The Central Andes offer a unique skiing experience with spectacular alpine landscapes, active volcanoes, and high-quality snow. Just a few hours from Santiago, areas like Cajón del Maipo, Portillo, and Valle Nevado provide quick access to varied terrain, from wide, safe slopes to technical couloirs for experienced skiers.
This region suits backcountry skiers and those who prefer high-mountain resorts with groomed runs and off-piste areas. Its proximity to the capital, accessible infrastructure, and dramatic scenery with volcanoes, glaciers, and deep valleys make the Central Andes ideal for adventurers seeking the essence of Chilean alpine skiing.
The Super C Couloirs are among the most iconic off-piste descents at Portillo. These are steep, narrow couloirs featuring sustained gradients. They demand solid technique, good control on hard snow, and experience in risk management. Access is typically short from the upper areas of the ski resort. This allows skiers to take advantage of precise windows of good conditions in a distinctly alpine, high-mountain environment.
Building on this reputation, at 3,750 m, this descent is one of the most legendary backcountry runs in the Andes, featuring a total vertical drop of 1,200 m over 5 km of continuous skiing and an average gradient of 35-40°. Rated D+ on the UIAA ski scale, it offers a long, sustained couloir with high lateral walls. Accessed through the Portillo ski resort, this is a central ski mountaineering line with objective hazards.
Given these characteristics, the Super C Couloir is considered a rite of passage for freeriding in the Andes and is often compared to alpine classics such as the Couloir des Cosmiques in Chamonix. Although proximity to Portillo ski resort streamlines logistics, its technical, high-mountain terrain remains serious and is recommended only for experienced individuals.**
Is one of the most classic sectors in Cajón del Maipo for ski touring. It features a broad, well-defined valley with moderate to sustained slopes, ideal for long traverses and progressive ascents. Its orientation and elevation provide good snow conditions through much of the winter. However, because of its open, exposed character, skiers should frequently assess snowpack stability, especially after recent storms, warming, or strong winds, as these factors can quickly change avalanche risk.
Ski Touring (central/high zone). Glacier valley with alternating gentle ramps and steeper final amphitheaters. Approach paths and initial ramps 10°–25°; amphitheaters and final face 30°–40° (occasionally > 40° on direct lines).
This place is perfect for skiers looking for steep, technical runs with big vertical drops. You access it from Valle de las Arenas, and when conditions are right, you can enjoy long, smooth descents down its slopes. Just keep in mind that the weather can change fast up there, and the wind can be strong.
This area is known for challenging terrain: steep couloirs and narrow chutes between rock faces. These lines require solid crampon skills and confident descent technique. Most couloirs are between 45° and 60°, with some short sections reaching 65°.
Portillo is 164 km from Santiago, in the Valparaíso Region, with road access taking about 2 hours, depending on weather conditions. Similarly, Cajón del Maipo is less than an hour southeast of Santiago, with San José de Maipo as the main base point and paved access suitable for regular vehicles or 4×4.
10 days / 9 nights.
Winter (June-August): abundant powder for off-piste skiing.
Spring (September-November): excellent firn for ski touring and traverses.
*Go Big Experience. (2026). Central Santiago. IA + humano and verified by the technical team.