ascent: 4400’ / 1341m
A short drive from Pucon, Quetrupillán sits between the Villarrica and Lanin volcanoes. In some translations it means "blunted" – looking like one of those perfect cinder cones had the top removed. Quetrupillán has a beautiful approach through the forest that gives way to moderate slopes – an excellent shakedown tour for the trip. On a nice day it's possible to ski into the crater. B, D
Day 3 — SKI VOLCÁN VILLARRICA
Villarrica (9,380’ / 2,860m) | vertical ascent: 4700’ / 1433m
First thing in the morning we drive south to Villarrica; the most popular volcano in this region and one of the most active. Another classic cone, it towers above the tourist town of Pucon and Lago Villarrica. Pucon is a hub for outdoor activities in this region, with great restaurants, souvenir shopping, and termas (hot springs) a short drive away. B, D
Day 4 — MALALCAHUELLO
In the morning we drive three hours north to the beautiful village of Malalcahuello. Options for afternoon activities include skiing at the local ski area, Corralco (a training site for the US Ski Team), visiting the local termas (hot springs), floating the river (pack-raft or SUP) or exploring the village. We settle into our accommodations at a beautiful ranch run by our local outfitter, Sergio. Overnight in Malalcahuello. B, D
Day 5 — SKI VOLCÁN LONQUIMAY
Lonquimay (9,400' / 2,865m) | vertical ascent: 4600' / 1402m
We start from the base of the Corralco ski area. Depending on energy levels, we have the option of going human-powered the whole way, or using the lifts to access the upper mountain. The final 1500’ ascends an aesthetic arete to the summit. Lonquimay has a classic crater at the top that can be explored on a nice weather day. B, D
Day 6 — SKI VOLCÁN LLAIMA or SIERRA NEVADA
Llaima (10,253' / 3,125m) | vertical ascent: 6000'
Sierra Nevada (8,379' / 2554m) | vertical ascent: 3800-4600' / 1158-1402m
These two mountains make up Conguillio National Park, and we’ll chose the best objective based on weather and snow conditions, as well as the snow line elevation (affects how close we can drive to the different approaches). Both are amazing descents and longer missions - expect a big, rewarding day in the mountains. Interesting fact: Llaima last erupted in 2009. Overnight in Malalcahuello. B, D
Day 7 — LAGUNA DEL LAJA NATIONAL PARK
We drive north from Malalcahuello to a refugio at the base of Volcán Antuco (9,774’ / 2979m), a stunningly beautiful perfect cinder cone that rises above a majestic lake in Laguna del Laja National Park. Depending on weather and motivation levels, we may be able to sneak in an additional volcano ascent on this day. Overnight at a refugio. B, D
Day 8 — SKI VOLCÁN ANTUCO
Antuco (9,774’ / 2979m) | vertical ascent: 5,100’ / 1554m
With a semi-alpine start we head up from the base of a small ski area on the northwest side of the mountain, gaining a broad shoulder that leads to the final summit pitches. Unparalleled summit views are followed by a huge descent. Hang out by the lake in the afternoon. Overnight at the refugio. B, D
Day 9 – RETURN TO TEMUCO
In the morning we return to La Araucanía International Airport for outbound flights. B
7-DAY (h.e.) ITINERARY
Days 1–6 – SEE ABOVE
Same as the Classic 9-day itinerary, starting in Pucon with Quetrupillán and Villarrica, before heading north to Malalcahuello for Lonquimay and either Llaima or Sierra Nevada.
Day 7 – RETURN TO TEMUCO
In the morning we return to La Araucanía International Airport for outbound flights. B
DETAILS | the logistics
9-DAY COST INCLUDES
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6-7 days of guided ski touring in Chile's Araucanía region
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8 nights lodging (double occupancy)*
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Breakfasts and dinners, as stated in the itinerary
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Ground transportation roundtrip from Temuco
* single occupancy upgrade available at additional cost
7-DAY COST INCLUDES
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4-5 days of guided ski touring in Chile's Araucanía region
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6 nights lodging (double occupancy)*
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Breakfasts and dinners, as stated in the itinerary
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Ground transportation roundtrip from Temuco
* single occupancy upgrade available at additional cost
NOT INCLUDED
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Flights to/from Chile
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Lunch food, dinners in Pucon, and alcohol
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Additional activities outside of the itinerary
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Gratuities for local staff and guides
ARRIVAL
Fly into Temuco, Chile: La Araucanía International Airport (ZCO). Most departures from the US require leaving a day early. Travel times from the US average from 14-24 hours depending on connections.
When you arrive in Temuco you will be picked up at the airport and transferred to our hotel.
DEPARTURE
We finish the trip in Temuco, arriving in the morning from Pucon. We recommend planning outbound flights for no earlier than 11am (a custom transfer can be arranged should you need to fly out earlier).
PRE-TRIP INFO
CHILE VOLCANOES
7-DAY (high-efficiency)
Oct 6-12, 2024
$3600
9-DAY (classic)
Oct 6-14, 2024
Oct 14-22, 2024
$4200
CUSTOM DATES
Custom dates and itineraries are available for private groups and individuals. Please contact us for more info and availability.
FAQ | Chile Volcanoes
What are the qualifications for this trip?
Previous backcountry touring experience, advanced downhill skiing ability, and excellent physical fitness are the key ingredients for this adventure. You should be confident with your uphill touring skills and systems. In Chile we will likely encounter a wide range of high mountain snow conditions – everything from hero snow to more challenging conditions at various timings and elevations. Fitness wise, expect days ranging from 4000-5000 vertical feet (1200-1500m).
What's the weather like?
We've experimented with the timing of this trip over the years and have had the best luck with late September into October for more consistent, stable weather windows. The later you go, generally the better the weather, but this is offset with rising snow-lines and the need to walk in trail shoes with skis/board on your back (depending on the year).
What's the snow like?
Generally, think melt-freeze spring conditions. Ideally we time our ascents to be skiing sun-softened corn on the descent. If we are skiing corn off the top of a volcano, it usually means the lower flanks might be a bit too soft – but all part of the grand spring skiing equation. We've also experienced great powder skiing in this region before, as well as everything in between.
What skis/splitboard should I bring?
Skis: We recommend something in the zone of 90-105mm at the waist. You can go wider (less edge hold) and you can go narrower (less flotation) but we've found the 95-100mm waist to be the sweet spot for this trip. Ski length is a personal preference.
Board: A splitboard you know and love, with good edge hold (not a powder board).
I've done a lot of ski touring but no mountaineering, or ski mountaineering. Is this still a reasonable trip for me?
Definitely. Basic ski mountaineering skills will be taught/reviewed along the way. For the most part we are just skinning or bootpacking with some additional tools thrown in to help us feel extra secure.
I'm an expert skier but fairly new to ski touring. Is this an appropriate trip for me?
Unless you are interested in a private trip, we recommend getting at least one solid season of ski touring under your belt first (10-20 days) so that you are totally confident in your gear, and your uphill travel abilities.
Can I take a rest day during the trip?
Definitely – you can feel free to take a rest day at any point. There are numerous great activities available for down time including termas (hot springs), guided river adventures (SUP or pack-raft), lift-accessed skiing (when they are spinning), hiking, and horseback riding.
I have my own group – can we put together our own custom trip?
Absolutely. Send us a message and we'll put together a quote for you.