Itinerary
Day 1: Touchdown on Chile – Road to Malalcahuello
You will land at Temuco (ZCO) airport in the La Araucanía region. Transportation will be waiting to begin the journey by land through the incredible ancestral lands.
The destination will be Malalcahuello, a small town nestled in the middle of the forest surrounded by mountains and volcanoes.
Once there, we will stop at a specialized rental if there is any missing equipment and then settle in to stretch our bodies, regain energy, and rest for the amazing week ahead.
Day 2: Corralco Ski Resort
Our first day of skiing will be mellow to warm up. The ski instructor will assist each member of the group in getting accustomed to the snow conditions by adapting the technique slightly to master the Andean snow before venturing into the backcountry.
We’ll hit up the ski resort with plenty of opportunities for freeriding and the possibility of taking a backcountry run if the group is going well.
Day 3: Lonquimay Volcano Summit
We’ll have breakfast at the Lodge and head over to Corralco Ski Resort for our first mission: the Lonquimay Volcano.
Because we know that some of you may have a bit of rust on your touring skills, the guide will review all safety measures and basic techniques to master the backcountry before beginning the ascent. This first climb is relatively easy, so it’s a great opportunity for us all to get on the same page.
Assisted by the lifts, we’ll begin the ascent to reach the summit. The scene will be unreal, with the surroundings populated with volcanoes at 360 degrees full of forests at their feet.
Being a volcano, conditions on the descent can be variable and usually vary to fresh powder. We’ll take a break at the resort’s cafeteria before skiing some groomers or just return to the Lodge to rest after the mission.
Day 4: Araucanía Powder Chasing
Today is the powder chasing day. Six hours of endorphin pumping good times with exhilarating panoramas!
Access unlimited terrain ranging from steep and strict to open and dreamy under the leadership of a local guide and immerse yourself in the natural wonder of the Araucanía Andina.
During the ascent you will learn about the native trees including the Araucaria “Monkey Puzzle” tree reaching up to 168 feet high with a genetic history dating back 240 million years and the oldest one in the world scientifically aged at 1021 years in the nearby Conguillio National Park.
A retrospective on the geological history of the surrounding volcanos, many of which are still active is included.
Day 5: Sierra Nevada Volcano Snowcat Assisted Tour
The day starts early with breakfast on the way to Parque Paso Nevado.
The ascent begins with the help of a snowcat until the point where the slope does not allow the machine to continue. That is where we put on our skins and attack the summit.
The tour takes you through an enchanted forest and up a ridge with views of the Sierra Nevada and the Llaima volcano.
After a satisfying lunch, you’ll descend 4700 vertical feet to Cañon del Blanco through a hidden valley, followed by relaxation in a hot tub in the middle of the forest and a delicious charcuterie board.
Day 6: Active Rest Day
The day begins late, allowing us to rest and recover fully. A hearty breakfast will energize us for a few runs at Corralco.
Our local guide will continue to show us around the resort, ensuring that we become familiar with every corner of it.
After a day of active rest on the slopes, we’ll head down to the Lodge to prepare ourselves for the final day of pure enjoyment: freeriding with the assistance of a sled.
Day 7: Full Sledneck Day
A sick day of freeriding in the Andean Araucanía on a snowmobile. We’ll hit up some epic terrain, maybe some steep chutes and wide-open bowls, all while taking in the stunning views of the surrounding landscapes.
The snowmobiles allow us to access some remote and hidden spots where the snow is untouched and the stoke level is high.
After we’ve charged hard all morning, we’ll stop for a break and fuel up with some snacks and drinks.
Then it’s back to shredding the powder until the sun goes down. It’s a day filled with adrenaline, thrills, and some of the most incredible snow you’ll ever ride.
This is how you end a freeride trip in the Andes.
Day 8: Goodbye Araucanía
Depending on the flight schedule back to Santiago from Temuco (ZCO), our shuttle will pick us up on time.
We’ll say goodbye with our hearts full of an experience we will never forget and with the desire to keep discovering this incredible corner of the world.
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!
