Ski Chile & Argentina on one trip! Our award winning Andes backcountry powder chasing adventure. Backcountry lift access ski touring, cat skiing, and vineyards.
Explore the Andes with our award-winning Backcountry Discovery adventure—an unforgettable 11-day ski and snowboard journey from Chile to Las Leñas, Argentina. You’ll use lift access to reach some of the best backcountry terrain in South America, then skin and tour into it under your own power— this is genuine backcountry touring at a more approachable pace, not just riding lifts.
From the trip description by PowderQuest
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 guidingFull-time, certified, bilingual guides with expert local knowledge; bilingual IFMGA or ACMG-certified guides
Terrain, ability and who it is for
- For advanced skiers and snowboarders who are confident riding ungroomed black diamond terrain in a variety of snow conditions, including powder, wind-affected snow, and firm or variable surfaces.
- As part of our new Backcountry Discovery trips, while uphill touring is part of the experience, the focus is on shorter ascents and maximizing your downhill fun.
- Snowboarders should be able to maintain momentum across flats and traverse confidently.
- Expect climbs of up to 500–700 meters (1600–2300 feet) on touring days, broken into manageable segments.
- This trip also includes a full day of cat skiing and two travel days—perfect for recharging between powder days.
- Enjoy 3,000-foot vertical descents and epic Andes vistas during a full day of adventure cat skiing at Arpa Snowcats.
- Sport
- Ski + Snowboard
- Max group size
- 6 guests
From the trip description by PowderQuest
What the price includes
Included
- Lodging
- Lift pass
- Meals
- Transfers · partly
- Expert Support Full-time, certified, bilingual guides with expert local knowledge (In the rare case of fewer than 4 guests, the trip may be guided by one certified guide.)
- Dedicated bilingual support office in Chile, ensuring seamless logistics and extra peace of mind throughout your adventure.
- Private ground transportation
- Cat ski day at Arpa Snow Cats
- Round trip flight Santiago-Mendoza
- All lift tickets
- Lift line priority in Las Leñas
- Gratuities for hotel services and drivers
- Accommodations Handpicked hotels and lodges thoughtfully selected for location, comfort, character, and authentic South American hospitality.
- Meals Daily breakfast
- All dinners hosted by your guides
- Lunch on our cat skiing day
- Vineyard lunch and wine tasting in Mendoza, Argentina
- Wine, carefully selected by our guides to enhance every dinner
Not included
- Travel insurance
- Additional baggage fees on our included flight. Allowance of 1 bag, 23 kg (50 lbs)
- Lunches and beverages not mentioned in the What's Included section
- Guide gratuities at your own discretion
Not confirmed by the company: Lesson.
Day by day
- Day 1: Welcome to The Andes. Arrive in Santiago, Ski El Colorado or La ParvaMeet the guides and group at 10AM in the Wyndham Santiago Pettra Hotel lobby. Travel to Farellones, check into the lodge, and take an afternoon backcountry outing from La Parva or El Colorado. An ACMG or IFMGA guide leads the snow-safety review before group dinner. Previous-night hotel bookings can be arranged on request.
- Days 2–3: Off-Piste exploring and Ski Touring out of Valle Nevado, La Parva, and El Colorado.Explore backcountry terrain accessed from La Parva, Valle Nevado and El Colorado. Breakfasts and dinners are provided, with time for lodge facilities after skiing.
- Day 4: More Andes ski and snowboard adventures. Overnight in Santiago, Chile.After breakfast and checkout, ski more backcountry before travelling to Santiago for a hotel stay and group dinner.
- Day 5: Cat Skiing at Arpa Snow CatsStart early for a 4x4 journey to El Arpa and a full day of cat skiing. Dinner and overnight are in Santiago.
- Day 6: Fly to Mendoza and travel to Las LeñasAfter breakfast, fly for an hour to Mendoza and travel through wine country toward Las Leñas. Stop for lunch and wine tasting at an Uco Valley vineyard, then check into the Las Leñas hotel for five nights.
- Days 7–10: Backcountry touring around venerable Las LeñasFull days touring the Las Leñas backcountry, with daily breakfasts and hosted dinners. Additional cat skiing is optional and depends on weather and conditions.
- Day 11: Return to SantiagoAfter breakfast, transfer privately to Mendoza airport and take the 50-minute flight to Santiago. Say farewell and continue home or extend the trip.
From the trip description by PowderQuest
Where you stay
Handpicked hotels and lodges thoughtfully selected for location, comfort, character, and authentic South American hospitality.
Getting there
- Day 1: Arrive in Santiago, Chile. Day 6 includes the included round trip flight Santiago-Mendoza across the Andes. Day 11: Return to Santiago.
- Private ground transportation is included throughout the trip; additional baggage fees on the included flight (allowance of 1 bag, 23 kg / 50 lbs) are not.
From the trip description by PowderQuest
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 25 – Sep 4, 20272027 · 11 days · 10 nightsNot publishedAvailableChoose these datesBook 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; details as of September 2, 2026.
Good to know
- Dates: AUG 25-SEP 4, 2027 (trip fact box).
- Pricing Details: (in USD) $ per person, shared twin room with private bath — the page prints the currency and basis but leaves the amount blank.
- Optional private room available (limited availability); the page leaves the upgrade amount blank.
- Deposit: 25% to confirm your reservation. Final balance due 90 days prior to departure.
- Style: Backcountry Touring with Lift Access, Backcountry Discovery. Difficulty: Moderate. Limited to: 6 guests. Duration: 11 Days / 10 Nights.
- Formerly part of our more advanced touring lineup, this trip has been refocused for our new Backcountry Discovery series.
From the trip description by PowderQuest
