Ski big lines in the Andes! Join us for a 7-day adventure through Chile’s best backcountry terrain — from cat skiing at Arpa to iconic lines at Portillo, La Parva & Valle Nevado. Stunning views, deep culture, and unforgettable descents.
Price: $4,895/person.
Overview:
Cat skiing, iconic couloirs, and the rugged peaks of the Central Andes — this 7-day ski adventure is designed for experienced backcountry skiers and riders ready to explore Chile’s most legendary alpine terrain.
Start with three full days of cat skiing and cat-assisted touring at Ski Arpa, a remote operation with panoramic views of Aconcagua and the surrounding 20,000' peaks. Midweek, choose between a cultural day featuring wine tasting and hot springs — or an optional ski day at Portillo, home to big descents like the Super C Couloir. Then finish the trip with two full days of lift-accessed touring based out of Farellones, exploring classic terrain at Valle Nevado, La Parva, and El Colorado. On the final day, enjoy a morning of skiing before returning to Santiago for evening departures or an optional overnight in the city.
This adventure blends technical progression, big-mountain objectives, and cultural immersion — offering a true backcountry experience in one of South America's most dramatic alpine landscapes.
Highlights:
Perfect for experienced backcountry skiers and riders looking to combine cat skiing, lift-accessed touring, big lines, and cultural adventure in one unforgettable trip through Chile’s Central Andes.
💳 Final payment will be made by ACH, Zelle or Credit Card w/ service fee, and is due 180 days before trip starts.
Day 1 – Arrival & Welcome Dinner
Day 2 – Cat Skiing at Ski Arpa
Day 3 – Cat-Assisted Touring at Ski Arpa
Day 4 – Final Touring Day at Arpa
Day 5 – Optional Portillo Skiing or Cultural Day, Transfer to Farellones
Day 6 – Lift-Accessed Touring at Valle Nevado, La Parva, or El Colorado
Day 7 – Lift-Accessed Touring at Valle Nevado, La Parva, or El Colorado & Departure
Here are the skills and fitness you'll need for your course:
What's Included:
Optional Extras:
For this trip, you'll need a full backcountry ski or splitboard setup, avalanche safety gear, and appropriate layering for variable alpine conditions in the Andes.
Required gear includes:
We recommend reviewing the full gear guide before your trip. You can download it here:
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!
Day 1 – Arrival & Welcome Dinner
Day 2 – Cat Skiing at Ski Arpa
Day 3 – Cat-Assisted Touring at Ski Arpa
Day 4 – Final Touring Day at Arpa
Day 5 – Optional Portillo Skiing or Cultural Day, Transfer to Farellones
Day 6 – Lift-Accessed Touring at Valle Nevado, La Parva, or El Colorado
Day 7 – Lift-Accessed Touring at Valle Nevado, La Parva, or El Colorado & Departure
Overview:
Cat skiing, iconic couloirs, and the rugged peaks of the Central Andes — this 7-day ski adventure is designed for experienced backcountry skiers and riders ready to explore Chile’s most legendary alpine terrain.
Start with three full days of cat skiing and cat-assisted touring at Ski Arpa, a remote operation with panoramic views of Aconcagua and the surrounding 20,000' peaks. Midweek, choose between a cultural day featuring wine tasting and hot springs — or an optional ski day at Portillo, home to big descents like the Super C Couloir. Then finish the trip with two full days of lift-accessed touring based out of Farellones, exploring classic terrain at Valle Nevado, La Parva, and El Colorado. On the final day, enjoy a morning of skiing before returning to Santiago for evening departures or an optional overnight in the city.
This adventure blends technical progression, big-mountain objectives, and cultural immersion — offering a true backcountry experience in one of South America's most dramatic alpine landscapes.
Highlights:
Perfect for experienced backcountry skiers and riders looking to combine cat skiing, lift-accessed touring, big lines, and cultural adventure in one unforgettable trip through Chile’s Central Andes.
💳 Final payment will be made by ACH, Zelle or Credit Card w/ service fee, and is due 180 days before trip starts.
Day 1 – Arrival & Welcome Dinner
Day 2 – Cat Skiing at Ski Arpa
Day 3 – Cat-Assisted Touring at Ski Arpa
Day 4 – Final Touring Day at Arpa
Day 5 – Optional Portillo Skiing or Cultural Day, Transfer to Farellones
Day 6 – Lift-Accessed Touring at Valle Nevado, La Parva, or El Colorado
Day 7 – Lift-Accessed Touring at Valle Nevado, La Parva, or El Colorado & Departure
Here are the skills and fitness you'll need for your course:
What's Included:
Optional Extras:
For this trip, you'll need a full backcountry ski or splitboard setup, avalanche safety gear, and appropriate layering for variable alpine conditions in the Andes.
Required gear includes:
We recommend reviewing the full gear guide before your trip. You can download it here:
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...
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!
Magnificent terrain to explore each day and a beautiful hut to return to each night. Couldn’t have loved this week more!
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.
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