Freeride the Andes
On the Freeride the Andes Tour you’ll get to experience the best of the Nevados de Chillan Ski Area in Chile, known for its varied off-piste and lift-assisted backcountry.
Highlights
- Explore the vast terrain that Nevados de Chillan has to offer
- Native bilingual local guide
- Maximize the quality of your skiing and snowboarding by getting the scoop on powder stashes in the off-piste and side country zones from your local backcountry guide.
- Stay in the town of Las Trancas to enjoy the local culture and the different restaurants and bars.
- Visit the vibrant Chillán Market for further cultural immersion and taste authentic Chilean cuisine.
- Soak your powder-tired muscles in the outdoor natural hot springs
- All breakfasts included and 3 dinners (welcome, midweek and farewell dinners)
The Freeride the Andes trip from Surf the Andes has a focus on freedom, flexibility, and adventure. The 10-day trip gives you plenty of days on snow, time to explore, and the chance to experience local culture beyond the mountain. Lift tickets and various meals are not included so you can choose your own pace — whether that's chasing lines at the resort, exploring hidden backcountry zones, or relaxing in the famous hot springs. Compared to traditional resort packages, the Freeride the Andes trip offers more riding and more discovery for real freeriders if that's what you want.
The adventure centers around Nevados de Chillán, recognized as the most complete and versatile ski area in Chile. The ski area offers terrain for all ability levels, from groomed runs to easily accessible off-piste areas that can feel like a heli-ski experience without the helicopter. Within the resort, there are two expansive out-of-bounds zones that hide incredible lines and secret stashes for those who know how to navigate them.
Terrain & Ability Level
You can opt-in to being guided if you're an advanced to expert skier or rider, have experience riding powder and other off-piste snow conditions, and have a decent level of fitness. For those being guided, the skiing and riding at Nevados de Chillán includes a mix of piste, off-piste, lift-accessed backcountry, and some areas that may involve short bootpacks. Splitboards and backcountry touring skis are not required. By all means bring your backcountry gear if you would like, but the trip focuses on lift assisted freeride and short bootpacks for sidecountry. Any longer hikes such as a volcano/glacier summit and side peaks will be group dependent.
If weather conditions permit the guides will organize a sled assisted backcountry day as a potential add-on, and/or hikes with local guides for volcano ascents and more serious back country. These activities and day itinerary will depend directly on the recommendation of the local tour operators, weather conditions and group expectations.
Intermediate skiers and snowboarders are welcome to join the trip and opt out of the guiding. You can cruise the groomers or explore the easier off-piste terrain at your own pace, and join up with the group for lunch and at the end of the day.
Off-Slope
Off the mountain, you will stay in the lively town of Las Trancas which is just a 10 minute drive from the ski resort. Las Trancas is a small alpine village filled with local restaurants, small shops, and vibrant nightlife. During the trip, the group will explore the town together, tasting local flavors, and enjoying the mountain community atmosphere. The carefully selected accommodations offer comfort, atmosphere, and essential amenities, with stunning mountain views and convenient access to local shops and nightlife.
On the designated rest day, you will visit the thermal pool complex at Nevados de Chillán, allowing everyone to relax and recover surrounded by natural beauty. To bring the group together and celebrate the journey, you will enjoy a welcome dinner at the start of the trip, a special mid-trip dinner on the rest day, and a farewell dinner to close out the adventure.
If you want to check availability or have any other questions, please get in touch.
Group
There are mixed group, scheduled trips for up to 8 people, which solos, duos or small groups are welcome to join. The ratio is one guide to a maximum of 4 guests, and there are 2 guides on powder days for 5 to 8 people on powder days.
Or pending availability, you can request a private trip for 1 to 4 people.
Guides
For in-bounds guiding, your guide is an avalanche/WFR/AASI/PSIA certified instructor. On powder days with increased avalanche risk, there will be 2 guides for the group of 5 + or split into 2 groups with a 1:4 guide to guest ratio maximum.
For backcountry activities, local guides have ANGM guide certification.
Equipment
All gear can be rented locally, subject to availability. It is recommended that you bring your own gear, including skis or snowboard suitable for freeriding and avalanche safety gear.