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Along
the Southern Latitude 36° of the Andean Cordillera of Patagonia
lies an abundance of active volcanoes that create some
of the best spots for backcountry skiing and riding with miles of
majestic landscapes.
This
tour is for skiers and snowboarders with experience. Activities
in this tour are physically demanding with full days of downhill
skiing. It is best to bring all your own ski/telemark/snowboard
gear.
Days on the Mountain: 8
Number
of Nights: 9
Maximum
Group Size: 8
Number
of Guests per Guide: 4
Resorts
Visited: Catedral, Bayo, Lonquimay, Pucon, Chapelco.
Lodging
is no more than 20 minutes from ski areas.
Hot Springs?: Yes!
Skills:
Intermediate to Advanced.
Included:
All breakfasts during the trip, transportation from Osorno to Temuco,
lift tickets at every resort as well as one dinner in Bariloche.
Arrival
to Pucon: Arrive to Temuco, Chile via Santiago. Meet
the ATAC trip leader and other trip members. Leaving Temuco, we
drive through the small town of Villarrica enjoying the
scenic views of mountain lakes, cascades and rainforests
typical of the Lakes District. Arrive to Pucon, a small town at the base of Villarrica Volcano.
The Villarrica volcano is the most active volcano of Chile, almost always smoking. Sometimes you can see the glow of lava at night from the lakeside resort town of Pucon.
Pucon:
Ski the steeps of Volcano Villarrica and (optional) attempt an ascent to the
crater that has some of the best views of the cordillera of
the Andes, including views of the volcanoes Osorno, Lanin, Choshuenco, etc. If you are lucky and make it to the top, view the bubbling lava within the crater. Experience an exceptional ski back
down to the resort. In the evening, take advantage of the night life,
at local dance clubs or just head back to your room for a night in
the hotel.
In the evening, experience hot springs near the town.
Pucon to San Martin: Leaving early in the morning, cross the border en route to San Martin. This
drive crosses the Andes and the border between Argentina and Chile - from the wetter, thicker forests of the west through Araucaria forests to the drier Montana-like landscapes with views of the eastern Andes. The road has gorgeous views of Lanin and Choshuenco. In the afternoon, ski at Chapelco. Stay on the water in town.
San Martin: Continue exploring Cerro Chapelco resort. In the evening, feast on Patagonia-raised lamb at the best grill in town followed by Argentina's-famous ice-cream. Stay in the same lakeside cabins as on day 4.
San Martin
to Cerro Bayo: Leaving San Martin in the
morning, drive through national park on the seven lakes road to the picturesque town of Villa La Angostura
- our home for the next 2 nights. Upon arrival, head to the slopes
of Cerro Bayo ski area. The area's base is set at 1,010
meters with a vertical of 720 meters. This area has awesome
backcountry skiing potential! In the evenings, relax in
a small hosteria set in the mountains.
Villa La Angostura to Bariloche: Continue exploring Cerro Bayo resort in Villa La Angostura. In the afternoon, hop in the van for a lakeside ride around Lake Nahuel Huapi to Bariloche - 1.5 hours drive.
Bariloche, Argentina is our home for the next three nights in the city set in the heart of the lakes region. Bariloche has the best selection of skiing, night life (casinos and clubs), local and international cuisine, and natural beauty of Patagonia. Stay at the ATAC private apartment in the middle of downtown - within walking distance to everything!
Bariloche - Robles Catedral: After breakfast, ride the new chair lifts to the top of the ski area Robles Catedral. Ski among lengas, native Patagonian trees that only live in the high mountains of Patagonia - an unforgettable experience! Depending on conditions, explore some of the best backcountry skiing in this area. In the afternoon, enjoy hot chocolate at the lodge, and in the evening take advantage of the night life with live music and dancing. Other evening options include salsa and tango lessons.
Return
Home: La Vuelta. After breakfast, and with sufficient time
to visit the local markets, drive 30 minutes to the local Bariloche airport and
take a return flight through Buenos Aires, Argentina in the late afternoon.
Note:
We do our best to adhere to the schedule listed above, however this
itinerary is subject to change. And usually for the better.
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