Itinerary
Day 1: Touchdown in Santiago
Get ready for an exciting backcountry ski tour in the Andes Mountains of Chile.
Your Andes Touring team member will pick you up from the airport or your hotel early in the morning and transfer you to Portillo.
Depending on your arrival time, you may have the opportunity to warm the legs up at Portillo Ski Resort.
Enjoy a soak in the pool / jacuzzis whilst watching the sun go down and a fabulous sit-down meal in the hotel's restaurant.
Overnight: Octagon Lodge, Portillo
Day 2: Portillo Ski Resort Adventure
After a hearty breakfast at the hotel you’ll start the day with some ski resort skiing to get the body acclimated and take the pace of high altitude skiing with stunning views.
Portillo is surrounded by giant cliffs and most of its slopes drop directly into the famous turquoise waters of Laguna del Inca.
The group will end the ski day at the must-go aprés ski spot at Portillo.
Overnight: Octagon Lodge, Portillo
Day 3: Cristo Redentor Touring
Today is the day of some serious touring! You’ll be heading to the border with Argentina and after passing through the border checkpoint, the guides will park the shuttle (without crossing to Argentina) to start the ascent. Your destination is the famous Cristo Redentor, a landmark that marks the border and the former “Uspallata” border crossing, used by the Army of the Andes in 1817 to liberate Chile from Spanish rule.
Upon arrival at the top, the views will be breathtaking: immense mountain ranges with the massive Cerro Aconcagua (6,951m – 22,840ft) in the background. The group will take a good break, have an energizing snack, and prepare for the descent. The line is generally in great shape, with moderate pitches that make it suitable for all levels. Just enjoy the ride!
After the adventure, the group will head back to the shuttle and return to the hotel. The evening will have the same panorama as the previous days.
Overnight: Octagon Lodge Portillo
Day 4: Super C Megaline
You’ll fuel up with a big breakfast before heading to the Super C backcountry line.
This line has over 1,300 vertical meters (4.265 vertical feet) and is a must-visit for any freerider. Slopes with up to 50 degrees surrounded by rock walls make it an extreme and thrilling scene.
After the line, you’ll refuel at the cafeteria, ski some more groomers and head back to Santiago. You’ll stop for a traditional Chilean lunch and end the day at Powder Lodge located at Farellones in the Tres Valles.
Overnight: Powder Lodge Farellones
Day 5: Cerro Parva Touring
After breakfast, the shuttle will take you to the second resort of the trip, La Parva.
La Parva ski resort is a world-renowned ski destination located in the central Andes of Chile. The resort offers stunning views of glaciers over 5.000 meters and the city of Santiago in the background. It is known for its diverse terrain that caters to skiers and snowboarders of all levels.
After a few turns on classic off-piste lines, you’ll put on your skins and start the ascent to Cerro Parva (4,047m / 13,277ft). Incredible landscapes with glaciers above 5,000 meters and the city behind you will be your companions during the 2-3 hour ascent to the summit. Depending on the conditions, the guides will decide on the lines, which can be steep opens and chutes.
While the ascent may not be too technical, the altitude makes it a challenge worth taking. As you make your way up, the views just get better and better until you reach the top where you’ll be treated to a 360-degree panoramic view that’s simply unbeatable.
After this epic line, you’ll return to the resort, possibly ski some groomers and then head down to the Powder Lodge at Farellones.
Apres, hot tub, sauna and dinner will be waiting upon your return.
Overnight: Powder Lodge Farellones
Day 6: Santa Tere Classic Freeride
Today you’ll experience a full day of freeriding in Santa Tere. This classic sector is the birthplace of the best national freeriders and a must-visit for international freeriders.
With endless options, Santa Tere will bring out the best ski/riding level in everyone. This freeride sector has lift access via El Colorado ski resort and returns by private shuttle back to the ski resort after each run offering effortless epic lines.
On average, the Santa Tere lines have about 550 meters of pure enjoyment on slopes ranging from 30-40 degrees with varying levels of difficulty and plenty of fun features to play on.
At the end of each run, the private shuttle will be waiting for us to return to El Colorado and start the ascent again. The number of runs ultimately depends on the group’s energy, but in general guests can handle 3-5 runs.
You’ll pack up after a nice lunch and head to the last stop: Cajón del Maipo paradise. Upon arrival to El Morado Lodge, you’ll have dinner and along with the guides review and decide on the options for the next day.
Overnight: El Morado Lodge
Day 7: Cajón del Maipo Paradise
You’ll be heading out to the heart of the Cajón del Maipo to experience a full day of backcountry skiing. The stunning mountain ranges and endless ski lines will be the playground for the days remaining.
With enough energy left, you’ll hit the aprés ski in the lodge for a little celebration and some well-deserved relaxation in the pools.
Now that you’ve got a handle on the level of the mountains you’re up against and the skills of the crew, let’s get fired up to check out what options are in store for the big finale!
Overnight: El Morado Lodge
Day 8: Sledding in paradise
It’s the final day of skiing and you’ll be going out with a bang.
You’ll be touring one last time, challenging yourselves to ski or ride some of the most breathtaking lines of the trip, getting close to them assisted by some sleds.
The Cajón del Maipo will be the backdrop as you explore the mountains and push your limits high in the Andes.
After a long day of touring, the group will gather for one final “asado” and share the experiences of the trip.
Overnight: El Morado Lodge
Day 9: Relax & departure
Today is a day of ultimate relaxation at the lodge, with a sparkling pool waiting for you to dive into and soak up the serenity. You can make the most of this moment to unwind and recharge before you head back to reality.
As the sun rises higher in the sky, you’ll gather your bags and start to say goodbyes. The late morning or early afternoon, depending on your flight schedule, will mark the end of this incredible journey.
But don’t worry, the memories and lessons learned on this trip will stay with you forever!
Disclaimer
Although we do everything possible to stick to the planned schedule, the itinerary and departure in general are subject to change for numerous reasons, mainly to seek out better snow conditions. In the Andes you will always find fresh powder, let’s go for it!