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Site last updated on Monday 25th January 2016.
Chilean Ski Explorer. This ski-mountaineering trip, which we pioneered fifteen years ago in August 1999, takes us to the country with the best ski mountaineering in the Andes. The expedition will be largely based in the Chilean Lake District where we will make ski mountaineering ascents of many of the volcanoes including the spectacularly active Villarrica 2847m. We also plan to attempt ascents of Antuco 2985m, Lonquimay 2865m, Volcan Chillan 3186m, Llaima 3125m and Sierra Nevada 2554m It is unlikely that we will be successful on all of these peaks unless we have really superb weather. (However with a strong group and exceptional weather we made 8 summits in 2001 and in 2014 with good weather we made all but one of them). On days of bad weather we may ski some of the downhill resorts in the south, such as those on Chillan and Villarrica if they are open. Pictured above the view to Volcan Lonquimay during an ascent of Cautin, superb weather and snow conditions in August 2012.
Information about the climbing and trekking guidebooks to the Andes which I have authored. These have been translated into French, Spanish & Polish. You can purchase the English & Spanish editions on this website.
I can provide or organise logistical support for many types of mountain expeditions, in many parts of the Andes. In the past ANDES have organised treks, ski holidays, expeditions and guided climbing for private individuals, groups of friends, schools, clubs and military groups
Scheduled Courses & Expeditions
Every year I schedule a small number of unique and interesting expeditions to the Andes and Latin America. Many of these are First Ascents and other exploratory expeditions. I lead the vast majority of these myself, as many as 90% most years, with one or two selected trips sub-contracted to other qualified and experienced leaders.
Climbing & Ski Mountaineering Instruction & Guiding
In addition to the scheduled expeditions and courses I organise, which are mainly in the Andes, I can lead treks, expeditions and straightforward ski-touring trips in many diverse parts of the world.
Scottish Climbing Instruction (opens in Johnbiggar.com website)
I also regularly instruct winter climbing, rock climbing and ski mountaineering in all parts of Scotland. In the past I have run winter skills weekends, week long winter courses and guided ascents of classic rock climbs for individuals, Mountain Rescue Teams and clubs.
Why book with ANDES and John Biggar?
- Past Successes. Many of the mountaineering expeditions to the Andes that I organise offer those critical extra 2 or 3 days and low guide to client ratios necessary for success on a big mountain.
- We're Good. I am highly recommended by past customers. Have a look at the Customer Satisfaction page for further details. Not surprisingly I have very high repeat booking rates and referral booking rates and run a lot of private itineraries. That's why I haven't advertised much for more than ten years.
- We're Specialists. I personally have MORE experience of operating mountaineering, skiing and trekking expeditions to South America than anyone else in the world. I have more than twenty-five years of experience climbing and skiing in the Andes. I have climbed over 300 of the 5000m+ summits and skiied on over 100 summits in Patagonia.
- We get lots of Repeat Business. I have many satisfied customers, including some who have completed more than ten expeditions with me. Thom from Scotland just recently climbed his 20th 6000m+ peak in the Andes. All these were climbed with myself as a guide and organiser..... although I do have to say that he's put a lot of effort in himself!
- Small Groups. My maximum group size on all regular courses and expeditions is four. Smaller groups are more flexible and much less intrusive in remote mountain areas. Have a look at the 'Our Style' page for further details.
Guidebooks, Map & Photo Libraries
Andes Guidebooks Details of the guidebooks I author and publish - 'The Andes - A Guide for Climbers' and its E-book, French, Spanish and Polish editions. The 4th English edition of "The Andes - A Guide for Climbers" was published in March 2015. Spanish and French editions of this guidebook were published in 2007 and 2009, and a Polish edition in 2012.
Guidebook, Photo and Map Library Information about the extensive guidebook, photo and map library I maintain at the office in Castle Douglas.
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Contact Details
For further details of the services I can offer, more information on the mountains of South America, or to purchase my guidebooks please contact me at
or by phone 01556 503929 from the UK, + 44 1556 503929 from elsewhere in the world.
You are also welcome to write or visit at
Andes, 37a St. Andrew Street, Castle Douglas, Kirkcudbrightshire, DG7 1EN, SCOTLAND
The office is located in the middle of the town of Castle Douglas, which lies in Galloway in southern Scotland about half-way between the towns of Kirkcudbright and Dumfries.
If you experience any problems with this website (even if it's just a missing picture or missing link) or with the e-mail address please let me know using the above numbers or the alternate email address.
This website, including all photos (unless otherwise credited), maps, lists, diagrams and text © 1997-2016 John Biggar t/a Andes. Unauthorised reproduction prohibited. If you wish to use any material from this site please contact me for permission first; permission will usually be granted for non-commercial use providing you give full credit and link directly back to this website.
Free Information Files & Photo Galleries on this Website
