Volcano Skiing & Snowboarding Tour in Chile & Argentina

Synopsis:

Peak ascents of 4 volcanoes (view lava in the crater of Villarrica) on and near the border of Chile and Argentina. Although the ascents are technically moderate, they are very physically demanding with full days of skiing. It is best to bring all your own ski / telemark / snowboard gear. This tour is for strong climbers. The weather in Patagonia does not guarantee summitting. In the event of lousy weather, ski the bases and ridges of the volcanoes, other treed backcountry and resorts of the area.

Days of skiing: 8
Hotsprings: Copahue, Malalcahuello, Geometricas and/or Posones.
Lodging: Hosterias and hotels.
Skills: Intermediate to Advanced.

Included: All breakfasts during the trip, transportation from Neuquen, Argentina to Pucon, Chile, lift tickets on lousy days as well as one dinner in Caviahue, Argentina.

Day 1:
Arrival:
Arrive to Neuquen, Argentina via Buenos Aires. In the afternoon, meet the ATAC trip leader and other trip members and drive to the snow covered town of Caviahue. Stay at a hotel in the middle of town.

Day 2-3:
Volcan Copahue: In the morning, drive 10 minutes to the ski resort at the base of Volcano Copahue (2969 meters). Skin to the top of the volcano. After exploring the crater lake near the summit, ski back to town. In the afternoon, soak n the hotspring baths. This is your warm up day. On day 3, explore the source of the hotsprings in Copahue and the numerous ridges in the area. In the afternoon, head South down the road from Caviahue to some cabins at the base of some gorgeous ridges for the next day's skiing.

Day 4-5:
Caviahue South: Explore the ridges South of Caviahue on the hunt for powder and steeps. In the afternoon of day 5, cross the border from Argentina to Chile. Stay the evening in the town of Lonquimay.

Day 6:
Lonquimay : In the morning, drive 30 minutes up the road to the small 2-lift resort of Corralco. Attempt the summit of Lonquimay (2865 meters) and ski down. This is the shortest of the volcano climbs for the trip. Spend the rest of the afternoon at the lifts before heading to the hotel at the base of Llaima in the late afternoon.

Day 7:
Llaima: Starting in the morning, take the ski lift to the top of the ski resort. Start climbing from there. Explore the icy crater at the summit (3125 meters) before skiing back down. In the evening, drive to Pucon, Chile. Stay at Hosteria Ecole.

Day 8:
Villarrica: In the morning, head up to the ski resort and take a lift to the top. Continue with skins and skis to the top of the volcano (2840 meters). If conditions allow, see lava bubbling in the crater at the top. Ski down the other side of the volcano and get a ride to the Termas Geometricas in the afternoon. In the evening, head back to Pucon.

Day 9:
Additional Day: Assuming that conditions aren't perfect for the entire trip, factor in this day for as an extra day in any of the locations above.

Day 10:
Temuco --> Santiago --> Home: Leaving from Temuco, Chile, fly through Santiago, Chile on the way home.

Optional Extension:
Start your trip with a week of skiing at Las Leñas or Bariloche. Let us know if that interests you.

1. Trip Cost Inclusions and Exclusions. The cost of the volcano skiing and snowboarding trip from Neuquen, Argentina to Pucon, Chile includes: accommodations, food (up to 15 meals), some equipment, transportation, and guides. The tour price does not include: airfare and travel expenses to Neuquen, Argentina and from Pucon, Chile; government tourist taxes; additional meals; alcoholic beverages with some dinner(s); optional activities; and individual costs not provided to the rest of the clients.

2. Trip Cost, Deposit & Cancellation. The full balance of the trip cost is due 60 days before the trip departure date. If this balance is not paid 60 days prior to departure, ATAC reserves the right to cancel the client’s reservation. If a reservation is made less than 60 days prior to departure, the full balance of the trip is due at that time. A client’s cancellation is effective on the date ATAC receives written notice of the cancellation. $200.00 of each deposit is nonrefundable, regardless of when cancellation notice is given. If cancellation notice is received over 120 days before departure, a trip cost payment and $300 of the deposit will be refunded; if received 90 days before departure, a trip cost payment and $200 of the deposit will be refunded; if received 60 days before departure, a trip cost payment and $100 of the deposit will be refunded; if received 30 days before departure, one-half of the trip cost will be refunded; and if received less than 30 days, there will be no refund. Note: ATAC recommends that all clients purchase traveler’s insurance and can help clients locate an agent. If a client is prevented from traveling due to serious illness, death in the immediate family or a similar catastrophe, at ATAC’s sole discretion, the client may transfer to another trip or locate another qualified individual to take client’s space subject to the replacement client executing the required documents.

3. ATAC reserves the right to cancel a trip up to 30 days prior to departure on the condition that 100% of the trip cost payment and deposit be returned to the client. ATAC may cancel a trip within 30 days of departure for reasons of force majeure, unusual or unforeseen circumstances outside the company's control. When a trip is canceled by ATAC, the client may choose between a full refund of all monies paid and any alternative trip with open reservation space offered by ATAC, subject to an adjustment for any difference in costs.
Please download and review the complete reservation packet from the DOWNLOAD INFO section in the left column to understand all terms and conditions before making a deposit.