Price/person $5,800
All deposits are nonrefundable. A deposit secures your spot on the trip. Final payment will be made by ACH, Zelle or Credit Card w/ service fee, and is due 180 days before your trip starts.
Chile Central Cordillera Backcountry Skiing
Join us for a week of backcountry skiing in the remote Central Andes near Ski Arpa and Santiago.
Explore untouched terrain by snowcat and foot, with each day tailored to your group. Expect big descents, views of Aconcagua, and the rich culture of the Chilean Andes. Perfect for experienced skiers craving a wild, authentic adventure.
Overview
Itinerary
Prerequisites
Inclusions
Gear
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
LOCATIONS
Ski Arpa
- Remote cat skiing operation in Central Cordillera
- 1.5 hours drive from dowtown Los Andes, 2.5 hours from Santiago
Puerto Natales
- Southern Patagonia
- Access to national parks, glaciers, volcanoes, fjords, and more!
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)
Day 9 - Depart Santiago in morning to fly home
SKI DAY OPTIONS
1. Cat Skiing at Ski Arpa
- 7am: Breakfast (arrive dressed and ready to go afterwards)
- 7.30am: Depart for Arpa
- 9am: Arrive at Arpa, sign waivers, coffee, boot up
- 9.30am - 3pm: Cat skiing (lunch will be eaten in the field)
- 3:30pm: Aprés drinks and an asado at Refugio Avalancha
- 4:30pm: Depart Arpa back to Los Andes
- 7pm: Dinner
- 7pm: Bed
2. Cat assisted touring at Ski Arpa
- 7am: Breakfast (arrive dressed and ready to go afterwards)
- 7.30am: Depart for Arpa
- 9am: Arrive at Arpa, sign waivers, coffee, boot up
- 9:30am: Cat bump to the top of either Cerro Blanco or Punta Guanaco
- 10am-3:30pm: Ski touring around the valleys surrounding Arpa
- 3:30pm: Aprés drinks and an asado at Refugio Avalancha
- 4:30pm: Depart Arpa back to Los Andes
- 7pm: Dinner
3. Lift assisted backcountry at Portillo
- 7am: Breakfast (arrive dressed and ready to go afterwards)
- 7.30am: Depart for Portillo
- 9.30am: Arrive at Portillo, purchase tickets
- 10am-3:30pm: Ski Portillo and surrounding sidecountry (lunch can be packed or eaten on mountain)
- 3:30pm: Aprés drink at Tío Bob’s
- 4:30pm: Depart Portillo back to Los Andes
- 7pm: Dinner
4. Lifted assisted backcountry at Valle Nevado. (Can lodge in Santiago or up at Valle Nevado depending on previous day’s timing)
- 7am: Breakfast (arrive dressed and ready to go afterwards)
- 7.30am: Depart from Santiago for Valle Nevado (if not lodging in Valle Nevado)
- 9.30am: Arrive at Valle Nevado, purchase tickets
- 10am-3:30pm: Ski Valle Nevado and surrounding sidecountry (lunch can be packed or eaten on mountain)
- 3:30pm: Aprés drink
- 4:30pm: Depart Valle Nevado back to Santiago
- 7pm: Dinner
5. Touring/sled assisted touring in Valle de Maipo. (Arrive to Lo Valdes area the night before)
- 7am: Breakfast (arrive dressed and ready to go afterwards)
- 7.30am: Arrive at Dos Tiempos house in Lo Valdes
- 8am: Coffee, waivers, and briefing
- 8.30am: Bump up the road to trailhead
- 9am-3:30pm: Sled accessed skiing in the famous valleys beneath Volcán San José
- 4pm: Après wine and snacks back at Dos Tiempos house
- 4:30pm: Depart back to Santiago
- 7pm: Dinner
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
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 - 3,500 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
- 7 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
- Travel Insurance
- Ski/Splitboard Gear
- Avalanche SafetyGear
- Guide Gratuities
Check out our Backcountry Skiing Gear List
Know Before you go
Price/Person
$750.00
Private Programs
Duration: 7 Days
View Full Itinerary
PRIVATE PROGRAMS
- Custom Scheduling: Choose your dates and plan around your availability.
- Tailored Experiences: Itineraries and objectives are adjusted to suit your goals, experience, and fitness.
- Cost-Effective for Most Large Groups: Private programs are typically more cost-effective for groups of 3 or more.
- Flexibility Comes at a Price: For groups of 1-2, private programs are generally more expensive.
- AIARE Courses: AIARE course pricing is based on a group of 6. Running these as a private program with fewer than 6 participants will increase the per-person cost.
SCHEDULED PROGRAMS
- Fixed Dates & Costs: Scheduled programs have set dates, itineraries, objectives, and pricing.
- Great for Solo or Small Groups: Ideal for individuals or small groups looking to share costs with others.
- Affordable for 1-2 People: Scheduled programs are typically less expensive for groups of 1-2.
- Less Flexibility: Dates fill quickly, and group programs require adapting to the skill level and pace of all participants
- Group Atmosphere: Meet others with similar interests and make some new backcountry buddies!
Note: Any scheduled program can also be run as a private program with customized dates and rates.
Both options offer exceptional guiding and experiences. Choose what works best for you!
Full Itinerary
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)
Day 9 - Depart Santiago in morning to fly home
SKI DAY OPTIONS
1. Cat Skiing at Ski Arpa
- 7am: Breakfast (arrive dressed and ready to go afterwards)
- 7.30am: Depart for Arpa
- 9am: Arrive at Arpa, sign waivers, coffee, boot up
- 9.30am - 3pm: Cat skiing (lunch will be eaten in the field)
- 3:30pm: Aprés drinks and an asado at Refugio Avalancha
- 4:30pm: Depart Arpa back to Los Andes
- 7pm: Dinner
- 7pm: Bed
2. Cat assisted touring at Ski Arpa
- 7am: Breakfast (arrive dressed and ready to go afterwards)
- 7.30am: Depart for Arpa
- 9am: Arrive at Arpa, sign waivers, coffee, boot up
- 9:30am: Cat bump to the top of either Cerro Blanco or Punta Guanaco
- 10am-3:30pm: Ski touring around the valleys surrounding Arpa
- 3:30pm: Aprés drinks and an asado at Refugio Avalancha
- 4:30pm: Depart Arpa back to Los Andes
- 7pm: Dinner
3. Lift assisted backcountry at Portillo
- 7am: Breakfast (arrive dressed and ready to go afterwards)
- 7.30am: Depart for Portillo
- 9.30am: Arrive at Portillo, purchase tickets
- 10am-3:30pm: Ski Portillo and surrounding sidecountry (lunch can be packed or eaten on mountain)
- 3:30pm: Aprés drink at Tío Bob’s
- 4:30pm: Depart Portillo back to Los Andes
- 7pm: Dinner
4. Lifted assisted backcountry at Valle Nevado. (Can lodge in Santiago or up at Valle Nevado depending on previous day’s timing)
- 7am: Breakfast (arrive dressed and ready to go afterwards)
- 7.30am: Depart from Santiago for Valle Nevado (if not lodging in Valle Nevado)
- 9.30am: Arrive at Valle Nevado, purchase tickets
- 10am-3:30pm: Ski Valle Nevado and surrounding sidecountry (lunch can be packed or eaten on mountain)
- 3:30pm: Aprés drink
- 4:30pm: Depart Valle Nevado back to Santiago
- 7pm: Dinner
5. Touring/sled assisted touring in Valle de Maipo. (Arrive to Lo Valdes area the night before)
- 7am: Breakfast (arrive dressed and ready to go afterwards)
- 7.30am: Arrive at Dos Tiempos house in Lo Valdes
- 8am: Coffee, waivers, and briefing
- 8.30am: Bump up the road to trailhead
- 9am-3:30pm: Sled accessed skiing in the famous valleys beneath Volcán San José
- 4pm: Après wine and snacks back at Dos Tiempos house
- 4:30pm: Depart back to Santiago
- 7pm: Dinner
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
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
LOCATIONS
Ski Arpa
- Remote cat skiing operation in Central Cordillera
- 1.5 hours drive from dowtown Los Andes, 2.5 hours from Santiago
Puerto Natales
- Southern Patagonia
- Access to national parks, glaciers, volcanoes, fjords, and more!
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)
Day 9 - Depart Santiago in morning to fly home
SKI DAY OPTIONS
1. Cat Skiing at Ski Arpa
- 7am: Breakfast (arrive dressed and ready to go afterwards)
- 7.30am: Depart for Arpa
- 9am: Arrive at Arpa, sign waivers, coffee, boot up
- 9.30am - 3pm: Cat skiing (lunch will be eaten in the field)
- 3:30pm: Aprés drinks and an asado at Refugio Avalancha
- 4:30pm: Depart Arpa back to Los Andes
- 7pm: Dinner
- 7pm: Bed
2. Cat assisted touring at Ski Arpa
- 7am: Breakfast (arrive dressed and ready to go afterwards)
- 7.30am: Depart for Arpa
- 9am: Arrive at Arpa, sign waivers, coffee, boot up
- 9:30am: Cat bump to the top of either Cerro Blanco or Punta Guanaco
- 10am-3:30pm: Ski touring around the valleys surrounding Arpa
- 3:30pm: Aprés drinks and an asado at Refugio Avalancha
- 4:30pm: Depart Arpa back to Los Andes
- 7pm: Dinner
3. Lift assisted backcountry at Portillo
- 7am: Breakfast (arrive dressed and ready to go afterwards)
- 7.30am: Depart for Portillo
- 9.30am: Arrive at Portillo, purchase tickets
- 10am-3:30pm: Ski Portillo and surrounding sidecountry (lunch can be packed or eaten on mountain)
- 3:30pm: Aprés drink at Tío Bob’s
- 4:30pm: Depart Portillo back to Los Andes
- 7pm: Dinner
4. Lifted assisted backcountry at Valle Nevado. (Can lodge in Santiago or up at Valle Nevado depending on previous day’s timing)
- 7am: Breakfast (arrive dressed and ready to go afterwards)
- 7.30am: Depart from Santiago for Valle Nevado (if not lodging in Valle Nevado)
- 9.30am: Arrive at Valle Nevado, purchase tickets
- 10am-3:30pm: Ski Valle Nevado and surrounding sidecountry (lunch can be packed or eaten on mountain)
- 3:30pm: Aprés drink
- 4:30pm: Depart Valle Nevado back to Santiago
- 7pm: Dinner
5. Touring/sled assisted touring in Valle de Maipo. (Arrive to Lo Valdes area the night before)
- 7am: Breakfast (arrive dressed and ready to go afterwards)
- 7.30am: Arrive at Dos Tiempos house in Lo Valdes
- 8am: Coffee, waivers, and briefing
- 8.30am: Bump up the road to trailhead
- 9am-3:30pm: Sled accessed skiing in the famous valleys beneath Volcán San José
- 4pm: Après wine and snacks back at Dos Tiempos house
- 4:30pm: Depart back to Santiago
- 7pm: Dinner
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
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 - 3,500 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
- 7 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
- Travel Insurance
- Ski/Splitboard Gear
- Avalanche SafetyGear
- Guide Gratuities
Check out our Backcountry Skiing Gear List
Chile Central Cordillera Backcountry Skiing
Chile Central Cordillera Backcountry Skiing
Chile Central Cordillera Backcountry Skiing
Chile Central Cordillera Backcountry Skiing
Chile Central Cordillera Backcountry Skiing
Chile Central Cordillera Backcountry Skiing
Chile Central Cordillera Backcountry Skiing
Chile Central Cordillera Backcountry Skiing
Chile Central Cordillera Backcountry Skiing
Epic Reviews From Adventurers
12 reviews
- Rated 5 out of 5 starsReady for a trip to pillow town?
Ok, this was my 2nd hut trip with Blackbird and wow was it amazing. I mean, at 50 if I had done this 25 years ago I am pretty sure my life would have gone in a very different direction.
First and foremost, Zeb Blaise (owner and lead guide), is an absolute rockstar. He ensured that everyone made it to the lodge no matter how hard the weather and airlines tried to prevent it. He was constantly working to make sure this was an amazing experience.
While visibility was difficult all week I still think we scored big time. With 5-10cm of fresh every day and a mix of guides and practicum's with local knowledge we were never longing for more. With the ability to self select we were able to choose from skiing bell to bell or a more mellow day but always had fun.
I could go on about the food being fantastic and the hut's sauna for days but there is only so much room to type.
Oh yeah, about the pillows... This is probably this best pillow terrain I've ever seen, in person, a magazine or a video part. I mean Mike Lindell would be jealous of this place. A week later and I'm still dreaming about pillow lines!
The only real question is whether I will return to Snowfall or check out a different hut next winter...
Jeremy R.Verified Buyer - Rated 5 out of 5 starsBlackbird Guides - Snowfall Lodge
In short, a once in a lifetime experience. The perfect balance between comfort (a lodge that is off the grid but has everything you need, including sauna and amazing food) and outdoor adventure (disconnected, epic snow and terrain, unreal views, the list goes on). To top it off, Blackbird guides helps to make the experience as good as it gets. They are professionals at coordinating and communicating plans, as well as true backcountry mountain guides - ensuring a safe experience, while providing education and guaranteeing epic powder turns. I have used Blackbird since they started and will continue to do so. They are at the top of their game. Don't miss this trip, or frankly, any trip Blackbird puts together. If you have the opportunity, GO!
Greg F.Verified Buyer - Rated 5 out of 5 starsIncredible hut trip
Magnificent terrain to explore each day and a beautiful hut to return to each night. Couldn’t have loved this week more!
Jennifer L.Verified Buyer - Rated 5 out of 5 starsAnother Epic Trip to BC
Blackbird trips are something special. Amazing terrain, super knowledgeable and fun guides, great guests, and spectacular food. Snowfall had it all, from high alpine & glaciers to super fun tree and pillow skiing. Looking forward to coming back.
Henning F.Verified Buyer
the blackbird difference
Innovative courses
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Got Questions?
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