Chilean Ski Mountaineer 2010
(Any minor changes to the itinerary for 2011 will be published by October 2010).
For 2010 dates and prices please return to the Chilean Ski Mountaineer 'front page'
SummaryA great short itinerary for those who want to ski-mountaineer on great snow in a fascinating country. The volcano ascents on this itinerary are long climbs but with stunning summit views and great skiing back down. |
Outline Itinerary |
|
| Day 1-2 | Flight to Santiago and resort day |
| Day 3 | Drive south |
| Day 4-15 | Ski ascents in southern Chile |
| Day 16-17 | Return to Santiago and journey home |
Off-piste boarding on Volcan Chillan.
INTRODUCTION TO THIS EXPEDITION
This ski-mountaineering holiday, which we pioneered ten years ago in August 1999, takes us back again to the country with the best ski mountaineering in the Andes. The expedition will be largely based in the Chilean Lake District where we plan to make ski mountaineering ascents of many of the volcanoes.
The expedition will kick off in the Lake District where we plan to make one day ascents of many of the southern volcanoes including the spectacularly active Villarrica 2847m. We also plan to attempt ascents of Antuco 2985m, Lonquimay 2865m, Chillan 3212m Choshuenco 2415m, 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 good weather we made to as many as 8 summits in 2001) On days of bad weather we will ski some of the downhill resorts in the south, such as those on Chillan and Villarrica.
Expedition members should be strong parallel or telemark skiers (black runs). Previous ski-mountaineering and/or mountaineering experience is very useful for this itinerary. If you don't have this experience then our Argentine Ski Mountaineer will be more suitable. We will take our own skis out to Chile.
Skiing off the summit of Volcan Llaima, on our second trip to Chile in October 2001.
SANTIAGO AND THE RESORTS
This expedition will fly out to Santiago and we will spend a short time in the city at the beginning and end of the expedition. Santiago, the capital of Chile, is a large city of some five million people but is one of the most pleasant and relaxing cities in South America. The people are friendly and there are many pavement cafes, parks and wide avenues. There are also plenty of good restaurants which will give us an opportunity to load up with calories and wine before the skiing.
At the start of the trip we will make a visit to the nearby ski resorts of Valle Nevado (if it is still open). This resort is of an international standard, with over 20 runs and plenty of advanced skiing. The skiing is generally between 2800 and 3800m above sea level and we're expecting lots of good dry powder. The resorts by Santiago are normally open till about the first week of October, depending on winter snow cover. The price of lift tickets here (and if we visit any resorts in the south) is not included in our price. These vary between resorts but are around $35-$45 per day.
Off-piste boarding at La Parva, on our eighth Chile ski trip, August 2007
THE ANDEAN LAKE DISTRICT
The main part of the expedition will be based in the Chilean Lake District. This area, a days drive south of Santiago, has one of the largest concentrations of national parks in South America and is one of the most scenic areas of the world. The scenery is an unusual and beautiful mixture of volcanic and glacial; deep blue lakes, green pastures, forest covered hills and ice capped volcanoes. Both the Chileans and the Argentines have set up National Parks to preserve this scenic grandeur. While in this area we will be based in valley hotels or chalets but will aim to get out and ski the hills on most days, making ascents of the big volcanoes mixed with shorter days skiing through the beautiful forests.
VOLCAN VILLARRICA
The ascent of Volcan Villarrica will probably be one of the most memorable days of this expedition. It is a highly active volcano which last erupted in 1984. From the edge of the crater it is possible to look down into a lake of red hot lava, or see stones hurled up the walls of the crater. You also get to breathe in some of the world's worst smelling gas! The activity does vary from year to year but is never disappointing. The mountain is 2840m high, and an easy one day ascent from the ski resort by the north slopes.
VOLCAN LLAIMA & SIERRA NEVADA
Volcan Llaima 3125m is a beautiful symmetrical cone which rises above the monkey puzzle forests of the Conguillio National Park. The ascent by the northern flanks will take only one long day from a track near the snow line. The volcano is active and emits steam and ash from time to time. We've had superb 1800m ski descents off Llaima every year so far. Sierra Nevada is a neighbouring peak of 2554m, a great ski ascent once you have walked through the bamboo forest to get to the snow.!
VOLCAN LONQUIMAY
Lonquimay is another superb ski ascent, a slightly shorter day, starting from the road end by some beautiful monkey puzzle forest. The peak is 2865m high but it is usually only possible to ski to about 2600m, followed by a walk up a narrow ridge.
Going up Lonquimay on the fourth trip in 2003....
......and coming back down on snowboards (Sierra Nevada and Llaima in the distance)
VOLCAN ANTUCO
Another beautiful conical volcano, Antuco (2985m) is a straightforward ascent by the north slopes to the tiny summit crater where it is usually possible to find a warm rock to sit on for a snack and a drink. The view from the top is very beautiful, looking out over the turquoise Laguna de la Laja to Argentina.
NEVADOS DE CHILLAN
Further north again are the Nevados de Chillan, a 3212m high peak above the resort of Chillan. Again we plan a single day ascent, using the lifts to give us some extra height quickly!
CLIMATE
Chile generally has very stable winter weather more like the continental USA than the European Alps, but there is obviously a chance of some bad weather and snowstorms while we're there. Windy days can also be a problem in the Andes, but by September warm sunny days are also very common.
HARDSHIPS
On this expedition we aim to keep hardships to a minimum. All ascents will be for a single day with hotel or chalet accommodation at night.
FITNESS AND EXPERIENCE NECESSARY
Expedition members should be fit and competent nordic or alpine skiers preferably with previous touring experience. It's also possible to use a snowboard on this trip but please phone to discuss this first. The minimum skiing or boarding ability necessary is being able to descend black runs in good control at a reasonable speed.
Winter skills including use of an ice axe and crampons may be needed for the ascents but as we will be on easy snow slopes any customers without such skills can be instructed during the expedition. It is not essential to have these skills before joining the expedition.
A good standard of ski touring fitness is essential for this expedition as many of the single day ascents are relatively long.
FLIGHTS
Flights from London to Santiago, cost from about £800-£1000 but are currently rising sharply. We can arrange these for you through our travel agents, Journey Latin America (ATOL 2828) at very competitive prices. We make no charge for this service and many customers find it convenient as we then all fly out on the same plane.
If you prefer you can arrange your own flights to fit in with the expedition itinerary. Please note that if booking flights yourself it is better to pay only a deposit in the short term in case we do not have sufficient fully paid customers to run the expedition.
Sunset on Volcan Antuco, on the first "Andes" ski trip in July 1999
VISAS
Visas are not necessary for British citizens, but you should have a full passport valid for at least a year from the date of travel. If you will not be using a British passport please make this clear at the time of booking.
INSURANCE
All clients must be insured for medical costs and repatriation in an emergency. We recommend having insurance for baggage, personal liability and cancellation as well. If you would like advice on insurance please ask. Please bring an extra copy of your insurance certificate on the expedition for the leader.
ACCOMMODATION
While we are staying in Santiago and the Lake District all accommodation will be in clean and secure hotels or chalets (cabañas) with hot showers. We normally use small family run hotels with a friendly atmosphere. Unlike many of our expeditions, there is no camping on this trip.
HEALTH, HYGIENE AND SECURITY
Chile is one of the most well developed countries in South America and the standard of hygiene is generally as good as at home. You would be unlucky to get an upset stomach or diarrhoea. Vaccinations for tetanus, typhoid and polio are recommended. The country is very safe and relaxing to travel in; theft and muggings are as unlikely as they are in most British cities. Everyone who visits Chile is surprised by how much like a part of Europe the country is.
EXPEDITION ORGANISATION
Our expeditions are designed to be small and flexible. The expedition will be co-ordinated, organised and lead by us, but we will consult and involve the expedition members when planning the details of the trip.
Please note however that the leaders decision is final where the safety of the group or any member is in jeopardy; for example where retreat or diversion is necessary due to illness or bad weather.
EXPEDITION SIZE
The minimum number of customers we need to run this holiday is three. The maximum size will be six customers plus leader.
Lava erupts from the crater of Volcan Villarrica.
SAFETY AND RISK
This is an adventure holiday and all clients will be exposed to an element of risk by taking part in this itinerary. It is important that you understand the risks involved before signing our booking form. We have identified the following areas as the principal additional risks of this itinerary. This is not a fully inclusive list - please ask if you would like to see a more detailed risk assessment before booking.
Driving, hotels and general safety : In Chile driving, hotel fire safety standards and general safety standards are not as high as in Europe.
Mountain Hazards : There is a considerable risk of injury while skiing and using lift machinery. Pistes are not as well marked as in the US or Europe. Off-piste there may be considerable danger of avalanches, as well as other mountain dangers arising from bad weather and minor slips and falls on steep terrain.
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