10-Day Southern Chile Volcano Ski Expedition
Join this expertly led 10-day ski expedition in Southern Chile and explore iconic volcanoes, wide-open descents, native forests, thermal landscapes, and lakeside mountain towns on an unforgettable ski touring journey.
10 Days
Sep, Oct
High
Intermediate
Description
Ski across the volcanic spine of Southern Chile on a ten-day expedition that links some of the region’s most iconic volcanoes into one fluid ski touring journey.
Long volcanic descents, native forests, thermal areas, lakeside towns, and broad views toward the Pacific make this much more than a ski touring expedition.
Volcano skiing has a unique rhythm. The terrain is often broad and logical, with clean fall lines and long, continuous descents, yet it remains highly dynamic, influenced by geology, wind, ash, snow transport, temperature changes, and geothermal activity. Each day combines steady ascents with expansive descents across open volcanic faces and snowfields.
The expedition balances memorable ski descents with a progressive understanding of volcanic terrain, snow conditions, and route selection.
As the route moves through areas such as Volcán Lonquimay, Nevados de Chillán, Volcán Villarrica, and Volcán Osorno, the landscape constantly changes in shape, texture, and atmosphere.
Beyond the skiing, the journey is closely connected to the character of Southern Chile, where araucaria forests, thermal waters, Mapuche culture, lakes, and small mountain towns create a natural balance between effort and recovery.
Join this expertly led 10-day ski expedition in Southern Chile and explore iconic volcanoes, wide-open descents, native forests, thermal landscapes, and lakeside mountain towns on an incredible ski touring journey.
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 Las Trancas
The expedition begins with hotel pickup in Santiago, followed by a welcome briefing, equipment check, and introduction to the program.
The group will then drive to Las Trancas, a mountain village near Nevados de Chillán. The transfer takes approximately 6 hours. In the evening, enjoy a group dinner at Roca Negra Lodge.
Day 2: Aguas Calientes Hot Springs
After an early departure, the group will head to Termas de Chillán Ski Resort. From there, you will take the lift to the upper part of the resort before traversing and skiing toward the Aguas Calientes hot springs.
The day includes time for a few ski laps around Aguas Calientes, as well as the chance to relax in the thermal waters.
Afterward, the group will skin back up toward the ski resort and ski down to the vehicle.
Day 3: Volcán Chillán Nuevo, 3,186 m
The day starts with an early transfer to Termas de Chillán Ski Resort. Depending on snow and route conditions, the ascent to the summit of Volcán Chillán Nuevo will be completed either on skins or with crampons.
If conditions allow, the group will reach the summit at 3,186 meters before skiing down via the Refugio Garganta del Diablo area and returning to the vehicle.
Day 4: Transfer to Malalcahuello
After breakfast at the lodge, the group will begin the drive to Malalcahuello, which takes approximately 5 hours. The afternoon is reserved for rest, recovery, and time to explore the town and its surroundings.
In the evening, enjoy a traditional Chilean barbecue at Casa Esquina.
Day 5: Volcán Lonquimay, 2,865 m
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, weather, and safety conditions of the day.
Dinner will be served back at Casa Esquina.
Day 6: Volcán Llaima, 3,125 m
After an early departure to the base of Volcán Llaima, the group will begin a full ski touring day with the objective of reaching the summit at 3,125 meters.
The descent will be adapted to conditions, with the guide selecting the best available line for snow quality and safety.
In the evening, return to Casa Esquina for dinner.
Day 7: Ski Touring around Araucarias Ski Resort
Today, the group will head to Araucarias Ski Resort for a ski touring day in the surrounding volcanic terrain.
Depending on the route, timing, and local conditions, there may be an opportunity to share lunch or snacks with local Mapuche people from the Araucanía Region.
After the activity, return to Malalcahuello.
Day 8: Transfer from Malalcahuello to Pucón
After breakfast at the lodge, the group will drive from Malalcahuello to Pucón, a scenic mountain town near lakes, rivers, forests, and Volcán Villarrica.
The drive takes approximately 3 hours. The afternoon is reserved for rest at Antumalal Hotel, with the option to visit the lake or enjoy an easy walk near some of the area’s rivers.
Dinner will be at Antumalal Hotel.
Day 9: Volcán Villarrica, 2,847 m
After an early breakfast at Antumalal Hotel, the group will set out for a full ski touring day on Volcán Villarrica via the Voipir route. If weather, snow, and volcanic conditions allow, the objective is to reach the summit at 2,847 meters before skiing down the best available descent line.
Dinner will be served at Antumalal Hotel.
Day 10: Pucón to Santiago
After an early breakfast at Antumalal 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.
The 10-day program offers more flexibility, higher summit probability, and greater terrain diversity. Private extensions can also be arranged to additional volcanoes such as Calbuco, Volcán Osorno, or Volcán Puyehue.
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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