Summit descents in Chile's Araucanía Region.
Fall in the Northern Hemisphere means spring skiing in the Southern Hemisphere: majestic summits, corn snow, and local culture as warm as the abundant termas (hot springs). This trip is a great way to get a head start on your winter ski touring fitness while exploring Chile's breathtaking Araucanía Region.
From the trip description by Pacific Alpine Guides
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 guiding6-7 days of guided ski touring in Chile's Araucanía region
Terrain, ability and who it is for
- Previous backcountry touring experience, advanced downhill skiing ability, and excellent physical fitness are the key ingredients for this adventure.
- You should be confident with your uphill touring skills and systems.
- Fitness wise, expect days ranging from 4000-5000 vertical feet (1200-1500m).
- The peaks are all one-day missions of varying lengths, so we carry light day packs along with a few extra ski mountaineering tools such as ice axe, boot crampons and a harness (no previous mountaineering experience is needed for this trip).
- Generally, think melt-freeze spring conditions. Ideally we time our ascents to be skiing sun-softened corn on the descent.
- Sport
- Ski + Snowboard
From the trip description by Pacific Alpine Guides
What the price includes
Included
- Lodging
- Meals · partly
- Transfers
- 6-7 days of guided ski touring in Chile's Araucanía region
- 8 nights lodging (double occupancy)
- Breakfasts and dinners, as stated in the itinerary
- Ground transportation roundtrip from Temuco
Not included
- Flights to/from Chile
- Lunch food, dinners in Pucon, and alcohol
- Additional activities outside of the itinerary
- Gratuities for local staff and guides
- Single occupancy upgrade (available at additional cost)
Not confirmed by the operator: Lift pass, Lesson.
Day by day
Below is a sample itinerary that gives a good sense of a typical flow for this trip.
We may add or subtract mountains from the itinerary due to various factors.
- Day 1: ARRIVE in TEMUCO, DRIVE to PUCONTravel to Temuco, Chile (ZCO) typically takes 14-24 hours from the US. Airport pickup and transfer to our lodging in Pucon (1.5 hr drive). Overnight in Pucon. D
- Day 2: SKI VOLCÁN QUETRUPILLÁNQuetrupillán (7,740' / 2,360m) | vertical ascent: 4400’ / 1341mA short drive from Pucon, Quetrupillán sits between the Villarrica and Lanin volcanoes. In some translations it means "blunted" – looking like one of those perfect cinder cones had the top removed. Quetrupillán has a beautiful approach through the forest that gives way to moderate slopes – an excellent shakedown tour for the trip. On a nice day it's possible to ski into the crater. B, D
- Day 3: SKI VOLCÁN VILLARRICAVillarrica (9,380’ / 2,860m) | vertical ascent: 4700’ / 1433mFirst thing in the morning we drive south to Villarrica; the most popular volcano in this region and one of the most active. Another classic cone, it towers above the tourist town of Pucon and Lago Villarrica. Pucon is a hub for outdoor activities in this region, with great restaurants, souvenir shopping, and termas (hot springs) a short drive away. B, D
- Day 4: MALALCAHUELLOIn the morning we drive three hours north to the beautiful village of Malalcahuello. Options for afternoon activities include skiing at the local ski area, Corralco (a training site for the US Ski Team), visiting the local termas (hot springs), floating the river (pack-raft or SUP) or exploring the village. We settle into our accommodations at a beautiful ranch run by our local outfitter, Sergio. Overnight in Malalcahuello. B, D
- Day 5: SKI VOLCÁN LONQUIMAYLonquimay (9,400' / 2,865m) | vertical ascent: 4600' / 1402mWe start from the base of the Corralco ski area. Depending on energy levels, we have the option of going human-powered the whole way, or using the lifts to access the upper mountain. The final 1500’ ascends an aesthetic arete to the summit. Lonquimay has a classic crater at the top that can be explored on a nice weather day. B, D
- Day 6: SKI VOLCÁN LLAIMA or SIERRA NEVADALlaima (10,253' / 3,125m) | vertical ascent: 6000'Sierra Nevada (8,379' / 2554m) | vertical ascent: 3800-4600' / 1158-1402mThese two mountains make up Conguillio National Park, and we’ll chose the best objective based on weather and snow conditions, as well as the snow line elevation (affects how close we can drive to the different approaches). Both are amazing descents and longer missions - expect a big, rewarding day in the mountains. Interesting fact: Llaima last erupted in 2009. Overnight in Malalcahuello. B, D
- Day 7: LAGUNA DEL LAJA NATIONAL PARKWe drive north from Malalcahuello to a refugio at the base of Volcán Antuco (9,774’ / 2979m), a stunningly beautiful perfect cinder cone that rises above a majestic lake in Laguna del Laja National Park. Depending on weather and motivation levels, we may be able to sneak in an additional volcano ascent on this day. Overnight at a refugio. B, D
- Day 8: SKI VOLCÁN ANTUCOAntuco (9,774’ / 2979m) | vertical ascent: 5,100’ / 1554mWith a semi-alpine start we head up from the base of a small ski area on the northwest side of the mountain, gaining a broad shoulder that leads to the final summit pitches. Unparalleled summit views are followed by a huge descent. Hang out by the lake in the afternoon. Overnight at the refugio. B, D
- Day 9: RETURN TO TEMUCOIn the morning we return to La Araucanía International Airport for outbound flights. B
From the trip description by Pacific Alpine Guides
Where you stay
- 8 nights lodging (double occupancy)
- Single occupancy upgrade available at additional cost
- Airport pickup and transfer to our lodging in Pucon (1.5 hr drive). Overnight in Pucon.
- We settle into our accommodations at a beautiful ranch run by our local outfitter, Sergio. Overnight in Malalcahuello.
- We drive north from Malalcahuello to a refugio at the base of Volcán Antuco. Overnight at a refugio.
Getting There
Fly into Temuco, Chile: La Araucanía International Airport (ZCO). Most departures from the US require leaving a day early. Travel times from the US average from 14-24 hours depending on connections.
Plan your arrival flight for no later than 1pm on the first day.
We will meet the group at the airport and transfer to our hotel in Pucon, about a 90 minute drive.
We finish the trip in Temuco, arriving in the morning from Pucon. We recommend planning outbound flights for no earlier than 11am (a custom transfer can be arranged should you need to fly out earlier).
From the trip description by Pacific Alpine Guides
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
| Dates | Season | Duration | From | Availability | Booking |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Oct 3 – Oct 11, 2026Published as "Oct 3-11, 2026 [FULL]". | 2026 | 9 days | 4,400 USD$4400 per person, 9-day cost, lodging double occupancy; "$" only on the page; USD assumed (Washington-based company, US pricing) | Sold Out | Book on company website |
| Oct 6 – Oct 14, 2026Choose these datesPublished as "Oct 6-14, 2026 [FULL]". | 2026 | 9 days | 4,400 USD$4400 per person, 9-day cost, lodging double occupancy; "$" only on the page; USD assumed (Washington-based company, US pricing) | Sold Out | Book on company website |
| Oct 12 – Oct 20, 2026Choose these datesPublished as "Oct 12-20, 2026 [2 spots left]". | 2026 | 9 days | 4,400 USD$4400 per person, 9-day cost, lodging double occupancy; "$" only on the page; USD assumed (Washington-based company, US pricing) | Limited | Book on company website |
| Oct 2 – Oct 10, 2027Choose these datesPublished as "Oct 2-10, 2027"; the page prints one cost for all dates. | 2027 | 9 days | 4,400 USD$4400 per person, 9-day cost, lodging double occupancy; "$" only on the page; USD assumed (Washington-based company, US pricing) | Available | Book on company website |
| Oct 11 – Oct 19, 2027Choose these datesPublished as "Oct 11-19, 2027"; the page prints one cost for all dates. | 2027 | 9 days | 4,400 USD$4400 per person, 9-day cost, lodging double occupancy; "$" only on the page; USD assumed (Washington-based company, US pricing) | Available | Book on company website |
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
- Basic ski mountaineering skills will be taught/reviewed along the way.
- Unless you are interested in a private trip, we recommend getting at least one solid season of ski touring under your belt first (10-20 days).
- You can feel free to take a rest day at any point.
- Skis: We recommend something in the zone of 90-105mm at the waist. Board: A splitboard you know and love, with good edge hold (not a powder board).
- Custom dates and itineraries are available for private groups and individuals.
From the trip description by Pacific Alpine Guides
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