7-day Chile Volcanoes Ski Expedition
Join a 7-day guided ski touring expedition in Southern Chile led by certified mountain guides. Ski iconic volcanoes from Lonquimay to Villarrica, explore wide-open volcanic terrain, and experience araucaria forests, geothermal landscapes, hot springs, lakes, and mountain towns along the way.
7 Days
Sep, Oct
High
Intermediate
Highlights
- Ski some of Southern Chile’s most iconic volcanoes on a seven-day guided expedition.
- Explore wide-open volcanic terrain with long descents and impressive views toward the Pacific.
- Discover diverse ski objectives from Lonquimay to Villarrica, each with its own terrain and character.
Description
Ski across the volcanic spine of Southern Chile on a seven-day expedition that links some of the region’s most iconic volcanoes into one fluid ski touring journey.
Wide-open descents, native araucaria forests, geothermal valleys, hot springs, mountain towns, and far-reaching views toward the Pacific all come together in an experience shaped by terrain, culture, and movement.
This expedition is also designed to build a deeper understanding of how to move through volcanic mountain environments. Each day requires reading the terrain, adapting to changing snow conditions, managing energy over consecutive outings, and choosing routes that balance safety, ski quality, and group performance.
From Lonquimay to Villarrica, each volcano brings its own terrain, atmosphere, and skiing style, creating a rich and diverse journey across Southern Chile.
Beyond the skiing, the expedition is deeply connected to the character of Southern Chile. The presence of native araucaria forests, thermal waters, Mapuche culture, lakes, and small mountain towns creates a natural rhythm between effort and recovery.
Join this expertly led ski expedition in Southern Chile and ski iconic volcanoes, wide-open terrain, native forests, and geothermal landscapes on an unforgettable multi-day adventure.
Price includes
Price details
- * Guiding by UIAGM / IFMGAcertified mountain guides
- * Private ground transfers between the different volcano areas in a 4x4 Toyota Hilux
- * Accommodation at Roca Negra, Antumalal, and Casa Esquina
- * Breakfasts at the accommodation
- * Daily itinerary planning, route briefings, and safety assessments
- Not Included
- * International and domestic flights
- * Ski lift passes for resortbased approaches, including Termas de Chillán and Volcán Villarrica when required
- * Alcoholic drinks
- * Lunches and dinners
- * Personal ski touring gear, such as skis, skins, boots, and poles
- * Avalanche safety gear, including transceiver, shovel, and probe
- * Harness and glacier equipment, if needed
- * Mandatory travel and rescue insurance
- Guide gratuities
Meeting point
Itinerary
Day 1: Arrival in Malalcahuello
The trip begins with pickup at Temuco Airport, followed by a transfer to Casa Esquina in Malalcahuello.
After arrival, the group will have a welcome briefing and equipment check to prepare for the days ahead. In the evening, enjoy dinner at Casa Esquina.
Day 2: Volcán Lonquimay Summit, 2,865 m
After breakfast, the group will depart for Corralco Ski Resort, located on the slopes of Volcán Lonquimay. The day is dedicated to a full ski touring ascent toward the summit of Lonquimay, reaching 2,865 meters if conditions allow.
The descent will be chosen according to the best snow and weather conditions of the day. Dinner will be served back at Casa Esquina.
Day 3: Volcán Llaima Summit, 3,125 m
The day starts with an early departure to the base of Volcán Llaima. From there, the group will begin a full day of ski touring with the objective of reaching the summit at 3,125 meters, depending on conditions and group performance.
The descent will follow the best available line according to snow quality and safety. In the evening, return to Casa Esquina for dinner.
Day 4: Ski Touring around Araucarias Ski Resort
After breakfast, the group will depart for Araucarias Ski Resort for a ski touring day in the surrounding volcanic terrain. Depending on the itinerary and local conditions, there may be time to share lunch or snacks with local Mapuche people from the Araucanía Region.
After the day’s activity, return to Malalcahuello.
Day 5: Transfer from Malalcahuello to Pucón
After breakfast at the lodge, the group will drive from Malalcahuello to Pucón. The transfer takes approximately 3 hours.
The afternoon is reserved for rest and recovery at the hotel, with the option to visit the lake or enjoy an easy walk near some of the area’s rivers. Dinner will be in Pucón town.
Day 6: Volcán Villarrica Summit, 2,847 m
After an early breakfast at the hotel, the group will set out for a full ski touring day on Volcán Villarrica via the Voipir route. If conditions are suitable, the objective is to reach the summit at 2,847 meters before skiing down the best available descent line.
Dinner will be at the hotel in Pucón.
Day 7: Pucón to Santiago
After an early breakfast at the hotel, the group will transfer from Pucón to Temuco Airport for the return flight to Santiago, marking the end of the expedition.
Details
Accommodation
Accommodation is provided at Roca Negra, Antumalal, and Casa Esquina.
More info
Participants should have good physical fitness and be able to climb uphill for 4 to 8 hours while carrying a backpack. Previous ski touring experience is required, along with strong off-piste skiing skills and confidence in variable snow conditions.
Participants should also know how to use skins, make transitions, and use crampons when needed. Because volcanic terrain and weather can change quickly, the itinerary may be adjusted to prioritize safety and ski quality.
Equipment you will need to bring
Participants must bring a full alpine equipment kit, including mountaineering boots, crampons, an ice axe, harness, helmet, and appropriate technical clothing for high-altitude mountain conditions.
A complete gear list will be shared once the booking is confirmed.
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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