5-Day Freeride Skiing in the Central Andes: Farellones & Portillo
A high-altitude freeride experience in Chile’s Central Andes combining steep lift-access terrain, technical sidecountry skiing, and refined mountain accommodation. Ski the interconnected resorts of Farellones, La Parva, Valle Nevado, and Portillo with a certified UIAGM/IFMGA guide.
Private
Andes
5 Days
Jul - Sep
High
Intermediate
Highlights
- Ski steep bowls, technical couloirs, and sidecountry terrain above 3,000 meters in the Central Andes.
- Explore the interconnected freeride terrain of La Parva, Valle Nevado, El Colorado, and Portillo.
- Combine professional IFMGA-guided skiing with comfortable mountain lodging and efficient logistics from Santiago.
Description
The Central Andes above Santiago offer one of South America’s most unique freeride environments: high-altitude terrain, dry continental snowpack, and direct lift access to serious alpine lines.
Based in the mountain village of Farellones, this 5-day freeride skiing program is designed for advanced skiers seeking technical descents, exposed terrain, and structured progression under the supervision of a certified UIAGM/IFMGA mountain guide.
Over five days, you will explore the interconnected ski areas of La Parva, El Colorado, and Valle Nevado, with an optional extension into the legendary amphitheater terrain of Portillo. The terrain ranges from open alpine bowls and steep wind-loaded faces to technical couloirs, ridge drops, and controlled sidecountry accessed through short traverses and bootpacks.
Each day is adapted according to snow conditions, weather, avalanche stability, and group level. The focus is not only on skiing harder terrain, but on developing smarter mountain decision-making through tactical route selection, avalanche awareness, and terrain management.
Evenings are spent in carefully selected mountain accommodation, combining comfortable recovery with direct access to the next day’s objectives. Depending on the itinerary and availability, accommodations may include boutique lodges in Farellones or ski-in/ski-out lodging at Hotel Valle Nevado.
Just 90 minutes from Santiago, this program delivers a curated Andean freeride experience where technical skiing, mountain safety, and refined comfort come together in one of the Southern Hemisphere’s premier alpine environments.
Ready to ski steep Andean terrain with professional guidance? Send your booking request and start planning your freeride week in Chile.
Price includes
- Accommodation included
- Guiding fee
- Breakfast
- Lunch
- Dinner
- Transport during the trip
- Transportation start and back
- Group equipment
- Avalanche equipment
Price details
- ✅What’s Included
- Certified UIAGM/IFMGA Mountain Guide
- Maximum ratio of 3 clients per guide
- Accommodation during the program
- Breakfasts, packed lunches, and dinners
- Private transportation during the itinerary
- Avalanche safety equipment: (Transceiver, Shovel, Probe)
- Daily safety briefings and route planning
- ❌What’s Not Included
- Personal ski equipment (skis, boots, poles)
- Ski touring equipment if required
- International or domestic flights
- Travel and rescue insurance (mandatory)
- Alcoholic beverages
- Personal expenses
- Tips for guides
Meeting point
Itinerary
Day 1: Santiago → Farellones
- Airport pickup in Santiago
- Private 4x4 transfer to Farellones (approximately 1.5 hours)
- Check-in at mountain accommodation
- Equipment check and avalanche safety briefing
- Optional afternoon warm-up skiing session depending on arrival time
Accommodation: Farellones lodge or Valle Nevado hotel
Day 2: La Parva Freeride
Full guided freeride day focused on:
- Ridge-access terrain
- Open alpine bowls
- Technical descents depending on conditions
The day includes avalanche transceiver practice and terrain management review.
Evening recovery with access to hotel facilities depending on accommodation.
Accommodation: Farellones or Valle Nevado
Day 3: Valle Nevado Sidecountry
Lift-assisted access to extended freeride terrain above Valle Nevado.
Objectives may include:
- Wind-loaded alpine terrain
- Natural halfpipes
- Steeper faces and sidecountry descents
Optional evening video analysis session.
Accommodation: Hotel Valle Nevado (ski-in/ski-out)
Day 4: El Colorado & Backcountry Access
A more technical day focused on terrain reading and line selection.
The itinerary may include:
- Sidecountry descents
- Short bootpacks
- Traverses into less-traveled terrain
Afternoon return to Farellones for rest and recovery.
Accommodation: Farellones
Day 5: Portillo Freeride
Early morning transfer to Ski Portillo.
Guided freeride objectives may include:
- Super C (conditions permitting)
- Lake-side steep terrain
- Classic Portillo amphitheater descents
Lunch at Hotel Portillo before returning to Santiago in the afternoon.
If weather or snow conditions are unfavorable, the final ski day will remain in the Farellones sector to prioritize the best available snow and safety conditions.
Details
Accommodation
Accommodation is provided in carefully selected mountain lodges or hotels in Farellones and Valle Nevado.
Depending on availability and itinerary logistics, the program may include:
Boutique mountain lodges Ski-in/ski-out accommodation Access to wellness facilities such as sauna or hot tub
More info
This trip is designed for advanced to expert off-piste skiers with strong downhill technique in variable snow conditions.
Participants should be comfortable skiing:
- Steep ungroomed terrain
- Variable snow including wind-affected and hardpack conditions
- Narrow entries and technical descents
- Long freeride runs at altitude
Good physical fitness is required due to repeated high-altitude skiing, traverses, and occasional short bootpacks.
Previous avalanche training is recommended but not mandatory.
Equipment you will need to bring
Personal ski touring equipment (skis, boots, skins, poles)
FAQs
Do I need previous backcountry experience?
Previous off-piste experience is essential. Some prior avalanche awareness or backcountry experience is recommended.
Is ski touring involved?
This is primarily a lift-access freeride program, although short bootpacks and traverses may be required.
What type of snow conditions can I expect?
Conditions vary throughout the season but generally include dry continental snow, wind-packed terrain, and alpine freeride conditions.
Can the itinerary change?
Yes. Terrain and resort selection may change depending on weather, avalanche conditions, and snow quality.
Is Portillo always included?
Portillo is planned for Day 5, but the guide may decide to remain in the Farellones sector if conditions are better or safer there.
Is avalanche safety equipment included?
Yes. The trip includes essential avalanche safety equipment for each participant, including:
Avalanche transceiver
Shovel
Probe
Daily avalanche safety briefings and terrain assessments are also part of the program under the supervision of a certified UIAGM/IFMGA mountain guide.
About the guide
Andes Big Mountain
5.0
(1)
Guide Agency
We are a mountain guiding company focused on curated experiences in the Andes, Patagonia, and the Alps. We specialize in mountaineering, alpine climbing, ski touring, freeride, glacier travel, and high-altitude expeditions, always with a strong emphasis on safety, technical quality, and meaningful progression rather than generic itineraries.
Our lead guides hold the UIAGM/IFMGA International Mountain Guide certification, the highest and most internationally recognized standard in professional mountain guiding. This certification reflects years of advanced training and assessment in alpine climbing, ski mountaineering, rescue systems, avalanche and snow science, glacier travel, and decision-making in complex mountain terrain.
We work with clients looking for serious, well-organized mountain experiences: from strong beginners seeking safe progression, to experienced climbers and skiers pursuing technical objectives in bigger terrain. Our programs are designed for travelers who value professional guiding, local knowledge, sound judgment, and a more thoughtful approach to the mountains.
Languages
English | French | Spanish
Certificates
IFMGA
What people are saying about Andes Big Mountain
Melissa
Sebastian was a great guide; very friendly, organized, flexible, safety conscious. He is a great mentor and goes above by offering advice with planning other aspects to our trip. Ski season is a shorter duration in Chile, we lucked out with our spring skiing conditions. Chile unfortunately does have limited road access to the volcanoes meaning hikes are sometimes required to get to the snow to start skinning. Stunning views, lots of terrain options for moderate ski tours vs difficult.
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