Why do this tour?
- Explore four of the finest ski touring valleys in Chile’s Central Andes: Valle de las Arenas, Valle de Colina, Embalse del Yeso, and Valle de la Engorda
- Experience high-altitude ski touring, with objectives reaching up to 4,500 m when conditions and the group’s abilities allow
- Small groups led by local IFMGA/UIAGM certified mountain guides with extensive knowledge of the region
- Enjoy spectacular descents and breathtaking Andean landscapes far from the ski resorts
- Relax in the natural Colina Hot Springs after an unforgettable day in the mountains
- Pick up valuable insights on ski technique, avalanche awareness, and mountain decision-making from your IFMGA/UIAGM guide throughout the expedition
- Comfortable hotels, authentic Chilean hospitality, and seamless logistics throughout the journey
Overview
Location
Central Andes, Chile
Duration
5 days
Level
Intermediate - Advanced
Highest Point
4,500 M
Season
July - October
Group Size
1 - 4 people
Price From
USD 3,300 per person
Dates
FIXED collective DATES OR PRIVATE TOURS
Set in the spectacular landscapes of the Cajón del Maipo, this 5-day ski touring expedition offers an immersive experience in Chile’s Central Andes.
Surrounded by wide alpine valleys, scenic ridgelines, and impressive peaks rising above 4,000 meters, participants explore some of the region’s most beautiful backcountry terrain far from the ski resorts.
The Central Andes are known for their unique mountain environment, offering a variety of terrain and snow conditions throughout the season.
Each day combines rewarding ascents with memorable descents, adapted to current conditions and the experience level of the group.
From open slopes and rolling alpine bowls to more adventurous mountain routes, the tour is designed to provide both challenge and enjoyment.
Beyond skiing, participants gain valuable knowledge about mountain travel, avalanche awareness, route planning, and moving efficiently in backcountry terrain.
Guided by experienced professionals, the week encourages skill development, confidence, and a deeper connection with the Andes, creating an unforgettable ski touring experience in one of South America’s most iconic mountain ranges.
Trip Details
Day 1 — Santiago to Cajón del Maipo: Ski Touring in Valle de las Arenas
- Transfer from Santiago to El Morado Lodge or hotel Altiplanico or an equivalent (1.5–2 hrs)
- Welcome briefing & safety overview
- Equipment check (skins, bindings, crampons, avalanche gear, etc)
- Ski touring in Valle las Arenas Valley, first day of acclimatization
- Overnight in El Morado Lodge or hotel Altiplanico or an equivalent
Day 2 — Cerro Unión, valle de las arenas
- Early start to the mountains
- Scenic ascent of Cerro Unión (3,658 m)
- Learn and practice useful ski touring techniques along the way
- Discover more about snow conditions and mountain travel with your guide
- Enjoy a descent selected according to the group’s ability and the day’s conditions
- Relax and share the day’s highlights over a delicious dinner
Day 3 — Ski touring in valle de Colina
- Breakfast at the hotel
- Drive to the snow line and begin the ski tour
- Ski tour to Punta Valdés (3,785 m), or another objective depending on snow and weather conditions
- Relax in the Colina Hot Springs after the tour
- Dinner and overnight at the hotel
Day 4 — Ski Touring around Embalse del Yeso valley
- Early alpine start
- Ski touring in the Embalse del Yeso area, or an alternative objective selected according to road access, snow, and weather conditions
- Drive back to your hotel
Day 5 — Ski touring in valley de la engorda & Return to santiago
- Early departure for Plantat Hut (3,130 m)
- Ski touring beneath Volcán San José, reaching the highest point permitted by snow conditions, weather, and the group’s pace
- Transfer back to Santiago
- End of the expedition
Included
- Certified UIAGM Mountain Guide
- Ratio 4 clients for 1 guide
- Accommodation in El Morado Lodge or hotel Altiplanico or an equivalent in a private room
- Meals (breakfast, packed lunch, dinner)
- Admission to the Colina Hot Springs
- All ground transportation within Cajón del Maipo by 4×4 vehicle
- Daily route planning and safety briefings
Not Included
- Personal ski touring equipment (skis, boots, skins, poles)
- Safety equipment: avalanche transceiver, shovel, probe, harness and glacier gear if required
- Snacks for the day
- International or domestic flights
- Travel & rescue insurance (mandatory)
- Alcoholic beverages
- Tips for guides
An Unforgettable First
Ski Experience in Chile
Our first time in Chile — and our first ski experience in South America — became an unforgettable journey. The professionalism, warmth, and local knowledge of the guides made these days in the Chilean Andes truly exceptional. We came for the mountains, but we’ll remember the people most.
Practical
Info
Additional notes
Routes and daily plans are adapted to weather, snow conditions, and the group.
Itinerary may be adapted according to road conditions, weather, and safety considerations.
Optional private extensions available to discover more of Chile’s iconic mountain regions.
Requirements
Level: Intermediate – Advanced
- Previous ski touring experience
- Confident skiing in variable snow
Equipment
A complete ski touring equipment kit is required, including safety equipment, ski crampons, helmet, and proper layering for high-altitude conditions. A detailed packing list is provided after booking confirmation.
Payment Conditions
A 50% deposit is required to secure your booking. The remaining balance must be paid 60 days before departure. Deposits are non-refundable and services are only confirmed once full payment has been received.
For full details, please refer to our Terms & Conditions.
Cancellation
Client cancellations more than 60 days before departure are eligible for an 80% refund. Cancellations within 60 days are non-refundable. Weather, safety, or force majeure events do not generate refunds, but alternative options may be offered.
See full policy in our Terms & Conditions.
Insurance
Participants are responsible for obtaining their own insurance coverage for the planned activity, including personal liability, assistance, search and rescue, and repatriation, regardless of location or altitude
F.A.Q.
What ski level do I need for this expedition?
How fit do I need to be?
Should I bring my all-mountain touring skis (~96 mm underfoot) or my powder skis (~112 mm underfoot)?
If possible, we recommend bringing both pairs. We will choose our objectives based on the snow conditions, and having two setups gives you the best performance whether we encounter deep powder or firmer snow.
If you can only bring one pair, choose your lighter all-mountain touring skis (~96 mm underfoot). They are the most versatile option for the wide variety of snow conditions.
Do I need to acclimatize to the altitude?
No prior acclimatization is usually necessary. The trip is designed to allow for a gradual adaptation to the altitude, starting with a shorter, easier tour on the first day. While some ski tours can reach 4,500 m, we are not obliged to ski that high every day. Your IFMGA guide will choose the most suitable objective based on snow conditions, weather, and the group’s acclimatization.
Do I need to bring my own avalanche gear?
What happens if conditions close an objective?
How far is it from Santiago?
The transfer is an hour and a half to two hours. You can leave Santiago in the morning and be touring the same day.
Have more questions?
Please check our FAQs page, and in case you need further help, don’t hesitate to get in touch.
