South of Chile

ARAUCANÍA &
LOS LAGOS

Backcountry skiing in Los Lagos and Araucanía is a unique experience. With stunning landscapes and diverse terrain, these areas are ideal destinations for off-piste skiing. Villarrica and Osorno, two iconic volcanoes in Los Lagos, boast ski routes where crystalline lakes meet soaring peaks. These active volcanoes challenge skiers with rugged, diverse slopes.
 
In Araucanía, the Lonquimay, Sierra Nevada, and Llaima volcanoes offer remote, unspoiled ski touring routes. Lonquimay and Sierra Nevada offer untouched scenery and superb snow, while Llaima offers demanding slopes for adventurous visitors. All three offer prime areas to explore in rugged terrain.
 
Whether you’re an experienced skier or a mountain enthusiast, Los Lagos and Araucanía invite you to explore the best of backcountry skiing. Discover unexplored surroundings, immerse yourself in breathtaking nature, and conquer adrenaline-filled routes. Plan your next adventure in these remarkable destinations.
June to September

Backcountry Skiing

Villarrica Volcano
Osorno Volcano
Lonquimay Volcano
Sierra Nevada
Llaima Volcano
An active volcano at 1.863 meters, known for its symmetrical cone and continuous slopes. The mountain offers consolidated snow and long lines, ideal for off-piste skiing. Its volcanic activity requires constant evaluation of safety and snow conditions.
 
From the summit, long descents run from the active crater to the base, with up to 1,500 meters of vertical drop. Ski touring and freeride are accessible from Pucón Ski Center. The area receives abundant snow, with powder in winter and perfect spring firn for ski mountaineering. Slopes reach 35-40°, with exposed couloirs and fumarole hazards that demand attention and experience.

At 2,652 meters, it features a perfect conical profile with moderate to steep slopes, which provide technical descents and sustained lines. These slopes also offer good winter snow stability, making the mountain suitable for ski touring and crampon ascents in harsher conditions.

Famous for its symmetrical, continuous slopes, the mountain is ideal for fluid backcountry skiing. With approximately 1,200 m of descent from summit to base, it features slopes of 25-30° and couloirs of 35-40°. Excellent-quality, spring-firm snow predominates, but wind often limits powder and can create firm, icy conditions, which affect descent technique and raise difficulty, particularly near the summit. Progression on hard snow is required, especially at the summit, so crampons may be necessary.

At an altitude of 2,865 meters, it stands out for its extensive and remote volcanic terrain. Its wide slopes and regular elevation changes allow for extended backcountry routes, although exposure to wind and rapid weather changes requires planning and appropriate technical equipment.

Wide slopes for volcano laps. Combines forest (28-32°) with cone (30-36°). Up to 1,200 m of descent. Inclination: 25-35°, couloirs up to 40°. Snow: powder in winter; firn in spring.

Mid-elevation sector with moderate slopes and open areas, ideal for technical traverses and off-piste exploration. The variability of terrain and slope orientation requires experience in snow assessment and route planning.

Ski touring through araucarias combines forests with alpine bowls. Rare opportunity for tree-skiing in Chile. Up to 1,200 m with an inclination of 25-30°, ideal for freeride.

At 3,125 meters, it is one of the largest active volcanoes in the area. The steep slopes and long descent lines present a technical challenge for advanced skiers. Changing snow conditions and volcanic risk require experience in high mountain terrain and avalanche management.

This challenging volcano in Araucanía features wide faces (30-35°) and rime ice at the crater, making crampons and an ice axe necessary. Each lap can cover up to 1,700 m of descent, with abundant snow in winter and spring firn supporting long runs. Its active crater, strong winds, and rime ice demand solid alpine experience.

For all programs

Itinerary:

Includes

Limited to 8 guests
  • 2 UIAGM-certified local guides;
  • Private ground transportation throughout the trip;
  • Safety review for avalanche and mountain conditions.

Not include

Airfare; Accommodation; Meals; Equipment and Travel Insurance.



Day 1 - Check-in Meeting

In an adventure expedition in the Chilean Andes, an initial technical orientation session is required where participants receive instructions on mountain safety, specific techniques, and emergency protocols before beginning the main activities.


Day 2 - Training

In an adventure expedition in the Chilean Andes, a training session or technical orientation is necessary so that participants receive instructions on mountain safety, techniques, and emergency protocols before beginning the main activities.


Day 3 to 10 - Activities

From day 3 to 10, we will develop our activities. We will explore the maximum number of options available according to the technical level of the group. Every day, we pick up and drop off our travelers directly at their hotel.


Location and access:

Andean Araucanía, 700 km south of Santiago, is accessed via Temuco and includes Malalcahuello (Lonquimay, Sierra Nevada) and Melipeuco (Llaima, Conguillío). Los Lagos is 780 km from Santiago, accessed via Pucón (near Villarrica) and Puerto Varas (near Osorno), close to Temuco and Puerto Montt airports.


Program Duration:

10 days / 9 nights.


Weather and best seasons::

Winter (June-August): abundant powder for off-piste skiing.
Spring (September-November): excellent firn for ski touring and traverses.

*Go Big Experience. (2025). South Of Chile. IA + humano and verified by the technical team.

Ready to climb perfect lines and go ski touring and splitboarding in Araucanía?
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