Backcountry Skiing

Chile

Cerro Union

Cerro Union Backcountry Skiing

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Located only 90 kilometers from metropolitan Santiago, **Cerro Unión (3658m) is an ideal destination for a day ski trip.** The **panoramic views** from the summit, along with its reputation for having **some of the best snow in the region**, have made Cerro Unión **a local favorite**. As is often the case with these “local” places, Cerro Unión is somewhat **off the beaten path**. Not to worry, however, I am here to show you the way.

We will get an early start on the day, departing from Santiago together at 6AM. We will travel along paved roads through the **Cajón del Maipo** gorge until reaching the **Baños Morales** thermal springs. At this point, we will continue along a dirt road toward **Valle de las Arenas**. This is where our adventure will officially begin.

From Valle de las Arenas, we will begin our upward journey toward the summit of Cerro Unión. After approximately **4-5 hours of trekking**, we will have reached the top of the mountain. While Cerro Unión is not one of the tallest peaks around, it undoubtedly has **one of the best views in the entire region. From the summit, we will have a spectacular 360° view over the Central Andes.**

After catching our breath and taking in the incredible views from the top, we will begin our long, much anticipated descent. **We will descend via the snowy south face of Cerro Unión**, skiing all the way back down to Valle de las Arenas. **There are multiple descent routes on the south face, allowing you to choose according to your experience level.** 

Once we arrive back at Valle de las Arenas, we’ll pack up our gear and begin our 2-hour return journey to Santiago. **The round-trip transfer from Santiago is included in the price, as is a boxed lunch to enjoy on the mountain.** 

I ski with **small groups** and take **a maximum of 4 people** on each trip. All participants should be **fit, intermediate level skiers.** If you have any questions, please do not hesitate to get in touch.

**I grew up here in these mountains, and I want to show you one of my favorite ski slopes near Santiago, Chile. Click “Request to book” now to contact me and reserve your spot to ski on Cerro Unión.**

If skiing is not your thing, you can still climb to the top of Cerro Unión with me. Check out my [1-day Mountaineering Adventure on Cerro Unión](https://www.explore-share.com/trip/1day-mountaineering-adventure-in-cerro-union/) available between April and December.

Carlos Vasquez, an IFMGA certified mountain guide and native of Chile, leads this day ski trip from Santiago to Cerro Unión in Cajón del Maipo.

1-day Ski Tour on Cerro Unión (Cajón del Maipo) near Santiago, Chile. 1-day trip. Certified guide

1-day Ski Tour on Cerro Unión (Cajón del Maipo) near Santiago, Chile

**In a deep and remote valley of Chile’s Central Andes, Cajon del Maipo is waiting to be explored.  I invite you to fall in love with its landscapes, glaciers and summits on this exciting 12 day guided ski tour!**

Just outside of Santiago de Chile, Cajon del Maipo is one of the less visited  settings in Chile and all of South America. However, this stunning remote valley offers endless possibilities for cross-country skiing and freeriding. Consequently, it is the ideal ski touring playground for this  program!

On this trip, we’ll travel across the heart of the Chilean Andes from the **San Jose Volcano** to the **Baños Morales Valley**. Every day, we will wake up early in the morning and enjoy some freeride sessions in a wild and remote high mountain environment. R**egarding our accommodation,** we’ll sleep in tents and mountain huts where we’ll be able to appreciate the spectacular landscape under the magical Patagonian stars. **You can find a more detailed itinerary below.**  

**This trip is suitable for** **intermediate skiers.** Because we’ll be skiing between 4 and 5 hours every day,  all participants need to be in great physical shape.

**So if you are ready for this 12-day guided ski tour, come and join me on this trip to the amazing Cajon del Maipo. Send your request and get ready to experience the ultimate Patagonian adventure!**

Looking for more unforgettable experiences in Chile? You may also be interested in this [1+day mountaineering adventure in Cerro Unión.](https://www.explore-share.com/trip/1day-mountaineering-adventure-in-cerro-union/)

Meeting at the Airport of Santiago de Chile.

We’ll transfer to the town of Baños Morales (4 × 4 vehicle if necessary).

Santiago-Baños Morales. 

After having breakfast we’ll go to the **Arenas Valley** (30 minutes).

We will put on our skiis and after 4 or 5 hours of crossing, we’ll go to the **Cerro Unión (3000 m) summit.**

Then, we’ll have a little snack and  enjoy some more time for skiing.

Finally, we will return to the Arenas Valley base.

Night in a refugee.

Cerro Union 

After having breakfast, we’ll put on our skiis and cross along one of the channels of the south face of the Arenas hill (1000 m). This crossing will take us 4 hours.

Arenas Valley 

After having breakfast, we’ll explore the second corridor on the south side of **Cerro Arenas.** (1000 m). This stretch will take us 5 hours.

Arenas Valley

After having breakfast, we’ll explore the **Valley of Baños Colina**, where we can enjoy some hot springs, which come directly from the **San José Volcano (5800 m).** After relaxing for a while, we will return to Baños Morales.

We will sleep in the Village Lodge.

Hot Springs of Colina

We’ll take on the  snowmobiles and approach the **San José Volcano**.

At the end of the **Engorda Valley**, we will set up our base camp (3300 m).

Volcano Base Camp

A long acclimatization journey will take us to camp 1 of the **San José Volcano** (6 to 8 hours).

Overnight in tents (4400 m).

Camp 1 Volcano

Field 1 Volcano

We’ll start crossing to the summit (1400 m) very early in the morning.

It will take us between 7 to 9 hours and we’ll appreciate the amazing panoramic views of the Andes mountain range.

We will be able to see the great summits that surround us and we will prepare ourselves for the great descent to our base camp (2500 m).

Volcán San José (5800 m)

We’ll continue skiing through the **Valley of Engorda**, going down until we meet our 4 × 4 vehicle.

Overnight at the **Baños Morales lodge**.  Finally, we’ll celebrate with delicious local cuisine: roasted lamb and a good Chilean wine.

Volcano - Baños Morales

Early in the morning, we will prepare our backpacks and descend to **Santiago de Chile.**

Free Afternoon to buy souvenirs.

Baños Morales- Santiago

Last day!

Join Carlos, IFGMA/UIAGM local mountain guide, on this challenging 12 day guided ski tour in the amazing mountain valley of Cajon del Maipo in Chile!

Cajon del Maipo 12 day guided ski tour. 12-day trip. Certified guide

Cajon del Maipo 12 day guided ski tour

Aerial Sports

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