Ski Tour in Chile's Iconic Volcanoes
5.0
(1)
Conquer Patagonian volcanoes in Chile! Savor fresh powder & stunning landscapes on legendary slopes, including Lonquimay, Llaima, and Villarrica. Embrace Chile's unique adventure & culture on this volcanic expedition with certified mountain guides!
Group
Andes
8 Days
Sep, Oct
High
Intermediate
Highlights
- Ski and splitboard Northern Patagonia’s iconic volcanoes: Lonquimay, Llaima, and Villarrica: all lift-free and human-powered.
- Experience huge, open volcanic terrain (commonly 25–35°) plus hot springs recovery and premium lodge bases.
- Small groups (3–6) with certified local professionals and a 1:4 guide ratio for a safer, more personal experience.
Description
The Chile Iconic Volcanoes Backcountry Ski Tour is an 8-day / 7-night, lift-free expedition designed for skiers and snowboarders who want to earn every turn on some of Northern Patagonia’s most legendary volcano terrain: Lonquimay, Llaima, and Villarrica. Expect wide, open volcanic ski lines—often 25–35°—with big views, variable snow typical of volcano environments, and occasional mixed descents depending on conditions.
You’ll travel in a small group (3–6 guests) with a 1:4 guide ratio (more guides added when needed). Between objectives, the tour balances demanding days with comfort: hand-picked lodges, dedicated host support, and hot springs / recovery time when available. The route and daily objectives remain flexible and adapt to weather, snow stability, and access, always under guide supervision.
Ready to ski Chile’s iconic volcanoes the right way: human-powered, small-group, and professionally guided? Send a booking request to secure your dates.
Price includes
- Accommodation included
- Guiding fee
- Breakfast
- Lunch
- Dinner
- Transport during the trip
- Snacks
Price details
- What’s included:
- Accommodation in handpicked lodges (7 nights)
- Certified guiding + hosting support
- All intrip transportation
- Airport pickup & drop-off at Temuco Airport (ZCO)
- Hot springs / recovery time between ski days (when available)
Meeting point
Itinerary
Day 1: Arrival in Temuco & transfer to Malalcahuello
Arrive at Temuco Airport (ZCO) and take a scenic ~2-hour transfer to Malalcahuello to check in (Casa Río base). Warm-up laps at Corralco Ski Resort, followed by a welcome dinner.
Day 2: Lonquimay Volcano
Tour and ski Lonquimay, one of the trip’s signature objectives. Conditions permitting, you may ski into the crater, return to the summit, and descend up to 1,500m down to the hot springs.
Day 3: Sierra Nevada + Pehuenche cultural experience
A day mixing alpine and forest terrain with a Pehuenche (Mapuche) cultural visit, ending with a traditional dinner.
Day 4: Llaima Volcano
Ascend and ski Llaima (3,125m) with views over Conguillío National Park. Optional spa time.
Day 5: Transfer to Pucón
~3-hour drive to Pucón (adventure capital). Free afternoon. Overnight at Aldea Naukana.
Day 6: Villarrica Volcano
Tour the iconic active Villarrica (often visibly smoking). Expect ~1,400m of elevation gain over 25–35° terrain, with a descent that can include forest skiing. Finish with lakeside sunset drinks.
Day 7: Optional volcano objective or rest/adventure day
Optional skiing on Quetrupillán or a switch to Mocho-Choshuenco (2,422m / 7,950ft) for a final big day (objective chosen based on conditions and logistics). Alternatively, take a rest day with waterfalls, national parks, or a lake boat ride. Farewell dinner featuring fresh seafood and fine wines from Colchagua Valley.
Day 8: Return to Temuco & departure
Free morning for shopping or short hikes. Transfer back to Temuco Airport (ZCO). End of the journey.
Details
Accommodation
7 nights in hand-picked lodges for a high-comfort base between big days.
More info
Trip difficulty level
Moderate–Hard (Backcountry ski touring / splitboarding)
Skill and fitness level required
- Riding level: Strong intermediate to advanced skiers/snowboarders.
- Fitness: Good endurance for sustained climbs and full touring days; comfort with variable snow and changing volcano weather.
- Group matching: Guests are matched by ability when possible.
Equipment you will need to bring
Required gear list
Mandatory backcountry kit
- Touring skis or splitboard setup + skins
- Beacon, shovel, probe
- Backpack suitable for touring
Clothing & personal kit
- Layering system suitable for rapidly changing volcano weather
- Gloves/mittens, hat, buff, goggles + sunglasses
- Sunscreen and lip balm (high UV on volcano slopes)
Optional / conditional
- Rental equipment available with advance notice
FAQs
Is this lift-accessed?
No, this is a lift-free backcountry program focused on human-powered ascents.
What terrain should I expect?
Mostly open volcanic slopes commonly 25–35°, with occasional mixed descents depending on conditions.
How strong do I need to be?
This tour is for strong intermediate to advanced riders with good fitness for sustained climbs and variable snow.
Where is pickup and drop-off?
Both are at Temuco Airport (ZCO), and transfers are included.
Is the itinerary flexible?
Yes. Daily objectives adapt to weather, snow stability, and access to ensure the best and safest options.
Can I rent touring gear?
Yes—rental is available with advance notice.
About the guide
Esnativa
5.0
(25)
Mountain Guide
EsNativa Backcountry is a guiding service based in Santiago and Patagonia, Chile-Argentina. Founded in 2020, we have a team of certified guides from UAIGM, ACGM, and AGCM. We are passionate, certified, and professional, with many of our guides having over 10 years of experience with us.
We specialize in backcountry touring and ski trips, offering an exclusive service for small groups. We are 100% locally owned and operated.
As local operators, we focus on the Andes mountains, where we have extensive experience in the best backcountry skiing locations. Our aim is to provide a personalized experience for our clients, from our base of operations to the guides, ensuring they have the best cultural and sporting experience in the Andes.
Languages
English | French | Spanish
Certificates
IFMGA | AAGM
What people are saying about this trip
Waclaw
Great Company for exploring Chile with skis !
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