Patagonian Volcano Ski Touring

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Patagonia is quickly becoming the number one bucket-list destination for adventure-seekrs, and for those who have discovered ski touring, there’s arguably no better place on earth for it. What could be better than spring skiing under the South American sun, with volcanoes for slopes?

This sure is a fortnight of unforgettable adventure; miles of backcountry ski terrain and epic descents nearly every day meet natural hot springs in the evening and of course, a thriving South American food scene.

There’ll be backcountry huts to explore, sunrises you’ll never forget, glistening lakes to admire and a whole bunch of laughs. Trust us, this one’s a good’un. 

Day 1: Arrival in Chile at Temuco Airport, transfer to hotel in Malalcahuello

You’ll be picked up from the airport and taken to the foot of the Lonquimay volcano ready to start your epic Patagonia adventure. A chilled evening of dinner and briefings should beat the worst of the jet lag and get you ready for the trip ahead.

Day 2: Lonquimay - Elevation: 2865m; Ascent to climb: +1365m

The trip starts off with a bang, because our first day involves ski touring up an ancient glacier-formed volcano. There’ll be camera stops-a-plenty as you take in the first of what the spectacular region has to offer.

Night in hotel in Malalcuhuello.

Day 3: Llaima - Elevation: 3125m, Ascent to climb: +1325m

Another day, another volcano! Llaima is one of the largest in the Conguilio National park at a whopping 3125m. It’s name, meaning ‘the reawakened’ in local dialect, is a hint at how you might feel at the end of the day.

Night in hotel in Malalcuhuello.

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Day 4: Rest Day: transfer to Pucon and Los Pozones Hot Springs

A day to recharge, rejuvenate and rest those weary legs in the beautiful setting of the Los Pozones Hot Springs in Pucon, a vibrant town known for its outdoorsy vibe and thriving food scene. Oh, and it’s at the foot of another volcano, the Villarica volcano - which will be tomorrow’s challenge.

Night in hotel in Pucon.

Day 5: Villarica - Elevation: 2847m; Ascent to climb: +1450m

A short drive up to the Villarica National Park takes us to the trailhead of today’s volcano tour. It’s a long ascent that rewards with whopping views, glimpses at the bubbling magma in the centre of the volcano, and an epic steep descent all the way back down to the car at the end.

Night in hotel in Pucon.

NB: Itinerary may be adjusted here depending on weather and safety conditions.

Day 6: Huilo Huilo Nature Reserve - Hidden Hot Springs

If your knees didn’t need a rest day previously, they certainly will by now. Time to take some time to relax in the hidden forest hot springs of Huilo Huilo, an idyllic spot nestled between the trees and the mountains with plenty of different pools to flit between. After a hardcore relaxation day we’ll head up into the Huilo Huilo Nature Reserve and explore the Valdivian rainforest.

Day 7: Choshuenco - Elevation: 2300m; Ascent to climb: +1000m

The Mocho-Choshuenco volcano sits neatly behind the hotel , meaning we’ll make the most of an early start and skin up through the rainforest onto the twin volcano’s peak. Another epic descent and we’re back on the road headed for the stunning Llanquihue in Chile’s Lake District

Night in hotel in Puerto Varas.

Day 8: Osorno - Elevation: 2650m

Osorno is famous for its classically conical, volcano-like shape. It sits near the spectacular Llanquihue Lake which we’ll drive round to get to the trailhead. From atop the volcano we’ll look down onto sweeping views of the lake and all the way to the Fjords near Puerto Montt. After an epic day we’ll hit the road and head for the Antillanca hot springs near the Argentine border.

Day 9: Casablanca - Elevation: 2050m; Ascent to climb: 900m

Our last volcano in Chile, Casablanca, is a stunningly snowy peak that packs a punch in terms of descent. After a day of touring we’ll drive over the Samore into Argentina and eventually the Nahuel Heap National Park. 

Night in hotel in Puyehue.

Day 10: Refugio Puyehue - Elevation: 1450m; Ascent to climb: 1000m

We hike up to this middle-of-nowhere mountain hut through thick Valdivian rainforest, looking out for wildlife as we go. Here will be our home for the night.

Day 11: Puyehue - Elevation: 2240m

Puyehue volcano is our next ascent and there’ll be opportunities to overlook its huge crates as we skin up and down, our legs now used to touring. Will we ever want to return home?

Day 12: Transfer day

We’ll rest those aching muscles today as we take a scenic drive back over the Argentine border and spend a relaxing afternoon in the town of Bariloche, a town on the edge of a lake known for its swiss-style architecture and, fittingly, it’s many chocolate shops.

Day 13: Refugio Meiling - Elevation: 200m; Ascent to climb: 1000m

After a scenic drive past the lakes of the Nahuel Huapi National Park, we’ll trek up from the hamlet of Pampa Linda to another mountain refuge that sits at the foot of an ancient glacier.

Day 14: Cerro Tronador - Elevation: 3200m; Ascent to climb: 1200m

An early morning means a big breakfast and a stunning start. We skin over sweeping glaciers toward the Blanco Pass before shredding down the most epic descent of the whole trip. Talk about saving the best until last!
Night and farewell dinner in Bariloche.

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N.B. the itinerary may need to be adjusted for safety/weather but rest assured that wherever we go it will be amazing.

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