5-Day Ski Touring in Cajón del Maipo: High-Altitude Backcountry in the Central Andes
A 5-day advanced ski touring program in Chile’s Central Andes focused on technical terrain, avalanche awareness, efficient movement at altitude, and authentic Andean backcountry travel above Santiago.
Private
Andes
5 Days
Aug - Oct
High
Intermediate
Highlights
- Explore high-altitude ski touring terrain between 2,500 and 4,500 meters in Chile’s Central Andes.
- Refine avalanche awareness, route finding, and efficient movement in technical alpine terrain.
- Ski classic Andean lines and remote valleys just a few hours from Santiago.
Description
Just a few hours from Santiago, the Central Andes rise abruptly into a landscape of volcanic ridgelines, broad alpine basins, and high-altitude summits shaped by wind, exposure, and dry continental snow. Cajón del Maipo offers one of the most authentic ski touring environments in South America: minimal infrastructure, long vertical ascents, and technical terrain that rewards efficient movement and good decision-making.
This 5-day ski touring program is designed for experienced backcountry skiers looking to refine their skills in real Andean terrain. Throughout the week, participants travel through valleys such as Valle Las Arenas, Colina Valley, and Embalse del Yeso, skiing objectives between 2,500 and 4,500 meters while adapting to changing snow and mountain conditions.
The focus goes far beyond skiing descents. Participants work on skinning efficiency, kick turns, terrain assessment, avalanche awareness, route finding, and energy management over consecutive days at altitude. Depending on weather and snow stability, the guide selects the best objectives and descent options for the group.
With dry snowpack, technical ridgelines, and expansive terrain close to Santiago, this program offers a true immersion into ski touring in the Andes.
If you are looking to improve your backcountry skills while skiing classic Andean terrain in a small group environment, send us a request to join this expedition in Cajón del Maipo.
Price includes
- Accommodation included
- Guiding fee
- Lunch
- Dinner
- Transport during the trip
- Transportation start and back
- Group equipment
- Avalanche equipment
Price details
- ✅Included
- Certified UIAGM Mountain Guide
- Maximum ratio of 3 clients per guide
- Accommodation in mountain refuge(s) or lodge
- Breakfasts, packed lunches, and dinners during the program
- Internal transportation within Cajón del Maipo
- Avalanche safety equipment:
- Avalanche transceiver
- Shovel
- Probe
- Harness and glacier gear if required
- Daily route planning and safety briefings
- ❌Not Included
- Personal ski touring equipment (skis, boots, skins, poles)
- International or domestic flights
- Travel and rescue insurance (mandatory)
- Alcoholic beverages
- Tips for guides
Meeting point
Itinerary
Day 1: Santiago to Cajón del Maipo
Transfer from Santiago to El Volcán Lodge (approximately 1.5 to 2 hours). After a welcome briefing and safety overview, the guide checks all technical equipment including avalanche gear, crampons, skins, and bindings.
The group heads into Valle Las Arenas for an acclimatization ski touring day focused on movement efficiency and adapting to the altitude.
Accommodation in mountain refuge or lodge.
Day 2: Cerro Unión (3,658 m)
Early alpine start for the ascent of Cerro Unión.
Throughout the day, the guide works with participants on:
- Kick turns
- Terrain assessment
- Snowpack evaluation
- Efficient uphill pacing
The descent line is selected according to snow conditions and group level.
Dinner and overnight at El Volcán Lodge.
Day 3: Colina Valley Ski Touring
After breakfast, transfer toward the Colina Valley and begin the approach from the snow line.
Depending on snow and weather conditions, the group skis around Punta Valdez or another suitable objective in the area.
In the afternoon, relax at the Lo Valdez hot springs before returning to El Volcán Lodge for dinner and overnight.
Day 4: Embalse del Yeso Area
Early departure for a full ski touring day around the Embalse del Yeso region.
The objective is selected according to weather, snow stability, and group energy levels. The terrain here offers wide alpine faces, long approaches, and classic Central Andes scenery.
Return to El Volcán Lodge in the afternoon.
Day 5: Final Ski Tour & Return to Santiago
Short final ascent or freeride descent depending on conditions and timing.
Return to the refuge, pack equipment, and transfer back to Santiago.
End of the program.
Details
Accommodation
Accommodation is provided in mountain refuges or lodges in the Cajón del Maipo area, including El Volcán Lodge.
More info
This trip is designed for experienced ski tourers comfortable skiing variable snow conditions in uncontrolled backcountry terrain.
Participants should have:
- Previous ski touring experience
- Strong off-piste skiing ability
- Good physical condition for consecutive days with significant elevation gain
- Confidence using touring equipment in alpine terrain
- Basic avalanche safety knowledge recommended
Altitude experience is beneficial but not mandatory.
Equipment you will need to bring
Participants must bring personal ski touring equipment and appropriate mountain clothing.
FAQs
Do I need previous ski touring experience?
Yes. This program is intended for experienced backcountry skiers with prior ski touring experience.
Is avalanche equipment included?
Yes. Avalanche transceiver, shovel, and probe are included.
What type of snow conditions can I expect?
The Central Andes generally feature a dry continental snowpack with variable wind effect and technical terrain.
Are summit objectives guaranteed?
No. All objectives depend on weather, avalanche conditions, and group level.
Can I rent ski touring equipment in Santiago?
Yes, rental options are available in Santiago, although availability should be confirmed in advance.
Is altitude a major challenge on this trip?
The program operates between approximately 2,500 and 4,500 meters, so good fitness and acclimatization are important.
Is the itinerary fixed?
The itinerary and objectives may change depending on weather, snowpack stability, road access, and participant level.
The program is designed around real mountain conditions and prioritizes safety, learning, and terrain adaptation throughout the week.
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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