Andes Volcanoes: Ski Touring in the Chilean Andes

9 DAYS
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Skiing the volcanoes of the Andes is not just a sport. It’s a journey of deep connection with the most alive geography on the continent: active craters, ancient Araucaria forests, natural hot springs and descents that don’t resemble anything you’ve done before.

We offer two ways to live this experience, tailored to your time and your appetite for exploration.

Option 1 — Gateway to the Lakes · 4 days

The perfect introduction to volcanic skiing. We start on Volcán Casablanca, a natural balcony above the lakes of southern Chile, ideal for dialing in technique and adjusting gear. We close on the majestic Volcán Osorno, with Lago Llanquihue at your feet and one of the most iconic views in the Patagonian Andes.

Four intense, epic days — more than enough to understand why volcanoes get under your skin.

Option 2 — The Full Traverse · 9 days

For those who want it all. We start in the Lakes District and push north into the Araucanía Region, where the landscape shifts completely and ancient Araucaria trees begin to line the route. We add Villarrica, Llaima and Lonquimay to the list — a full traverse that lets you grasp the true scale of the Cordillera.

This is not a ski trip. It’s an expedition that crosses Chile from south to north on volcanic snow.

Why it’s worth it

Natural hot springs: There is no better after-ski than soaking in natural thermal waters after skiing down a crater. The body recovers, the mind processes. Priceless.
Landscapes of contrast: Going from the absolute white of a summit to the deep green of the Valdivian rainforest in a single descent is something only the Chilean Andes can offer.
Culture and hospitality: A proper curanto in Pucón, the warmth of Malalcahuello and those sunsets where the light falls over the Pacific while you’re still high on the mountain.

Pricing

— Private group of 3: enquire — Private group of 4 or more: enquire

Gear List

Essential Equipment

– Mountain skis with touring bindings and skins in good condition / Splitboard with bindings and skins in good condition – Touring ski boots / Snowboard boots in good condition – Poles – Avalanche transceiver (DVA), shovel and probe — mandatory – Helmet — mandatory – Crampons — mandatory – Ice axe – Goggles – Gloves (two pairs) – Sunglasses / Sunscreen SPF 50+

Layering System

– Thermal base layer (legs and torso) – Mid-layer fleece 100/200 – Waterproof shell jacket – Down jacket – Waterproof pants – Ski socks – Extra set of clothing (t-shirt, underwear, gloves, socks) – Beanie and sun cap – Buff / neck gaiter

Other

– Hydration pack – Water bottle (1 liter minimum) – Thermos – Personal first aid kit – Cash and ID / travel documents – Trekking shoes – Sleeping bag – Camera

Rental Equipment Available

Skis with skins and bindings, splitboard and full safety kit (shovel, avalanche transceiver and probe) available for rent. Enquire for pricing and availability.

Location: Chilean Andes — Lakes District / Araucanía Region

Duration: 4 to 9 days 

Dates: October

Requirements: Confident off-piste skier or rider. Previous backcountry experience and familiarity with touring gear. Good physical fitness.

Guides and Ratio: 6:1

– Professional AAGM certified mountain ski guide
– Accommodation throughout the expedition (mountain refuges, cabins and hotels)
– Welcome and farewell dinners
– Daily breakfasts and meals on the mountain
– Private transport throughout the expedition
– Full safety kit (avalanche transceiver, shovel and probe)

– Touring ski or splitboard equipment
– Travel and rescue insurance (mandatory)
– Personal snacks for the mountain
– Anything not specified in the program

Book your place!

ITINERARY

Day 1 — Arrival and Briefing

Pick up at Bariloche airport (Argentina) or Osorno airport (Chile) and transfer to accommodation near Volcán Casablanca. The first night is for settling in, meeting the group and getting gear ready for the days ahead.

Day 2 — Volcán Casablanca

A warm-up day at Antillanca to dial in technique and adjust equipment. We ascend 800 meters crossing a crater with direct views of Puntiagudo and Osorno. The first real taste of volcanic skiing: snow, altitude and a landscape you didn’t see coming. In the afternoon, transfer to the mountain refuge on Volcán Osorno at 1,400m, with Lago Llanquihue spread out below.

Day 3 — Volcán Osorno

The centerpiece of the first stage. Five hours of climbing, 1,400 meters of vertical gain, skins as far as they’ll take you and crampons for the final push to the summit. From the top, the world feels small. Below, one of the most epic descents in southern Chile waiting to be skied.

Day 4 — Traverse North

A travel day toward Pucón, crossing through Araucaria forests and Valdivian rainforest. The landscape shifts, the scale changes and the anticipation builds. Hotel arrival, rest and preparation for Chile’s most famous volcano.

Note: guests choosing Option 1 return to Bariloche on this day.

Day 5 — Volcán Villarrica

Ascent to the active crater of Villarrica, 2,840m above sea level and 1,500 meters of vertical gain. Skiing a volcano that is still breathing is an experience that is hard to compare to anything else. In the afternoon, local hot springs and free time in Pucón.

Day 6 — On to Malalcahuello

Transfer north to Malalcahuello, base camp for Llaima and Lonquimay. A short afternoon touring session through the nearby valleys to stretch the legs and read the terrain ahead.

Day 7 — Volcán Llaima

Summit attempt on Llaima via Conguillío: 2,000 meters of ascent and one of the best descents in Chile. A massive volcano, wide open terrain and a run that makes crossing half the country worthwhile.

Day 8 — Volcán Lonquimay

Ascent of Lonquimay with 1,400 meters of vertical gain and the possibility of skiing inside a secondary crater — something very few riders can say they’ve done. This day also serves as a weather buffer if any previous day required it.

Day 9 — Close and Departure

Transfer to Temuco airport for onward connections or return flights. End of the expedition — legs loaded, head full and the urge to come back already taking shape.