High-altitude ski mountaineering and backcountry exploration in the Andes, combining technical objectives, glaciated terrain, and classic volcano descents.

The expedition is 24+ days with two attractive options following the initial 9-days block of skiing. We will tailor the final itinerary with you based on your ski goals, your schedule and skills level.

First block (9 days)

We begin in Cajón del Maipo, focusing on rope skills, glacier travel, and avalanche rescue training to prepare for the challenges ahead. From there, we move into Arenas Valley and El Morado (4,647m), a more technical high-altitude ski objective in the region. Return to Santiago for a brief reset.

Cajon del Maipo.

Arenas Valley.   Credit: https://www.parquearenas.com/

Cerro El Morado (4,647m).

Option 1 – Andes Central South

The expedition shifts toward freeride touring and volcano skiing. A full week in the Paso Vergara and Laguna del Maule region offers a mix of expansive touring terrain and long, aesthetic descents, followed by sidecountry and backcountry objectives around Las Trancas and Nevados de Chillán ski resort.

We’ll take time to recover in Aguas Calientes hot springs before ascending and skiing Nevados de Chillán (3,212m), one of Chile’s most active volcanos. The expedition ends in Araucanía, where we’ll climb and ski some of Chile’s most iconic volcanoes.

Nevados de Chillan.

Araucania region.

Option 2 – Las Lenas, Argentina, Mendoza

After crossing the Andes from Santiago to Las Cuevas, we spend two days skiing Las Cuevas, a lesser-known area offering steep terrain and excellent snow conditions. From there, we take a jeep to Los Molles, a quiet mountain town serving as a gateway to Las Leñas. A rest and recovery day allows time to reset and select our ski objectives for the next 10 days.

This phase is all about long, aesthetic descents, technical couloirs, and high-alpine touring, blending lift-accessed freeride terrain with true Andean backcountry. If you’re looking for steep skiing, sustained vertical, and a raw, high-altitude experience in the Argentine Andes, this is it.

Small group backcontry skiing.

SETUP

What sets us apart is our groups. We are small. Guide ratios are 4 skiers to 1 ski guide. This enables us to cater each day for the group ability, interest, and experience. We will make this trip “your” experience.

OTHER NOTES ABOUT THE TRIP

Here is the gear list for the trip . Keep in mind that this gear list for all ski trips with Himalaya Alpine Guides, some of these items are not applicable, definitely get in touch with Luke here to make sure you have the right kit. We can also provide ski and snowboard hire and equipment hire.

Optional surfing at the end of the trip (!).