Overall Rating

Chile Powder Sessions

Chile Powder Sessions5/58
Chile Powder Sessions5 out of 5 based on 8 reviews
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Price p/p From price based on twin/double-share room, min 4 guests on tour (per person) for 2024
Base/invoice currency is in USD inc taxes.
*Displayed price may vary due to currency fluctuations.
USD 4,065

GUIDED OFF-PISTE & BC ADVENTURE
10 Nights | 7 Days Skiing | Nevados de Chillan

Location: South America | Tour Focus: Guided | Terrain Focus: Off-Piste, On-Piste, Backcountry, Sidecountry
Ability: Strong Intermediate to Expert
Price p/p From price based on twin/double-share room, min 4 guests on tour (per person) for 2024
Base/invoice currency is in USD inc taxes.
*Displayed price may vary due to currency fluctuations.
USD 4,065
Nevados de Chillan is a relatively unknown resort noted for its abundant snowfalls and amazing backcountry terrain. This guided 11 day tour will enable you to become intimate with this incredible volcano whilst incorporating some fabulous Chilean culture, food & wine.
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Fixed Date(s)
Days
Price
Availability
Fixed Date(s): Aug 10 - Aug 20, 2024
Days: 11
Price: USD 4,065
Availability: Available
Fixed Date(s): Aug 22 - Sep 01, 2024
Days: 11
Price: USD 4,065
Availability: Available
Fixed Date(s): Sep 03 - Sep 13, 2024
Days: 11
Price: USD 4,065
Availability: Available
Future rates & dates are currently not yet available for this operator. Click here to enquire.
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Chile Powder Sessions

The Adventure Project runs powder sessions in Chile for several groups of advanced/expert skiers and boarders to the southern Chilean resort of Nevados de Chillan for 10 days of riding some of South America's best terrain and deepest snow this August and September.

You will have 9 nights staying in the small town of Las Trancas, about a 10 minute drive each day to the ski area, in your own private transportation. Nevados is known as getting the most snow in South America (10m +) and has really fun natural terrain with many gullies and natural half-pipes. It has some of the best sidecountry around. The tour incorporates a scheduled day off in the town of Chillan, to explore the local wineries and lunch in San Carlos. The tour concludes with with one night in Concepcion, a vibrant town on the Pacific coast.

Nevados de Chillan is situated next to 3 volcanos (1 of them active) and has a lot of fun terrain that was shaped by lava flow, so there are a lot of bowls, gullies and natural half-pipes to explore. There is a lot of easily accessible sidecountry that requires little to no hiking to reach and there is so much terrain that you can easily find untouched snow. There are plenty of options inbounds for intermediate and advanced skiers and boarders, to improve their skills.

If you like to tour, there are some amazing options. You can hike into the next valley over and have a really long powder or hike up to the top of a volcano and see views of the higher Andes.

The tour will operate in small groups, with no more than 4 guests per group/guide. Your guide will be with you the whole time. If you want to experience one of the hidden gems of South American skiing and experience the distinctive Chilean culture, then this is a trip that shouldn’t be missed.

Program Focus

This program is ideal for adventurous and experienced skiers/boarders to explore a southern ski area of Chile. This resort tends to be a little more off the beaten path for international skiers and riders alike, so the slopes (holiday periods excluded), tend to be quieter. You can get a more authentic Chilean experience at Nevados de Chillan. This area also gets a lot of snow and has great sidecountry access, with good inbounds terrain.

The guides will put you through a comprehensive avalanche safety training and there is an opportunity to work on technique, if there are people in the group looking to improve on their freeride ability. This is a great program; not only do you get to ski/ride one of the best resorts in southern Chile, but you’ll meet a lot of the locals and experience their way of life, not to mention sample the local food. You’ll be in good hands.

If you have any questions or want to check regarding availability, you can make a booking request here.

Terrain & Access

Nevados de Chillan has a lot of terrain that can be accessed directly off the lifts however with some traversing, the terrain becomes huge. There is also a massive amount of backcountry terrain that can be accessed via some relatively easy skinning/split boarding. How and what terrain you access will ultimately be determined by the group dynamics, however it is recommended that if you have touring gear you should definitely bring it along. If you plan to ski the backcountry you should also bring along avalanche safety gear (beacon, shovel, probe & backpack as a minimum).

Group/Session Size

There is a maximum of 4 guests per group, led by 1 guide. There is a maximum of 3 groups per session, with 12 guests per session in total.

Minimum Ability Level

These trips are for strong intermediate to expert skiers and boarders. You should be comfortable in black diamond terrain and above, in variable snow conditions. You should be able to link fluid turns, with confidence.

How To Get There

You will need to fly to Santiago International Airport (Comodoro Arturo Merino Benítez International Airport - SCL) and then take a short 1 hour 15-minute domestic flight to Concepcion Airport (Carriel Sur International Airport - CCP). This flight search engine may be useful in finding the right flights. You can make a booking request to get more information on ideal flight times.

If you find you need to spend an extra night in Santiago, you can view & book hotels online here.


Huge terrain to explore

On an active volcano

plus cultural & winery tour

Suggested Itinerary

  • Depart home country for Santiago. Overnight international flight to Santiago.
  • Day 1 – Arrive Santiago. Domestic flight to Concepcion. Arrive Concepcion and pick-up by The Adventure Project. team – Depart for Las Trancas/Cabanas Los Hualles. 173 km – 2 hours 30 minutes by private van. Welcome dinner and avalanche safety talk (if required).
  • Day 2 – AM avalanche safety training and then PM Nevados de Chillan mountain orientation, time permitting.
  • Day 3 – Ski Nevados de Chillan.
  • Day 4 – Ski Nevados de Chillan.
  • Day 5 – Potential non-ski/cultural day – guided trip to Chillan. Explore Chillan with an English-speaking guide, visit wineries and enjoy Chilean BBQ. Private transport included. The exact date of the trip will be confirmed during the trip, we normally take the non-ski/cultural day when everyone is feeling tired or if there is inclement weather on the mountain.
  • Day 6 – Ski Nevados de Chillan.
  • Day 7 – Ski Nevados de Chillan.
  • Day 8 – Ski Nevados de Chillan.
  • Day 9 – Ski Nevados de Chillan.
  • Day 10 – Depart Las Trancas for Concepcion (group can ski most of the day if they want). Overnight in Concepcion and farewell dinner (not included in price).
  • Day 11 – Depart Concepcion for homeward journey.

Cultural Day

During a down day (to be determined, it could be either a bad weather day on the mountain or a needed rest day), we will enjoy a cultural day in the Chillan/San Carlos area. It’s about a 1.5-hour drive down to Chillan. Our first stop of the day will be at the Santa Berta winery, a former Trappist Monastery that is now converted into a modern winery. Here you can sample several different wines and then buy wine at very low prices. Then we travel to the town of San Carlos and head to Violeta’s Restaurant, owned and operated by famous Chilean chef David Vivero. Here we will try many courses of fine food, finishing with a tasty asado (Chilean BBQ) cooked in a 100-year-old oven. If there is time left over, we can head back into Chillan and visit the local markets.

End of Trip

On day 10, we will head back down to Concepcion for our last night together. It is recommended that the group stays at the Holiday Inn Concepcion (not included), about 5 minutes’ drive to the airport. You will then need to take your own transportation to the airport the next day (if departing). You must book this hotel yourself.

Other Logistics

Visas

Most guests should be able to receive a 90-day tourist visa on arrival, for free (Australian passport holders may need to pay a reciprocity fee). It is your responsibility to check the current regulations for your passport and to make sure it meets validity requirements. It is recommended to have 6-months validity left on your passport.

COVID Entry Restrictions for Chile

For current entry restrictions relating to COVID, please refer to this information. It is the responsibility of the guest to stay up to date with the current entry requirements and meet whatever the requirements are. At the time of embarking to Chile, the person must comply with the following:
  • Certificate of vaccination issued in the country where vaccinated.
  • If the traveler does not have the vaccination schedule, they must show a negative result in a PCR test within a maximum of 48 hours from departure.
  • Under 18 years of age do not have any requirements to enter Chile.
  • Everybody may be subjected to a Covid test upon arrival. If the passenger refuses or obtains a positive result, they must carry out mandatory quarantine for 5 days at a sanitary residence.
If you have cold or flu-like symptoms prior to travel, you MUST test yourself for COVID. If you are positive, you must follow COVID protocols for your country of residence. Please bring at least two COVID testing kits with you for self-testing if you develop any cold or flu-like symptoms during your trip. If positive, you will have to follow current Chilean quarantine procedures and that could mean a period of isolated quarantine. You must have travel insurance to protect yourself from any losses during this time.

Credit Cards/Cash

Credit cards are widely accepted in Nevados de Chillan Las Trancas. You can use them to make most major purchases, including lift tickets and food, if paying separately. It’s good to have some cash on you though ($200 USD should be more than enough) as there are no ATM’s in Nevados de Chillan/Las Trancas. You can exchange it at Santiago airport or in Chillan on the way to Las Trancas. Make sure you have new bills to exchange.

Internet

The Cabanas los Hualles does have free WiFi for guests. The strongest signal is in the reception area and in the lodge. You can purchase SIM cards in Concepcion for use in your phones to receive a better signal on the mountain.

Laundry

There is a lady who runs a laundry service, near to the Cabanas los Hualles and she is inexpensive, if you need clothes cleaning.

Flights

You will need to fly to Santiago International Airport (Comodoro Arturo Merino Benítez International Airport - SCL) and then take a short 1 hour 15-minute domestic flight to Concepcion Airport (Carriel Sur International Airport - CCP).

Transfer to Las Trancas

An Adventure Project representative will be at Concepcion Airport to meet you on arrival. Please note that there can only be one scheduled pickup for the group, so please make sure to co-ordinate your arrival time around lunchtime on day 1. It is approximately a 2.5-hour drive from Concepcion to Las Trancas and there is normally a stop for lunch/early dinner on the way.

 

Lodging: Cabanas Los Hualles

You’ll be staying at the Cabanas los Hualles in Las Trancas in their new lodge rooms (10 twin/double rooms, all with ensuite bathrooms, satellite TV and ample storage). Breakfast is included and will be served in the main cafeteria building each morning. There is a drying room in the lodge and two outdoor hot tubs (free use for tour guests).

In the evenings, the group will eat out at one of the many excellent local restaurants that are within walking distance of the accommodation (not included). The food is well-priced and tasty. Chileans love their red meat, but fresh seafood, pasta, pizza and vegetarian dishes are also very popular.

Las Trancas is approximately a 20-minute drive (depending on road conditions and traffic) to the ski resort each day. The group will generally eat lunch (not included) at one of the on-mountain restaurants. The guides will arrange for the shuttle to meet the group at a pre-arranged spot at the end of the day for transfer back down to Las Trancas.


Cabanas Los Hualles

Twin rooms with private en suite

The all important hot tub

2024 Rates & Inclusions

Rates (USD per person)

USD $4,065 (per person twin-share)

USD $4,465 (per person private single room)


Notes

  • Base price / invoice is in USD
  • Price is based on 4 guests (if less than 4 guests price will be higher)
  • Prices will be confirmed for your group by May 31st.
  • the guides have the capacity to run 3 groups per session, with 4 guests per group with 1 guide, so 12 guests in total with 3 guides. Normally the minimum needed is 4 guests for a group to run, but sometimes smaller groups can be run at the discretion of the guides.
Inclusions
  • 9 nights twin-share accommodations in Las Trancas & free use of hot tub
  • Breakfast daily
  • 11 days of hosting and 7-8 days guided skiing/riding (max 4 guests per group with 1 guide or instructor)
  • Private transport from Concepcion Airport to Las Trancas, Las Trancas to Concepcion + daily transport to/from ski area
  • 1 guided day to explore Chillan and its wineries. Private transportation, local guide and Chilean BBQ included.
  • Comprehensive avalanche safety training
  • Visits to local restaurants in the evenings (food/drink not included)
Add-ons
  • Single-room supplement
Not Included
  • Flights - search for cheapest flights here
  • Travel insurance - buy travel insurance online here
  • Lunches, dinners and snacks
  • Lift tickets (budget $60 a day during low season)
  • Hotel in Concepcion at end of trip (Holiday Inn recommended - approx $US95/night) & transfer to airport
  • Equipment rental (it is advised to bring all of your own equipment)
  • Additional tours such as heli-skiing or snow-mobile tours etc
  • Gratuities for The Adventure Project staff

The Adventure Project Terms & Conditions

1. Booking

  • (a) The Adventure Project (TAP henceforth) will provide you with written confirmation by email of your application upon the receipt of the following signed and completed documents:
    • Release and Indemnity form;
    • COVID/Infectious Disease Warning and Waiver (if required).
  • (b) By sending in the deposit, you agree to ALL of the following stipulations outlined in the Terms and Conditions below.
  • (c) Your acceptance as a guest is subject to your skiing/boarding capabilities, medical condition and fitness being to the standard deemed necessary by The Adventure Project.

2. Suitability
By sending in your deposit, the Client (the Guest) agrees to the following:

  • They are at least the minimum standard listed for each trip (intermediate, advanced or expert).
  • That they are in sound physical fitness and capable of operating (skiing, riding or hiking) at potential high altitudes (depending on the destination). You will sign a disclaimer saying that you have the physical fitness to undertake these activities and do not suffer from altitude sickness.
  • If your medical or physical fitness changes before or during the trip, then you must notify us immediately in writing.
  • That they can get up by themselves after a fall. The Adventure Project is not responsible for helping guests get up after a fall.
  • You should have powder-centric skis or snowboards that will give you extra flotation in deep snow, if skiing or riding off-piste.
  • You must be familiar with the use and operation of all of your gear, prior to the commencement of your trip. Ski and snowboard boots should already be broken in and not the cause of any blisters or other discomfort.
  • You must carry your own (basic) first aid kit and spare parts for your skis or snowboards.
  • If you cannot keep up with the majority of the group, then for your own safety, you might be asked to stay out of the off-piste areas (if the majority of the group wants and is capable of, skiing or riding in that terrain/snow). That could also mean riding by yourself in the resort if you cannot keep up with the majority of the group.
  • The Adventure Project does not guarantee complete compatibility of all group members. Whilst we try our best to put the right level of people together in our groups but we cannot guarantee the compatibility of all group members. The Adventure Project is not responsible for any mismatches in group ability therefore.
  • If a Client is not compatible with a group, then they can hire a separate local guide or instructor, but they will be responsible for those additional costs. No refund or reimbursement of any costs already paid, will be offered.
  • There is only 1 guide per group in Chile and Japan. If a guide gets sick or injured (circumstances beyond our control) and cannot continue the trip, then no refund will be offered for any time spent without a guide or if the trip has to be cancelled or altered in any form. You must have travel insurance to cover yourself for any losses.
  • You will be asked to sign a liability release form that indemnifies The Adventure Project from the obvious risks of riding in avalanche terrain. People have been killed in avalanches within ski areas and in side country/backcountry areas outside of the ski area. Avalanches can and do happen both within the ski areas and outside the ski area boundaries. We cannot guarantee your safety at any time when skiing or riding within the ski area or outside the ski area. No slope can ever be deemed 100% safe and free from avalanche risk.

3. Travel Insurance

  • Travel insurance is mandatory for all Clients. You must purchase your travel insurance as soon as you have paid your deposit.
  • Clients must have travel insurance that covers them for TRIP CANCELLATION (sometimes called "Cancel for Any Reason" Insurance).
  • Clients might need to be tested for COVID prior to departure for their destination. If you receive a positive result and cannot travel to the destination, then you would not be entitled to any refund. You must have travel insurance to cover you for any loss.
  • Clients might need to be tested for COVID prior to departure to their home country. If this is the case, you should have insurance that covers you for any additional costs if you are delayed return back to your home country if you receive a positive test result.
  • Clients must have comprehensive travel insurance with a high level of cover for (but not limited to): off-piste skiing (if necessary); all medical costs; emergency evacuation; search and rescue costs (the guest is responsible for any additional search and rescue costs); trip delay or cancellation; loss or delay of baggage; stolen or missing equipment.

4. Media Release

  • (a) The Client agrees: 
    • That they give TAP permission to use all media obtained during the trip that might feature the Client.
    • This media could include (but is not limited to): photographs of the Client; video's of the Client; written accounts featuring the Client; for use in TAP marketing.
    • This media could be used on (but not limited to): the TAP website; TAP Instagram posts; TAP Facebook posts; TAP blog (both website blog and non-website blogs) and other social media posts.
  • (b) The Client has the right to refuse inclusion in any marketing media as listed above, but IF they request to be excluded from said media, then it must be in writing, at least 2 weeks prior to commencement of the trip.

5. Payment Terms

  • (a) Deposit– The deposit for all trips is $1,000 USD for all trips, unless otherwise agreed upon. The deposit is strictly non-refundable and cannot be transferred to another trip without the express written consent of The Adventure Project.
  • (b) Payment– Deposits and final balances can be paid by cash, personal check, bank check, money order, bank transfer, international wire, Venmo or Zelle. More detailed payment instructions will be sent out prior to sending in the deposit. When paying by check or money order, please make any payments to “The Adventure Project LLC.”
  • (c) Credit cards– currently we cannot accept payment by credit card.
  • (d) Due date– each trip has a final payment due date. Please consult your information sheet or the TAP website for details.
  • (e) Prices– all prices quoted are in $USD and is based on the number of people in the group. Price can vary if the minimum number of participants (4) has not been reached.

6. Pricing

  • (a) Changes to pricing: TAP reserves the right to make changes to pricing prior to departure for your trip, at any time. Prices are not guaranteed therefore until final payment of all monies owed has been made by all group members. If more people are added to the group after the final balance payment due date, then no refund will be issued for any differences in subsequent final price.
  • (b) Reasons for pricing change: TAP reserves the right to change pricing at any time (but are not limited to) due to fluctuations in local currency, increased local or government costs and other unforeseen reasons. Prices can also change due to fluctuations in group participants. Any changes to the cost will be given to you in writing and you will have 2 weeks to make any additional payments.
  • (c) Exclusions from pricing: each trip has its own separate inclusions and exclusions. They are listed on the website and in the program information sheet for each trip. It is your responsibility to read and understand the individual exclusions that you are required to pay at your own expense.

7. Cancellation Policy

  • (a) Cancellation by the Client:
    • You may cancel your trip at any time prior to the earliest departure of the guide(s) by providing written notice to TAP.
    • If you cancel your trip at any stage the deposit is non-refundable.
    • If you cancel your trip more than 120 days prior to the earliest departure of the guide(s), then you will be entitled to a full refund minus the deposit.
    • Should you cancel your trip 90 days or less before departure, you will be entitled to a refund of all moneys paid (less the deposit) SUBJECT TO TAP FINDING A REPLACEMENT GUEST. In the event a replacement guest is NOT found, the ENTIRE price paid by you will be forfeited. Guests MUST have travel insurance that covers trip cancellation, to protect themselves from any loss.
    • Should you cancel your trip less than 60 days before the earliest departure of the guide(s) the entire price paid by you will be forfeited. Guests MUST have travel insurance that covers trip cancellation, to protect themselves from any loss.
  • (b) Cancellations by The Adventure Project:
    • TAP reserves the right to cancel your trip either prior to the earliest departure of the guide(s) or during the trip for reasons including (but not limited to)
    • (i) Prior to earliest departure of the guide(s):
      • A change in your medical condition or fitness.
      • Your failure to disclose details of your medical condition or fitness prior to departure.
      • In the event that insufficient guests are booked on a particular trip.
      • In the case of termination PRIOR to the earliest departure of the guide(s), TAP shall refund the price (MINUS the deposit) within fourteen (14) days of written notification from TAP of the cancellation. Guests MUST have travel insurance that covers trip cancellation, to protect themselves from any loss.
    • (ii) During the trip:
      • Should you fail to comply with the directions of TAP staff or their agents;
      • Should TAP determine that you should not participate any further.
      • In the event of termination during the trip the entire price paid by you will be forfeited. Guests MUST have travel insurance that covers trip cancellation, to protect themselves from any loss.