Ski the Andes Trip Highlights

  • 2 days SnowCat skiing
  • Ski 5 of Chile’s premier resorts
  • Hacienda stay and vineyard visit

Itinerary Overview

This trip takes you to the only SnowCat access skiing in the Southern Hemisphere, as well as four of South America’s best resorts. Climb the dirt roads winding out of Santiago and into the jagged Andes, taking in views of the Pacific, before grabbing fresh tracks. Chilean barbeques, winery visits, roadside empanadas and your stay in a 250 year-old estancia make this incredible ski trip an unforgettable travel experience as well.

Skiing

DAY 1  Santiago – tres valles resorts

Arrive in Santiago. After a short drive into the Andes you’ll arrive to Farellones in the center of the Tres Valles resorts – El Colorado, La Parva and Valle Nevado. Take your pick and hit the slopes for the afternoon.

DAY 2 tres valles resorts

Ski the backcountry at La Parva, the steeps of Valle Nevado, or family friendly groomers at El Colorado.

DAY 3 tres valles resorts

Ski the Tres Valles Resorts.

DAY 4 tres valles resorts – wine country – san regis hacienda

Morning skiing at Tres Valles before driving north, further into the Andes. Stop at a local winery for a tasting and arrive to the Casa San Regis, a lovely converted estancia (ranch house) that is a uniquely South American lodging experience.

DAY 5 portillo

Ski Portillo, South America’s most famed resort.

DAY 6 ski arpa cat skiing

SnowCat skiing in the shadow of Mount Aconcagua, the highest mountain outside of the Himalayas. With private local guiding and SnowCat access all day long at Ski Arpa, you’ll have approximately 10,000 feet of vertical all to yourselves in powder paradise.

DAY 7 ski arpa cat skiing – onward

Another day of cat skiing in what Freeskier Magazine calls “one of the best ski experiences on the planet.” Depart from Santiago.

Is It For Me?

Ski in the shadow of Aconcagua and huge Andean peaks at Portillo, the Tres Valles resorts and cat-access-only Ski Arpa. Take in the massive peaks as we switchback through the Andes discovering Chilean culture and great skiing. An excellent trip for skiers and snowboarders who are comfortable in powder.

Knowmad has vast knowledge and operations in Chile; this is a private trip and we are happy to modify excursions, accommodations, and the flow of the itinerary to perfectly suit your travel style and interests.

Have questions? Talk to an expert: 612-315-2894

Important Info

Cat Skiing in South America

costs

Listed prices are approximations. All Knowmad trips are custom and exact pricing is provided in your trip proposal.

  • From $3,500 per person / 2 travelers

TYPE Flexible Date Private Departures (available July – Sep). You choose the date, your travel companions and one of our adventures. This is great for families, groups of friends and couples.

MODERATE TRIP Activities include skiing & snowboarding, wine tasting, & cultural opportunities

LENGTH 7 days             BEGIN / END Santiago, Chile

Air Travel

INTERNATIONAL Airfare is not included in the land cost of our trips. You may arrange your international airfare independently, or we are happy to offer our feedback and assistance in helping you book it.

REGIONAL There is no regional airfare needed for this itinerary.

What's Next?

Ready for the trip of a lifetime? Signing up is easy. Call us at 612-315-2894 or email [email protected] and reserve your spot. Or simply download our registration form, fill it out, and send it back to us along with your trip deposit. Please refer to registration form for terms & conditions.

Weather & When to Go to Chile

The ski season in Chile runs from June until October. Generally the best snow is in July and August.

Weather in Patagonia

Prior to your departure, you are provided a detailed pre-trip information packet including a recommended pack list, information about the regions you’ll be visiting, suggested readings, up-to-date health information including any recommended vaccinations and more.

Accommodations

Our trips feature comfortable accommodations that complement their surroundings. We seek out intimacy and character, but never sacrifice cleanliness and security. We also find the best value for quality. In general, our physically moderate to vigorous trips feature hotels classified as 3+ to 4 stars, while less physically demanding trips feature 4+ to 5 star hotels.

As South American travel specialists, we’re experts and have inspected hundreds of properties. Knowmad is happy to suggest upgrades and alternative hotels based on your preferences to ensure your trip is perfect for you. Photos below are from this itinerary’s preferred accommodations. For more specifics, call or write to request more info.

Extend Your Adventure

Easter Island

A tropical paradise with history, culture and mystery at every beautiful turn, a visit to Easter Island – the world’s most isolated speck of land – will captivate any traveler. Meander through the picturesque countryside dotted with volcanoes, and learn about the mysterious Moai statues erected by the original Polynesian tribes who inhabited the island. Still today little is known about the statues or their creators. While circumnavigating the island on visits to the diverse Moai sites, you’ll have opportunities to relax on deserted, white-sand beaches, explore volcanic caves with petroglyphs and walk the rim of a seaside volcano. 

Atacama Desert

Looking for unique? Earth’s closest thing to Mars, Atacama will not disappoint. Your trip to this surreal landscape offers countless cultural and adventure excursions to choose from during the day, while spending nights in a true oasis, the Tierra Atacama boutique hotel and spa. Return for a dip in the pool and enjoy a local cabernet with gourmet cuisine. Don’t forget to take advantage of the world’s best moonscape and stargazing. 

Let The Journey Begin

Let the Journey Begin - Knowmad Adventures

Planning a trip to South America might seem a little overwhelming at first. Knowmad offers door-to-door trip planning: first, we listen, and then we help you navigate the seasonal differences and itinerary options, resulting in a holistic, seamless, and custom-crafted experience, all at a guaranteed best value.

The simplest way to get started is to give us a call at 612-315-2894or to fill out this short form so we can learn more about your travel preferences.