Skiing Volcanoes in Chile

For the sake of not dooming spots or chaffing anyone about commercial trips, I’ll just share some photos of a recent volcano trip in Chile. It was a pretty nice way to ease into the ‘23-24 ski season. We skied on four different volcanoes (There were a couple of repeat days, the volcanoes are huge and offer multiple descents.)and enjoyed three summits over the course of nine days. Some of them offered runs as long as 1950m. Melt freeze conditions and a bit of hot pow made for fast travel and great spring skiing—we covered over 100km and 10,900m during the trip.

If you’re looking for storm skiing below tree line, I’d suggest going earlier in the season, however going later in September or early October allows for the roads to melt out and provides more stable weather and avalanche conditions.

All in all it was a great trip and I am stoked to go back next year!
Attachment 472848Attachment 472850Attachment 472851Attachment 472852Attachment 472853Attachment 472854Attachment 472855Attachment 472856Attachment 472857Attachment 472858Attachment 472859Attachment 472860Attachment 472861Attachment 472862Attachment 472863Attachment 472864Attachment 472865Attachment 472866Attachment 472867Attachment 472868Attachment 472869

Amazing pics! Considering a mid-late October trip next year, do you think that would be too late in the season?

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by Benneke10

Amazing pics! Considering a mid-late October trip next year, do you think that would be too late in the season?

---

Late October is definitely getting on in the season—the further south you go, you can buy yourself some more time. Personally, I like the mid-September/early October window.

Curious on a trip like this is it usually a whole group paying for you, people you know before, but maybe some unfamiliar with each other or folks you haven’t worked with, but trust your vetting.

Nicely done

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by Arctos Guides

Late October is definitely getting on in the season—the further south you go, you can buy yourself some more time. Personally, I like the mid-September/early October window.

---

You got it, buddy! Late October can be pushing it for skiing volcanoes in Chile. If you want to maximize your chances of hitting the slopes, aim for mid-September or early October. 🏂🗻

But then again, on the other hand, you can still ski well into November, albeit accessing snow above the tree line, and funkier conditions. Looked like someone got a good line down V Villarrica on Nov 26

Attachment 479549

We made a lightning trip to our rancho just after that and there was still lots of snow

Attachment 479550

Attachment 479551

And Llaima looked good from the air, Temuco city below.

Attachment 479552

So apart from skiing, the trails are less muddy, the beaches warmer, days longer, and everything is bursting into life.

But then again, on the other hand, you can still ski well into November, albeit accessing snow above the tree line, and funkier conditions. Looked like someone got a good line down V Villarrica on Nov 26

Attachment 479549

We made a lightning trip to our rancho just after that and there was still lots of snow

Attachment 479550

Attachment 479551

And Llaima looked good from the air, Temuco city below.

Attachment 479552

So apart from skiing, the trails are less muddy, the beaches warmer, days longer, and everything is bursting into life.

Wow, those pictures are amazing! My wife and I are already hyped for our trip to Chile next year. Seeing your pics just got us even more excited! We're thinking of getting a guide from this cool company, https://gowithguide.com/chile since it's our first time visiting Chile. Having a guide would make things easier, you know? As for accommodations, we'll probably just find a nearby hotel or Airbnb. If anyone have any suggestion it would be much appreciated, TIA. Can't wait for the adventure! :wink:

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by Benneke10

Amazing pics! Considering a mid-late October trip next year, do you think that would be too late in the season?

---

I had full-on winter powder conditions on an October trip in 2019. Knee deep pow off the summit of Lonquimay and also good pow off Llaima W face. We did get lucky.

I think it's still prime volcano season although the lower elevs might be more melted out. It equates to April in Northern hemisphere, which is really just the start of volcano season in the PNW.

That said, going a bit earlier is nice because the ski areas will still be open if you want to use lifts to get higher. Your access points will be more limited because roads will still be snowed in

Beautiful stuff! Im sure the pics are deceiving but approaches look somewhat straightforward assuming the roads go high enough. Rad!