Join us for a week of backcountry skiing at Ski Arpa, and the mountains surrounding Santiago and Los Andes. The Central Cordillera of the Andes Mountains is home to some of the tallest mountains on the continent, and a unique opportunity to ski in areas that few others ever have!

This adventure accesses remote zones, exploring vast, untouched terrain. We'll access these zones via snowcat and human power, tailoring each day to the group's ability and conditions. Expect exhilarating descents, stunning views of Aconcagua and the surrounding peaks, and the unique cultural charm of the Chilean Andes.

Perfect for experienced skiers seeking a remote and authentic backcountry experience. Join us for an unforgettable journey into the wild heart of the Andes.

OPTIONS FOR SKI DAYS INCLUDE:

Ski Touring

• Option to use snowmobiles and snow cats to assist in some approaches

Cat Skiing

• Ski Arpa is a unique cat skiing operation north of Los Andes offering cat access up to 12,000' and views of Aconcagua and other 20,000+' peaks

LOCATION

Ski Arpa

• Remote cat skiing operation in Central Cordillera
• 1.5 hours drive from dowtown Los Andes, 2.5 hours from Santiago

OPTIONAL EXTRAS

• Heli Day: Easy access to Santiago and Portillo based heli ops
• Winter Camping: Incredible access to lots of unskied terrain beyond the Arpa valley
• Resort Day: Proximity makes it easy to add a day of chairlift assisted skiing

Day 1 - Arrive in Santiago

• Gear Check
• Team Trip Briefing led by Blackbird Guides
• Group Dinner
• Transport to first Destination

Day 2 - Day 8 - Ski Days (Choose from Options below)

Typical Day includes:

• 7am: Breakfast (arrive dressed and ready to go afterwards)
• 7.30am: Depart for Ski Day
• 9.30am - 3pm: Skiing (lunch will be eaten in the field)
• 3:30pm: Aprés drinks
• 7pm: Dinner
• 7pm: Bed

Day 9 - Depart Santiago in morning to fly home

SKI DAY OPTIONS

1. Cat Skiing at Ski Arpa (Aprés drinks and an asado at Refugio Avalancha)

2. Cat assisted touring at Ski Arpa (Aprés drinks and an asado at Refugio Avalancha)

3. Lift assisted backcountry at Portillo (Aprés drinks at Tío Bob’s)

4. Lifted assisted backcountry at Valle Nevado. (Can lodge in Santiago or up at Valle Nevado depending on previous day’s timing)

5. Touring/sled assisted touring in Valle de Maipo. Arrive to Lo Valdes area the night before. (Après wine and snacks back at Dos Tiempos house)

6. Touring in Cajon Ojos de Agua (Portillo). Same timeline as the Portillo day (Option #3 Above)

7. In-bounds day. Same timeline as lift assisted backcountry days

REST DAY OPTIONS

1. Wine Tour / Tasting

• Viña San Estaban (Fun and Easy)
• Von Sibental (Premium Wines)
• Flaherty (Also has onsite restaurant)

2. Hot Springs at Thermal de Jahuel

• Thermal de Jahuel Website

Here are the skills and fitness you'll need for your course:

• Expert Resort Riding Skills - Including steep and consequential off-piste terrain in challenging snow conditions.


• Strong Fitness - Able to spend a long, active day outside, moving uphill at 1,000’ per hour for durations of 1-1.5 hours between breaks. Participants should be able to hike 8-10 miles, climbing 2,500 - 5,000 vertical feet throughout the course of the day. People with strong fitness typically have a strenuous workout 3-4 days a week.


• Completed AIARE 1 and AIARE Avalanche Rescue - Course completion certificates from AIARE are required.

Here's what's included with your trip:

• Experienced AMGA Trained Guides
• In-country transportation
• Meals (Alcohol not included)
• 8 Nights Lodging in Double Occupancy Rooms
• Arpa Cat Skiing and Cat Assisted Touring Fees
• Portillo & Valle Nevado Lift Tickets
• Group safety gear - your guide will be equipped with snow science tools and a first aid kit
• Wag bags for human waste disposal - in with compliance 'Leave No Trace' principles

Not Included

• Flights
• Personal Snacks & Alcoholic Drinks
• Travel Insurance
• Ski & Splitboard Gear
• Avalanche Safety Gear
• Guide Gratuities

OPTIONAL EXTRAS

• Heli Day: Easy access to Santiago and Portillo based heli ops
• Winter Camping: Incredible access to lots of unskied terrain beyond the Arpa valley
• Resort Day: Proximity makes it easy to add a day of chairlift assisted skiing

Check out our Backcountry Skiing Gear List