This unique corner of Chile is an exceptional starting point for ski touring, where mighty volcanic peaks rise above ancient araucaria forests. The region’s rugged beauty and relaxed atmosphere attract mountain lovers from around the world.
Each day you’ll step out from the comfort of your mountain lodge into a world, where ski touring blends seamlessly with natural thermal springs, thrilling descents, and authentic Andean mountain culture. Stable weather and reliable snow cover provide ideal conditions for discovering diverse terrain, while minimal daily transfers mean more time spent on the snow.
Our base will be in Mallalcahuelo. Every day we will enjoy the dramatic landscape dominated by iconic volcanoes such as Lonquimay, Sollipulli, Llaima, Sierra Nevada, and Tolhuaca, combining thrilling ski descents with breathtaking views and unforgettable backcountry experiences.
Tour Type: Ski Touring
Difficulty: Moderate to Demanding (Daily ascents of 800m–1200m)
Group Size: Small group experience
4.10.2026 - 13.10.2026
Terrain: Wide volcanic slopes, alpine bowls, and ancient araucaria forests; touring mostly between 1,800 m and 2,800 m.
Snow: Often spring snow—soft, mellow, and perfect for enjoyable descents; avalanche safety is strictly followed.
Accommodation: Warm mountain lodges in Mallalcahuello; hearty local Andean cuisine.
Adventure Factor: Not a polished resort holiday—rough roads, variable weather, and a true sense of adventure required.
Hospitality: Friendly locals, delicious regional cuisine, and optional relaxing in nearby hot springs after skiing.
Pick up at Temuco airport and scenic transfer to the mountain town of Mallalcahuello in the Araucanía region. Meet your guide, check in at the lodge, and enjoy your first dinner together.
Our first ski touring day begins with warm-up slopes at Corralco Ski Resort, then we skin up toward the summit of Lonquimay Volcano (2,865 m) for a rewarding descent through volcanic terrain back to the lodge.
Today we head to the Sollipulli Volcano area near Melipeuco. This volcano features one of the largest calderas in South America (~4 km wide). Enjoy the ascent, followed by opportunities to relax in nearby hot thermal springs in the afternoon.
A full day ski tour on the active Llaima Volcano (3,125 m). The climb and descent offer spectacular views over Conguillío National Park. Return to Mallalcahuello for dinner and rest.
A well-deserved recovery day. Options include:
Relaxing in hot springs
A leisure ski day at Corralco Ski Resort
A short forest tour around Mallalcahuello
This day allows flexibility based on your energy and weather conditions.
Skin up through forest and open terrain above Lago Conguillío toward Sierra Nevada (2,554 m). This area often has excellent snow quality and varied ski terrain for good descents.
Ski touring in Conguillío National Park on ridges and scenic terrain with broad views over volcanic landscapes—another highlight of the week’s ski objectives.
Today’s tour is selected based on group preference and snow/weather conditions:
Explore forests and meet local culture with Mapuche gastronomy, or
Ski the southern aspect of Sierra Nevada with alpine views and extended runs.
Our final big ski day takes us to the remote and scenic Tolhuaca Volcano (2,806 m) — a fitting conclusion with expansive descents and spectacular views. Return to town for a farewell group dinner.
After breakfast we depart Mallalcahuello, transfer to Temuco Airport for your flight home.
Mallalcahuello Base: Remote backcountry accessible from a cozy lodge.
Spring Snow: Soft, mellow snow perfect for flowing descents.
Cultural Immersion: Enjoy local cuisine and warm Chilean hospitality.
Hot Springs: Relax at nearby Malalcahuello Hot Springs.
Uncrowded Terrain: Pristine backcountry with minimal human presence.
For skiers who have “done it all”—from the Alps to the Rockies—Chile offers a return to the roots of ski touring. There are no crowded ski resorts, no noisy après-ski bars, and no long lift queues. Instead, there are the Andes, a volcanic mountain range stretching across South America, with pristine backcountry terrain and breathtaking landscapes. Our Ski Touring Chile program is a journey into a land of volcanoes, ancient forests, and remote Andean villages.
Why travel all the way to southern Chile to ski? The answer is in the snow. In the Araucanía region, we often encounter spring snow—soft, mellow, and enjoyable for long, flowing descents. The snowpack is stable and dry, perfect for ski touring, but avalanche safety is always a top priority. Our experienced guides carefully select routes and adjust plans daily based on conditions to ensure a safe and high-quality skiing experience.
Our tour is centered in the mountain town of Mallalcahuello, a cozy lodge base in the heart of the Araucanía region. The surrounding volcanoes—Lonquimay, Sollipulli, Llaima, Sierra Nevada, and Tolhuaca—offer accessible yet remote-feeling terrain. Ski touring here means wide volcanic slopes, open alpine bowls, and enchanting forests of ancient araucaria trees. Optional visits to Malalcahuello Hot Springs provide the perfect way to relax and soak after a day on the slopes.
Skiing in Chile is as much about the culture as it is about the turns. We stay in comfortable mountain lodges and interact with local communities, experiencing the warmth and hospitality of the Chilean Andes. Meals feature fresh, hearty Andean cuisine, from meats and vegetables to local specialties. The relaxed atmosphere, traditional villages, and connection with nature make this more than a ski trip—it’s an immersion into a unique way of life.
While the adventure is raw and remote, safety is our priority. Avalanche conditions are constantly monitored, and our tours are led by professional ski touring guides with extensive experience in backcountry route planning and snow safety. Every participant is required to carry avalanche safety equipment (beacon, shovel, probe) and follow the guide’s instructions. The itinerary is flexible, ensuring we ski the safest and best snow each day.
Our Land Only package allows modern adventurers flexibility in arranging international flights to Santiago de Chile (SCL) and inland flight to Temuca airport. Once on the ground, we handle all logistics: transfers, accommodation in remote mountain lodges, and backcountry skiing organization. You can focus fully on the skiing experience and exploring the stunning Andean landscapes.
Join LifeTrek for an expedition to southern Chile, where ski touring meets volcanic peaks, ancient forests, and natural hot springs. Ski Touring Chile is not just a ski trip—it is an adventure that challenges your legs, rewards your senses, and expands your horizon.
