Backcountry Skiing in Ecuador

Take on the infamous volcanoes of Ecuador and ski down their high-altitude powder!

With the Avenue of the Volcanoes at your disposal, you can explore the uncharted backcountry of some of Ecuador’s most notable mountains. Alongside Chimborazo, Cotapaxi, and Cayambe, you can ski tour Fuya Fuya, Imbabura, and other peaks exceeding 4,000 meters with great snow quality and beautiful scenery.

Top backcountry skiing trips | Ecuador:

Off Piste Skiing in Ecuador - 15 days

Ecuador’s triple crown guided skiing trip

Off Piste Skiing in Ecuador - 11 days - Intermediate

11-day ski tour in Antisana and Cayambe

There are many reasons for choosing Backcountry Skiing in Ecuador

Actually - the furthest out adventure! If you head to Cayambe (5,790m), you will be skiing on the world's highest spot on the equator, cruising down the mountain from the most distant point on Earth's axis. Not to be outdone, the top of Chimborazo (6,268m) is considered the point furthest away from the center of the Earth. Ski both of them and cover all of your far out bases.

Good to know:

Country Code

+593

Language

Spanish

Currency

United States dollar (USD)

Best Time to Visit

The best time to go backcountry skiing in Ecuador is November and December. Some October and January programs can be safe, fun, and all-around satisfying as well

How to Get There

Flying into Quito is the best way to start a backcountry skiing program. It is within 100 kilometers of Cayambe to the northeast, and within 70 kilometers of the gateway to Cotopaxi. There is also an international airport in Guayaquil to the southwest

Weather

The weather varies mostly according to altitude. The mountains and volcanoes will be cold, enough to keep a snow cap on Cayambe. The rest of the country can be hot in the summer around Quito, the coast, and in the rain forest. Dry season lasts from May to December, while the other months constitute the rainy season

More info about Backcountry Skiing in Ecuador:

Ecuador is a South American country that sits on the equator, but its mountains are a great place for ski touring and backcountry trips. Many of the volcanoes rise to high altitudes, so you can ski through a few great obstacles on one trip. The highest climbs include Chimborazo, Cotopaxi, and Cayambe, and while they aren’t particularly technical, you should be prepared for some challenging climbs. Acclimatization is a large part of these trips, so planning extra days for these backcountry trips is vital. Ambitious backcountry skiers may have the opportunity to include rock climbing and hiking onto their programs

Need help discovering your next adventure?

Find more backcountry skiing trips in Ecuador

Backcountry Skiing in the Cotopaxi Region

Backcountry Skiing in the Chimborazo Region

Cayambe Backcountry Skiing

Cotopaxi Backcountry Skiing

Chimborazo Backcountry Skiing

Backcountry Skiing in the Avenue of the Volcanoes

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