Ski Volcanoes in Patagonia
8 Days Group: 6 People $4,000 per Person
Overview of Skiing Volcanoes in Patagonia
8 DAYS IN THE PATAGONIAN ANDES MOUNTAINS, CHILE
- SKILL LEVEL: Intermediate
- DURATION: 8 Days
- Four Skiers per Ski Guide. Maximum group size 6.
TRIP DATES
- September 6-13, 2025
- September 13-20, 2025
ABOUT THIS TRIP
- Climb and ski four Andean volcanoes in eight days: Volcán Lonquimay (9,400′ | 2,865m), Volcán Llaima (10,253′ | 3,125m), Volcán Villarica (9,341′ | 2,847m), and Volcán Osorno (8,701′ | 2,652m)!
- Build your ski mountaineering knowledge with instruction and practice on fun, challenging terrain.
- Experience the beautiful landscapes and welcoming culture of Southern Chile.
- Our stays in comfy Chilean lodges combined with day ascents make this trip a truly unique experience of comfort and ski mountaineering!
Northern hemisphere ski season is over; you’ve built up your ski touring and ski mountaineering skills, and now you’re thinking about the next step to take those skills abroad. The lake district of southern Chile is a journey that delivers the critical components of adventure, culture, and excellent ski touring.
Ski Mountaineering in Patagonia, Chile
Embark on an extraordinary adventure on our Patagonia Volcanoes Backcountry Ski expeditions and explore the thrilling heights of Chile’s snow-capped volcanoes. This is a paradise for backcountry skiing enthusiasts, with towering volcanoes above lush forests providing an extraordinary setting for skiers and riders.
Our expeditions guarantee an exhilarating descent of over 5000 feet down these Chilean giants’ broad and steep slopes. Each turn offers breathtaking, picturesque views. These pristine slopes provide ideal terrain for creating unforgettable skiing experiences.
But it’s not just about skiing. The rich Chilean culture and diverse landscape offer many experiences, forging memories that last a lifetime. Imagine skiing on soft corn snow, unwinding in soothing, naturally heated mineral hot springs, and indulging in farm-fresh Chilean cuisine at the end of your adventure.
Chile is the perfect destination for applying your skiing skills in new and exciting environments, all under the guidance of our certified and experienced guides. Join us for an adventure that combines thrilling skiing with cultural immersion in the heart of Chile’s volcanic region.
Skill Requirements
This expedition is ideal for intermediate backcountry skiers who have:
- Strong downhill skills in variable snow
- Solid skinning technique
- Experience with ski touring setups
- Comfort with crampons & ice axe (skills reinforced during the trip)
- Ability to ski 4,000–5,000 vertical feet (1200–1500m) per day
Expect a range of spring conditions, from perfect corn to firmer upper-mountain snow.
Fitness Requirements
Participants should be able to:
- Move for 6–9 hours per day
- Sustain moderate pace on long ascents
- Carry a moderately heavy pack
- Maintain steady performance on steep volcanic terrain
Good base fitness is essential.
Discover the difference with Benegas Brothers Expeditions – the ultimate adventure experience.
Experience our Patagonian Volcanoes Backcountry Expedition, led by Benegas Brothers Guides, who are holders of the prestigious IFMGA/AMGA certification. Our lead guides possess an unmatched depth of experience across South America. Our guides’ intimate knowledge of the region’s unique geography, climate, and challenges ensures that every adventure is not just a tour but a complete educational experience. They are deeply committed to safely guiding you through these stunning landscapes and imparting insights that only years of exploration can bestow. You can expect to gain a deeper understanding and appreciation of this breathtaking region, making your expedition a journey of discovery and learning.
Our logistics are crafted to the highest standards, ensuring seamless transitions and prioritizing comfort. Trust us to take care of the details while you immerse yourself in the beauty and challenge of the Patagonian Volcanoes.
Patagonia, Chile – Volcanoes Ski Expedition Itinerary
(8 Days • Saturday → Saturday)
Arrival in Temuco → Transfer to Malalcahuelo.
Your BBE guide team greets you at the airport and transfers you to the mountain town of Malalcahuello. Settle into the lodge, review the week’s plan, and prepare gear for the first volcano.
Volcán Lonquimay (2,865m / 9,400 ft)
Begin the adventure at Corralco Ski Area, using the chairlift to access the high flanks of Lonquimay. The ascent leads to a panoramic summit, followed by a long, beautiful ski descent. End the day with a soak in local hot springs.
Volcán Llaima → Transfer to Pucón
Start early at Las Araucarias Ski Area. Climb across volcanic ridges to the summit overlooking a massive crater with steaming fumaroles. Ski a memorable descent, then transfer to lakeside Pucón for dinner and rest.
Rest & Explore Pucón + Hot Springs.
Take a relaxed recovery day. Visit local cafés, explore the town, enjoy views of Villarrica Volcano, or unwind in Pucón’s famous natural hot springs.
Volcán Villarrica (2,847m / 9,341 ft)
Climb one of Chile’s most active and iconic volcanoes from the Ski Pucón base. If conditions allow, enjoy a fast, aesthetic descent on perfect morning corn. Overnight again in Pucón.
Transfer to Puerto Varas (Lake District)
Travel south into the scenic Lake District and settle into Puerto Varas—known for its great dining, lakeside walks, and stunning views of Osorno Volcano.
Volcán Osorno (2,652m / 8,701 ft)
Climb Osorno’s perfectly symmetrical summit cone. Depending on conditions, you may navigate rime ice near the top. Enjoy a 360° panorama before your final big ski descent. Celebrate your week in Puerto Varas.
Departure from Puerto Montt Airport.
BBE provides an evening transfer to Puerto Montt Airport. Guests typically fly overnight and arrive in the USA on Sunday morning, with a full rest day before returning to work.
Patagonia Volcanoes Backcountry Ski Expeditions: Questions?
Here are some answers to frequently asked questions about backcountry skiing in Patagonia, Chile.
Yes. For all our international expeditions, Travel Medical & Evacuation Insurance is mandatory. This coverage includes emergency mountain evacuation (such as helicopter extraction) and international medical care in the event of an accident or illness during the trip.
We also highly recommend Trip Cancellation Coverage, which protects your investment if you must cancel due to illness or other unforeseen circumstances.
We suggest considering Ripcord, which offers comprehensive policies that include both Travel Medical & Evacuation Insurance and optional Trip Cancellation Coverage.
To embark on this adventure, you would need prior backcountry touring experience, advanced downhill skiing skills, and excellent physical fitness. You should also be confident in your uphill touring skills and systems. During our expedition in Chile, we may encounter a wide range of high-mountain snow conditions, from easy “hero” snow to more challenging conditions at different elevations and times. In terms of fitness, be prepared for days ranging from 4,000 to 5,000 vertical feet (1,200-1,500 m).
We have tried going on this trip at different times in the past, and we have found that late September to October is the best time for stable weather. Generally, the later you go, the better the weather gets, but the snowlines also start to rise. This means that you may need to walk in trail shoes while carrying your skis or snowboards on your back (depending on the year).
When skiing in spring, we should consider the melt-freeze conditions. It’s best to time our ascents so we can ski on sun-softened corn. on the descent. If we ski on corn off the top of a volcano, it’s likely that the lower flanks may be too soft, but that’s all part of the grand equation of spring skiing. We’ve experienced excellent powder skiing in this region before, as well as everything in between
For skis, we recommend choosing something with a waist size of 90-105mm. While you can opt for a wider ski, this will result in less edge hold. Conversely, a narrower ski will provide less flotation. Based on our experience, we believe that the sweet spot for this trip is a waist size of 95-100mm. As for ski length, this is a personal preference.
As for the board, it is a split board that you already know and love. It provides good edge hold but is not specifically designed for powder.
Basic ski mountaineering skills will be taught along the way, with some added tools to help us feel more secure while skinning or bootpacking.
Before embarking on a group ski touring trip, we recommend gaining confidence in your gear and uphill travel abilities by completing at least one season of ski touring (10-20 days), unless you prefer a private trip.
Of course! You are welcome to take a rest day whenever you feel like it. There are plenty of great activities you can enjoy during your downtime, such as visiting hot springs, going on guided river adventures like SUP or pack rafting, skiing (when the lifts are operating), hiking, and horseback riding.
We always consider customs. Custom trips make up more than 50% of our groups. Please reach out to learn more!
Engaging in outdoor adventure activities inherently involves some level of risk, which is essential to the nature of these pursuits. However, enlisting the services of a professional guide is an excellent strategy for managing and reducing these risks. Activities such as skiing and climbing come with what is known as “inherent risk.” This type of risk, by definition, cannot be eliminated, even by a professional. It’s an integral aspect of mountain sports. Should you wish to delve deeper into this topic, we welcome you to contact our office for a more detailed discussion.
The cost of your trip includes your land costs, except for in-town meals. This cost includes:
– Lodging per the itinerary, including double occupancy lodging during town stays and group lodging in mountain huts.
– Breakfasts are in town, and all meals are served during mountain stays.
– Group camping and climbing equipment.
– All park and climbing permits.
– Scheduled in-country transportation.
– Airport transfers.
– Certified guides.
Please take note of the following items that are not included in the expedition package:
– Flights to/from the country of origin
– Airport taxes
– Visas
– In-town dinners
– Tips for guides or local staff
– Travel, rescue, or any other type of insurance
– Hospitalization or evacuation costs
– Single supplement charges
– Excess baggage charges
– Alcohol
– Other personal expenses
Please be aware that the costs of delays or changes to itineraries that are beyond the control of Benegas Brothers Expeditions or its agents are not included in the package.
Pricing
Pricing is a typical estimate, final quote will be provided after receiving your inquiry.
