Aconcagua ascent via the northwest route

Willie was hugely experienced and adapted the day according to our inexperience, late middle age and heavy snow fall. It was an exhausting climb and when the weather became even more inclement we bailed out and skied down the way we had come. Willie had already displayed great flexibility with the date, trying hard to negotiate a series of storms coming across the region. In the end we made the best of a bad situation. Be prepared for additional expense. Touring skis, skins, boots and poles plus the backpacks, shovels, search poles and beacons all adds up. With tip that will add another $150 per person. The day was a real adventure and certainly a memorable one. Don't underestimate the level of fitness required. We are pretty fit but it didn't feel like it was enough!

We all had a great day out with Willi. He found us some great snow to ski. And even with a few technical issues, he worked round it with ease. He shared alot of knowledge with us all, so we all had a great powder day. We would highly recommend this trip. Tom

My guide Joseph was exceptional. His combination of local knowledge, avalanche expertise, trip/route planning, photography, and his fun, positive attitude made for an unforgettable experience. I’ll be back 100% !

Willie Benegas was a superb guide for our first BC ski adventure in the Wasatch. Friendly and highly competent, he accurately assessed the conditions and our ability, and planned a trip that was both challenging and fun. Highly recommended!

The backcountry ski trip with Willie was awesome! He called me the day before the trip to explain where we were going to go and what we were going to do. Given that the weather was going to be cold, he brought along a thermos flask that I could put hot tea in. On the second day, he shared his thermos of hot tea with me since I didn't take the thermos. The snow conditions were a bit variable but Willie did a good job finding some good powder (especially the second day where we were able to ski 18 inches of untracked powder on an east facing bowl). The skinning part on the second day was extremely challenging because it was on a 32-34 degree slope with about 12 inches of fresh powder and it made the kick turns rather exciting. Willie really helped by using his shovel on each of the kick turns to make it a bit easier for me to make the turn. Willie also provided some coaching tips along the way both on the skinning as well as on the skiing part. He was also able to accurately judge what kind of terrain would work for my skill/fitness level and push me to that level! Willie was also a great companion. He has traveled all over the world and has had some interesting experiences which he shared. All in all, I had a really good trip with Willie.

Very quick, attentive and personable service and was adaptable to my changing needs. The guide was very professional and organised, great communication and some fantastic ski tours in a new mountain range. Great all round. Many thanks.

We had an excellent experience with Willie Benegas, he was knowledgeable and inclusive and would by all means join him again.

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