Cerro Castillo’s rugged peaks and steep terrain provide an unbeatable backdrop for a week of ski mountaineering in Chilean Patagonia.
With thousands of feet of pristine descents, wide-open bowls, and technical couloirs, this expedition offers a diverse range of terrain to challenge and inspire. Untouched lines during the day and cozy mountain lodges at night, this ski trip is the perfect way to explore this incredible region.
From the trip description by Alpenglow Expeditions
On-snow support
- Independent: Below this trip's level of support
Ski or ride independently, without trip staff accompanying you on the mountain.
- Hosted: With your guide
Trip hosts ski or ride with the group, help everyone get oriented, and share local knowledge.
- Guided: Included
Professional guides lead the group and select suitable terrain and routes based on conditions and ability. Instruction is not included.
- Coached: Not confirmed
Professional coaches lead the group, select suitable terrain, and provide instruction and personalized feedback to help you improve.
- Backcountry guidingLed by IFMGA/AMGA certified guides
Terrain, ability and who it is for
- Skiers must be expert downhill skiers/riders on a variety of terrain and snow conditions. Skiers must be able to link turns in steep terrain (up to 45 degrees) while maintaining control. Prior use of ski crampons required.
- Skiers must have at least 15 days of backcountry ski touring experience in a variety of conditions and steep terrain.
- Participants must be prepared to climb 4,000 – 5,000 vertical feet in a day.
- Sport
- Ski + Snowboard
From the trip description by Alpenglow Expeditions
What the price includes
Included
- Lodging
- Meals · partly
- Transfers
- All lodging according to itinerary, including double occupancy lodging while in town and group lodging in mountain huts.
- Breakfasts in town, all meals while on the mountain
- Group camping and climbing equipment
- All park/climbing permits*
- Scheduled in-country transportation
- Airport transfers
- Certified guides
Not included
- Flights to/from the city where the expedition begins.
- Additional nights in hotel outside of the itinerary
- Airport taxes
- Visas
- In-town dinners
- Immunizations
- 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
- Aconcagua Climbing Permit*
- The costs of delays or changes to itinerary that are beyond the control of Alpenglow Expeditions or its agents are not included.
Not confirmed by the operator: Lift pass, Lesson.
Day by day
- Day 1: ArrivalUpon arrival in Balmaceda, you’ll be greeted by our team and begin the scenic drive to Cerro Castillo. The journey takes us through breathtaking Patagonian landscapes, with towering peaks and vast wilderness unfolding before us. Once we arrive, we’ll settle into our cozy mountain lodge and review plans for the upcoming days.
- Days 2–6: Ski Days in Cerro CastilloFor five incredible days, we’ll explore the best skiing Cerro Castillo has to offer. Each morning, our guides will assess conditions and choose the most promising objectives, ensuring we get the best snow and terrain each day. From open bowls and long descents to challenging couloirs and glacier runs, every day will bring a new adventure. The flexibility of our itinerary allows us to ski what the group is most excited about while prioritizing safety and snow quality. Between big ski tours, we’ll take breaks to enjoy scenic picnic lunches and soak in the breathtaking Patagonian wilderness.
- Day 7: Final Ski DayOn our last full day, we’ll head out for one final ski tour, taking in the last turns of an unforgettable week. After wrapping up our skiing, we’ll reflect on the adventure, swap photos, and enjoy one last evening together before departing the following day.
- Day 8: DepartureAfter breakfast, we’ll transfer back to the Balmaceda airport for departing flights. As we say goodbye to Patagonia, we’ll take with us memories of deep snow, breathtaking landscapes, and an unforgettable ski expedition.
From the trip description by Alpenglow Expeditions
Where you stay
Accommodations: This trip is based out of a rustic and comfortable cabin situated above a river that we’ll be living out of for the week. There are no options for single rooms. This is a communal quarters with 3-bedrooms, 3-bathrooms, a large living room and kitchen area, where we will be hanging and cooking together on most days/nights.
Getting There
Flights: You should plan to arrive in Balmaceda Airport (BBA) in the afternoon of Day 1 and depart in the late morning of the last of the trip (Day 8). Please check the dates of your trip accordingly.
From the trip description by Alpenglow Expeditions
Pins show the approximate main trip area—not a route, meeting point, or full itinerary. Confirm exact locations in the company's trip details.
Dates and prices
- Aug 21 – Aug 28, 20272027 · 8 days4,950 USD$4,950 per person; currency not labelled on the page; US-based operator (North Lake Tahoe), read as USD; "All-inclusive at $4,950 per persona"AvailableChoose these datesBook on company website
Published as "Aug 21 – Aug 28, 2027". The Aug 22 – Aug 29, 2026 date ("ONLY TWO SPOTS LEFT") has passed.
Prices, taxes and fees, required extras, inclusions, availability, and booking terms can change. Confirm the current price and trip details on the company website; source last reviewed September 24, 2026.
Good To Know
Food: Breakfast and basic lunch food items are included. Dinners are not included*, so we will shop as a group at the local market down the road for our dinners. *However, we will include a local Asado (Chilean BBQ) on one of the nights.
This trip is suitable for advanced backcountry skiers and splitboarders only. You must be very comfortable on steep terrain, and have a minimum of 15 days of touring experience in a variety of conditions.
Non-8,000m Peaks: A trip is confirmed 70 days before the start of an expedition.
When an expedition is more than 90 days out, we require a 20% deposit to guarantee your reservation. Within 90 days we require full payment.
We require Rescue Insurance on all of our international expeditions.
From the trip description by Alpenglow Expeditions
Reviews
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