Overall Rating

Central Andes Backcountry Safari

Central Andes Backcountry Safari5/51
Central Andes Backcountry Safari5 out of 5 based on 1 reviews
  • Recommend
    100%
  • Would Revisit
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Central Andes Backcountry Safari Enquire
Price p/p Based on per person for a group of 4 for 2024 season. Base/invoice currency is USD
Displayed price might vary slightly from actual due to exchange rate fluctuations.
USD 4,990

ANDES BACKCOUNTRY FREERIDE TOUR
8 Nights | 9 Days | 7 Days Skiing

Location: South America | Tour Focus: Guided | Terrain Focus: Off-Piste, On-Piste, Backcountry, Sidecountry
Ability: Advanced to Expert
Price p/p Based on per person for a group of 4 for 2024 season. Base/invoice currency is USD
Displayed price might vary slightly from actual due to exchange rate fluctuations.
USD 4,990
This all-inclusive bespoke safari for private groups takes in some of the most iconic ski/snowboarding lines in the Chilean Andes with destinations including Portillo, La Parva, El Colorado & Cajón del Maipo. Stay in fabulous accommodations with all meals included.
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All Inclusive Central Andes Backcountry Tour

This 8-night / 9-day Chilean Andes road trip is designed for advanced to expert skiers & boarders who want to challenge themselves riding some of the best terrain on the planet including steep chutes, couloirs and massive descents. Some of the terrain is accessible via lifts (or partly by lifts) plus a day of sled access skiing/riding and the rest is done by skinning and boot packing.

This is a bespoke tour for your private group (2-8 people).

You will journey through some of the most stunning mountain ranges in the world from Portillo Ski Resort, La Parva, El Colorado and to the heart of Cajón del Maipo, where you'll be hitting the big mountains and exploring the extraordinary terrain.

Your knowledgeable and qualified guides will be with you every step of the way, helping to choose the best lines based on conditions and your ability.

At the end of each day you will indulge in a little relaxation and some well-deserved apres-ski fun.

You will enjoy quality accommodations at the Portillo Octagon Lodge with access to all of the resort facilities including the magnificent outdoor heated pool and jacuzzis, dining options and a bar. You will stay at Powder Lodge Farellones for the La Parva & El Colorado component of the trip, and Lodge El Morado at Cajón del Maipo. All meals, wine and transport are included.

All you need to do is get yourself to Santiago and Andes Touring will look after the rest.

Get ready to challenge yourself and make memories that will last a lifetime.

Tour Highlights

  • Discover the heart of the Andes, one of the most beautiful and scenic mountain ranges in the world. With super big snow-capped peaks, glaciers, and huge valleys. This is the REAL big mountain terrain.
  • You will ride some of the most incredible lines in the Andes pushing your skill level to the limits. The snow is often dry and powdery, providing an unparalleled skiing experience.
  • Heavy touring days at Cajón del Maipo will be sled-assisted: you’ll get to the real high Andean pow.
  • Immerse yourself in local culture and learn about the history of this beautiful country. From traditional cuisine to vibrant nightlife, Chile has something for everyone.
  • Stay at Octagon Lodge at Portillo, Powder Lodge in Farellones and Lodge El Morado at Cajón del Maipo. These lodgings offer stunning views of the surroundings and are the perfect places to rest after a day of skiing.
  • Access to multiple ski resorts, including Portillo, El Colorado and La Parva. Each resort has its own unique terrain, ensuring that you have a diverse and exciting skiing experience.
  • Everything is included!
 Inquire for further information and to discuss options.

Ability

Technical Level

This trip is rated as Advanced (3/4): recommended for skiers/riders with advanced backcountry skills, the ability to navigate the mountain with ease, proper equipment usage, handle any conditions, and descend steep slopes.

Physical Demand

This trip is rated as Challenging (3/5): recommended for athletes with good physical condition. Daily activity time may be up to 6 hours, distances covered may be up to 18 km, positive elevation may be up to 1000m, and you may reach an altitude of up to 4,500 meters above sea level.

Equipment

You will require full touring gear (split boards for snowboarders) and avalanche safety gear.

Your Guides

Andes Touring is made up of a collaboration of local guides who have years of experience skiing & riding the Andes. All guides are certified UIAGM-FIGMA or ANGM and intimately know the terrain and the discipline they will guide you in.

Itinerary

Day 1: Touchdown in Santiago

Get ready for an exciting backcountry ski tour in the Andes Mountains of Chile.

Your Andes Touring team member will pick you up from the airport or your hotel early in the morning and transfer you to Portillo.

Depending on your arrival time, you may have the opportunity to warm the legs up at Portillo Ski Resort.

Enjoy a soak in the pool / jacuzzis whilst watching the sun go down and a fabulous sit-down meal in the hotel's restaurant.

Overnight: Octagon Lodge, Portillo

Day 2: Portillo Ski Resort Adventure

After a hearty breakfast at the hotel you’ll start the day with some ski resort skiing to get the body acclimated and take the pace of high altitude skiing with stunning views.

Portillo is surrounded by giant cliffs and most of its slopes drop directly into the famous turquoise waters of Laguna del Inca.

The group will end the ski day at the must-go aprés ski spot at Portillo. 

Overnight: Octagon Lodge, Portillo

Day 3: Cristo Redentor Touring

Today is the day of some serious touring! You’ll be heading to the border with Argentina and after passing through the border checkpoint, the guides will park the shuttle (without crossing to Argentina) to start the ascent. Your destination is the famous Cristo Redentor, a landmark that marks the border and the former “Uspallata” border crossing, used by the Army of the Andes in 1817 to liberate Chile from Spanish rule.

Upon arrival at the top, the views will be breathtaking: immense mountain ranges with the massive Cerro Aconcagua (6,951m – 22,840ft) in the background. The group will take a good break, have an energizing snack, and prepare for the descent. The line is generally in great shape, with moderate pitches that make it suitable for all levels. Just enjoy the ride!

After the adventure, the group will head back to the shuttle and return to the hotel. The evening will have the same panorama as the previous days.

Overnight: Octagon Lodge Portillo


Day 4: Super C Megaline

You’ll fuel up with a big breakfast before heading to the Super C backcountry line.

This line has over 1,300 vertical meters (4.265 vertical feet) and is a must-visit for any freerider. Slopes with up to 50 degrees surrounded by rock walls make it an extreme and thrilling scene.

After the line, you’ll refuel at the cafeteria, ski some more groomers and head back to Santiago. You’ll stop for a traditional Chilean lunch and end the day at Powder Lodge located at Farellones in the Tres Valles.

Overnight: Powder Lodge Farellones

Day 5: Cerro Parva Touring 

After breakfast, the shuttle will take you to the second resort of the trip, La Parva.

La Parva ski resort is a world-renowned ski destination located in the central Andes of Chile. The resort offers stunning views of glaciers over 5.000 meters and the city of Santiago in the background. It is known for its diverse terrain that caters to skiers and snowboarders of all levels.

After a few turns on classic off-piste lines, you’ll put on your skins and start the ascent to Cerro Parva (4,047m / 13,277ft). Incredible landscapes with glaciers above 5,000 meters and the city behind you will be your companions during the 2-3 hour ascent to the summit. Depending on the conditions, the guides will decide on the lines, which can be steep opens and chutes.

While the ascent may not be too technical, the altitude makes it a challenge worth taking. As you make your way up, the views just get better and better until you reach the top where you’ll be treated to a 360-degree panoramic view that’s simply unbeatable.

After this epic line, you’ll return to the resort, possibly ski some groomers and then head down to the Powder Lodge at Farellones.

Apres, hot tub, sauna and dinner will be waiting upon your return.

Overnight: Powder Lodge Farellones


Day 6: Santa Tere Classic Freeride 

Today you’ll experience a full day of freeriding in Santa Tere. This classic sector is the birthplace of the best national freeriders and a must-visit for international freeriders.

With endless options, Santa Tere will bring out the best ski/riding level in everyone. This freeride sector has lift access via El Colorado ski resort and returns by private shuttle back to the ski resort after each run offering effortless epic lines.

On average, the Santa Tere lines have about 550 meters of pure enjoyment on slopes ranging from 30-40 degrees with varying levels of difficulty and plenty of fun features to play on. 

At the end of each run, the private shuttle will be waiting for us to return to El Colorado and start the ascent again. The number of runs ultimately depends on the group’s energy, but in general guests can handle 3-5 runs.

You’ll pack up after a nice lunch and head to the last stop: Cajón del Maipo paradise. Upon arrival to El Morado Lodge, you’ll have dinner and along with the guides review and decide on the options for the next day.

Overnight: El Morado Lodge

Day 7: Cajón del Maipo Paradise

You’ll be heading out to the heart of the Cajón del Maipo to experience a full day of backcountry skiing. The stunning mountain ranges and endless ski lines will be the playground for the days remaining.

With enough energy left, you’ll hit the aprés ski in the lodge for a little celebration and some well-deserved relaxation in the pools.

Now that you’ve got a handle on the level of the mountains you’re up against and the skills of the crew, let’s get fired up to check out what options are in store for the big finale!

Overnight: El Morado Lodge

Day 8: Sledding in paradise

It’s the final day of skiing and you’ll be going out with a bang.

You’ll be touring one last time, challenging yourselves to ski or ride some of the most breathtaking lines of the trip, getting close to them assisted by some sleds.

The Cajón del Maipo will be the backdrop as you explore the mountains and push your limits high in the Andes.

After a long day of touring, the group will gather for one final “asado” and share the experiences of the trip.

Overnight: El Morado Lodge

Day 9: Relax & departure

Today is a day of ultimate relaxation at the lodge, with a sparkling pool waiting for you to dive into and soak up the serenity. You can make the most of this moment to unwind and recharge before you head back to reality.

As the sun rises higher in the sky, you’ll gather your bags and start to say goodbyes. The late morning or early afternoon, depending on your flight schedule, will mark the end of this incredible journey.

But don’t worry, the memories and lessons learned on this trip will stay with you forever!

Disclaimer

Although we do everything possible to stick to the planned schedule, the itinerary and departure in general are subject to change for numerous reasons, mainly to seek out better snow conditions. In the Andes you will always find fresh powder, let’s go for it!

Lodging

Octagon Lodge, Portillo (3 nights)

Staying at the exclusive Portillo Ski Resort, Octagon Lodge is located directly behind the Portillo Hotel and offers bunk-style rooms with 2 bunks per room and a private bathroom. You will share a room with other people in the group. Attempts will be made to segregate the rooms by gender but this cannot be guaranteed.

Packages in Octagon Lodge include four daily meals in the hotel dining room. Lodge guests can enjoy all the services and hotel facilities including the pool, fitness room and classes, game room, gymnasium, bar, and disco.


Octagon Lodge, Portillo

Bunk rooms with private bathroom

Access to resort facilites

Powder Lodge Farellones (2 nights)

Powder Lodge Farellones is a lovely privately operated lodge and offers impeccable service.

The lodge is cozy and has a wood-fired hot tub and a sauna and the food is fabulous.


Powder Lodge Farellones

Comfy living areas

Outdoor hot tub

El Morado Lodge (3 nights) 

The El Morado Lodge is set in the mountains at Cajon de Maipo. This will be base for a big ski touring day and a day of sled access skiing/riding.

The lodge has a lovely dining room with spectacular views and a beautiful indoor/outdoor swimming pool, plus an outdoor wood fired hot tub.

Day spa services are also available for an additional fee.


El Morado Lodge

All meals included

Lovely indoor/outdoor pool complex & hot tub


Sharing Rooms

At each accommodation you will share a room with other members of the group. If you are a couple or small group, every attempt will be made to put you in a private room. Every attempt will also be made to separate individuals by gender however this cannot be guaranteed. 

Rates, Inclusions & Add-Ons

2024 Rates

Per person rates in USD:

  • Couple (2): $6,590 
  • Group of 3: $5,390 
  • Group of 4: $4,990
  • Group of 5 and over: $4,490
  • Invoice currency is USD
  • Price is based on a shared rooms
Inclusions
  • Guides & instructors fees
  • All ground transportation
  • Lift tickets
  • 8 nights accommodation
  • Daily breakfast
  • Lunches & dinners - limited to CLP$25.000 p.p. (a big meal!)
  • Chilean wine
  • Backcountry snacks
Add-ons
No optional extras to display
Not Included
  • International flights to/from Santiago
  • Travel insurance

Andes Touring Terms & Conditions

Deposit & Balance:

  • To make a reservation, a 30% deposit of the total amount is required if less than 60 days from the start date.
  • The balance must be paid before 60 days prior to departure.
  • In case of delays in payment, Andes Touring reserves the right to charge a 90 dollar fee or cancel the reservation based on the cancellation policy below.
  • All payments are in US dollars

Cancellation by you

Our cancellation policy is as follows, depending on days prior departure:

  • 90 or more: 100% refund or 100% credit for another AT Trip.
  • 90 - 61: 50% refund or 75% credit for another AT Trip.
  • 60 - 31: 25% refund or 50% credit for another AT Trip.
  • 30 or fewer: no refunds or 25% credit for another AT Trip.
  • Credit with us is lifetime.
  • You can also transfer it to a friend or family member if you want. The transfer applies only to new reservations.

Travel Insurance is MANDATORY.

You should have as a minimum medical coverage for the activities you will be undertaking and air evacuation in case of an incident in the backcountry. See our recommendations here.

Cancellation by Andes Touring 

There are events out of our control that can postpone or cancel the trip. In general, it doesn't happen, but if it does, refunds will be total and with 30 or more days prior to departure.

We can't be held responsible for any additional expenses you incur in preparation for the trip (including plane tickets, visa fees, equipment, medical expenses, or others) so trip cancellation insurance is advisable.

Additionally, each trip requires a minimum number of participants. If we enroll enough participants to carry out a trip, it is confirmed and we will notify our guests so they can make their preparations. In most cases, if a trip doesn't have enough participants, it can be moved to another departure date or trip. If not, the deposit will refunded in full or you can pay an additional fee to carry out the trip with fewer participants.