Backcountry Skiing in Chile: Top Outdoor Adventures Awaiting You

Stretching more than 4,300 kilometers down the west coast of South America, Chile offers plenty of backcountry skiing opportunities. In the winter, more than half of the country’s mountain range (which runs through the whole country) is completely covered in snow and in the perfect skiing conditions.

Outside of the aforementioned hotspots, Punta Arenas, in Tierra del Fuego, is another spot that offers incredible scenery and backcountry skiing conditions for an even longer season. Enjoy a couple extra months in the autumn and spring to ski and explore the various fjords and mountains at the bottom of the world.

A bit farther north, around Torres del Paine National Park, there are also plenty of excellent and remote backcountry skiing spots. Access to ski areas in Argentina is also quite easy, making the spot a great starting point for a cross-border adventure.

Stunning scenery

Chile is a stunningly beautiful country and getting out into the backcountry on a pair of skis is a great way to get out and see it. The Andes run down the spine of the country and provide an unbeatable backdrop to the top backcountry skiing spots. Enjoy views out over glaciated peaks, active volcanoes, fjords, lakes and forests when you head out into the Chilean backcountry.

**Get off the beaten path **

Plenty of the best backcountry skiing spots in Chile are not necessarily the most popular ski areas. This means that when you head out into the backcountry you can expect plenty of unspoiled powder all to yourself. The best part is, no lines in order to get to some of the best powder and plenty of it to ski! Going on a backcountry ski trip is also a great way to disconnect from the world and enjoy nature’s beauty.
Challenge yourself

The mountain slopes of Chile are the perfect place to put your backcountry skiing skills to the test. From the Maipo Valley down to Pucón there are plenty of backcountry routes to challenge the most experienced skiers. Head out to remote mountain slopes and enjoy steep runs back down or slap on some skins and climb a volcano before careening back down to the valley floor. There are plenty of challenging options to try out while you’re here.

Due to Chile’s length, the climate differs considerably from place to place. However, winters generally bring average daily temperatures tend to hover around freezing. Winter is also the time of year when Chile receives the most precipitation, which is still not much and varies from place to place.

Any backcountry skiing trip to Chile will begin with a flight into the international airport in Santiago (SCL). From here, you will likely meet your guide or fly to another regional airport before meeting your guide there and beginning your trip.

Spanish

+56

Chilean peso (CLP)

May to September