Ski Chile - Argentina - South American Andes Skiing - Snowboarding Blog

Cheap Skiing in Chile? How About Free!

2013-06-14T10:13:00.000-07:00

For those searching the web for cheap ski vacations, it's hard to beat free. That is exactly what Nevados de Chillan in Chile is offering today, as they kick off their 2013 ski season.

Known as "la marcha blanca", it's a way for the resort to get the locals excited about the season and to give back to the community. All you have to do is show up to the ski area and you get a free lift ticket to enjoy a day in the beautiful Chilean Andes. Learn more about marcha blanca on ski chile .net.

Storm shredding in Nevados de Chillan. Image by Spencer Francey

Nevados de Chillan, previously run by Hotel Termas de Chillan, has a good mix of beginner, intermediate and advanced runs. It's one of the few resorts in Chile where you can ski and snowboard powder in the alpine and in the trees.

Experts that are willing to explore out of the resort boundaries will find endless backcountry options including adventures to distant hotsprings, hot rivers and can summit smoking volcanic craters.

The resort also has opened up more terrain accessed by their snowcat that seats up to 8 people. The resort guides take a very laid back approach to cat and snow safety, so it's a good idea to go with an external guide or someone that knows the terrain and snow pack. Be sure to bring a shovel, probe and avalanche transceiver.

Find out more on Chillan here.

Exploring Chillan's backcountry via snowcat. Image by David Owen

2013 Wanderlust Travel Awards

2013-05-08T12:23:00.000-07:00

The UK's premier adventure travel magazine Wanderlust just announced their annual Readers Travel Awards. Chile received top honors ranking in number 7 as one of the top 10 countries to visit in 2013. So if you are not sure where to go this summer, think no more and join a trip with PowderQuest and visit one of the worlds most exciting countries!

The Life of a PowderQuest Guide

2013-04-29T22:45:00.001-07:00

Behind the Beacon
Words from PowderQuest Guide Mike "Miguel" Gajda

Guides commit. Even before the idea of choosing this career path enters the conscious realm, a guide commits to the lifestyle. Often forfeiting many luxuries that others may take for granted, we chose to live simply and take on the deeper challenges that the mountains have to offer. While friends were going into debt to buy that new car, we would scrape together enough money for a new rope, that skookum tent, or a new muffler for the camper van so we could take off on the next great adventure, all of us driven by a wanderlust that never completely fades.

Becoming a guide is not easy and it takes plenty of time and experience to get through the exam process and become certified; usually far more than most of us originally imagined.

First, there are a number of prerequisites just to qualify for the program; first aid courses, advanced technical avalanche certifications, weather analysis courses, and rescue skill courses to name a few.

Once you have those, you face the competition; a lot of guys and gals with all those things but plenty more miles in the mountains. Rock climbing, ice climbing, alpine routes, big multi-day and multi-week tours and traverses. So you keep training, adventuring into the mountains, building the resume. This weeds out the less committed. If you don't love it, you won't match up against the others.

After acceptance on the training and mentorship program, there are years of hard work and exam preparation; a process that reveals what becoming a professional is about and that, like any profession, experience is the currency of the trade. Everyday out there, there is new learning to be garnered, absorbed, and melded into our individual bodies of knowledge and experience. The learning never stops and every guest has a part in it.

Throughout it all, we maintain a love of adventure and travel, whether it be in the pursuit of mountain challenges or other pastimes like surfing, wind sports, biking, flying, .....

The guys and gals of Powderquest have an addiction to world travel in the name of adventure, but with an a particular penchant towards South America. We love this continent and think that you will too !!

One of the things we take pride in at PowderQuest is our guides. We believe that our highly certified guide staff represent our vision to the fullest. From ensuring your safety high in the Andes mountains to helping you order your first Empanada the PowderQuest guide staff is always their to provide assistance when needed on your adventure.

Our guides are some of the best in the world and Mike Gajda is right on top of that list. A Canadian Heli Ski Guide for almost 20 years and even more years of experience guiding remote peaks from the Andes to Alaska, Mike has been a PowderQuest guide since 2003 and loves to share his wanderlust for adventure with our guests.

Check out our other guides here The Guides of PowderQuest

Valle Nevado Discount Packages for 2013

2013-01-18T08:18:00.001-08:00

Looking to ski or snowboard South America for the 2013 season? Well this is your chance to book a full unguided Valle Nevado package at a major discount for a limited time.

Book a 2013 Valle Nevado Package through PowderQuest and get up to a 35% discount on packages including lift tickets, lodging, breakfast and dinner as well as access to the hot tub, gym and more.

Spaces are very limited and will fill quickly. Email info@PowderQuest.com or give us a call at 1-888-565-7158 for more information and to get a quote today.

The following restrictions apply:

Valid for all three hotels at Valle Nevado, using 2013 rates (with the exception of August 2nd - 16th when the offer is only available at the Hotel Tres Puntas)
Valid for double occupancy.
Cannot be combined with other promotions
Reservations must be paid in full by March 15th, 2013
Blackout dates: July 26th - August 16th in the Hotel Valle Nevado and Hotel Puerta Del Sol
All reservations subject to availability
This offer is good for residents of the USA, Canada and the UK only
All reservations are subject to regular restrictions according to the season

Want to see what Valle Nevado has to offer for terrain? Check out this video.

Happy Holidays!

2012-12-19T11:18:00.000-08:00

Happy Holidays from the whole PowderQuest family! We hope you are enjoying time with family and friends and hopefully getting some powder turns wherever you are.

Experiences are one of the few presents that give back. Consider a PowderQuest adventure for that special someone and give the gift that lasts a lifetime.

Until January 15th, put a deposit down on any PowderQuest 2013 adventure and we will send a Dakine Heli ProII pack in holiday red to the address of your choosing. While supplies last.

Click HERE to take a look at the 2013 PowderQuest lineup of South America adventures.

Send us an email at info@PowderQuest.com or give us a call at 1-888-565-7158 with any questions.

Best wishes for a happy new year!

PowderQuest

Early Season Sale on 2013 Las Lenas Packages

2012-10-11T10:11:00.000-07:00

Huge 30% off sale on packages to ski and snowboard
the legendary Las Lenas, Argentina for 2013.

A PowderQuest client getting the goods during an August 2011 trip to Las Lenas, Argentina

For a limited time if you book a 2013 unguided trip to Las Lenas with PowderQuest you will receive a 30% discount on the whole package. That is 30% off lift tickets, lodging and meals. This is the best deal you will find to ski or snowboard Las Lenas for 2013 so don't delay. Packages are based on availability at the time of booking.

Below is a breakdown of some sample prices for one of the four hotel options. Please contact us for rates and availability at the Acuario, Aries and Piscis hotels. Family packages are available as well as 2 and 5 day packages also at a 30% discount. Price varies depending on what room you book (single, double, triple, quad), what hotel you book in, and when you plan to travel.

Hotel Escorpio

7 night package - Check in Saturday - Check out Saturday
All prices are in US Dollars and are per person

Includes

*7 Nights Accomodation

*Breakfast and Dinner

*8 Days of Lift Tickets

*Use of Hotel Facilites

Double Mountain View Room
(Dates listed below are the date of hotel Check-in)
July 27th--------Normal Price $2237 / Sale Price $1566
August 3rd-----Normal Price $2237 / Sale Price $1566
August 10th---Normal Price $2237 / Sale Price $1566

August 17th---Normal Price $2073 / Sale Price $1451

August 24th---Normal Price $2043 / Sale Price $1430
August 31st---Normal Price $1986 / Sale Price $1390

Sept 7th-------Normal Price $1879 / Sale Price $1315

Sept 14th-----Normal Price $1767 / Sale Price $1237

Triple Mountain View Room
(Dates listed below are the date of hotel Check -in)
July 27th-------Normal Price $1969 / Sale Price $1378

August 3rd----Normal Price $1969 / Sale Price $1378

August 10th---Normal Price $1969 / Sale Price $1378

August 17th---Normal Price $1824 / Sale Price $1277

August 24th---Normal Price $1798 / Sale Price $1259

August 31st---Normal Price $1748 / Sale Price $1224

Sept 7th--------Normal Price $1654 / Sale Price $1158

Sept 14th------Normal Price $1555 / Sale Price $1089

-----------------

In addition we are seeing very affordable rates to fly to from the USA to Mendoza (transferring through Buenos Aires). For example JFK-Mendoza is starting at $1000 RT August 1st-10th including all taxes and fees on LAN/TAM airlines. A shuttle transfer from Mendoza to Las Lenas will be needed at a separate cost. We would be happy to put you in touch with our travel agent for a flight quote for your specific dates.

These packages will go quickly. If you are interested in booking this special offer please submit an inquiry through THIS LINK.

Still not convinced? Check out this video from the First Ascent Team from their product testing trip to Las Lenas in 2011.

Feel free to contact PowderQuest at info@PowderQuest.com or by phone at 1-888-565-7158 with any questions

*1st payment of 30% must be submitted when making reservation
*2nd payment of 40% must be made within 30 days of booking
*final payment due 30 days before the start of the reservation

Ride Argentina with Shin Campos - Part 2 Chapelco

2012-09-21T10:19:00.000-07:00

Here is the second of three installments on the blog about the first annual Ride Argentina snowboard trip with lead guide Shin Campos. If you would like to start at the beginning and missed Part 1 - Cerro Bayo, just follow THIS LINK.

Our clients are always pushing us to chronicle the amazing adventures offered by PowderQuest. Our feeling is that the PowderQuest product needs to be experienced to be fully understood. Hopefully this series of blog posts will give you the reader a glimpse into the magic of skiing and riding with PowderQuest in South America even in less than optimal snow conditions.

In this post the group packs up the van after two full days taking Cerro Bayo for everything it was worth and heads to San Martin De Los Andes, home to the Cerro Chapelco Resort and stop number two on the Argentina Snowboard Adventure.

Logan saying his goodbyes to his new friend at the hotel in Villa Agnostura

Part of the adventure on any trip in any part of the world is seeing and experiencing new places and making new friends. The old saying, the journey is the destination, is quite true on a PowderQuest trip where you get to see a wide variety of places and meet some amazing individuals, all connected by very unique road trips.

The cameras came out as our van embarked on what is known as one of the most scenic drives in all of Argentina, La Ruta De 7 Lagos (The 7 lakes route). Although it is one of the most scenic drives out there, it is also arguably the roughest "road" we took the whole trip. The group took it in stride and soaked up the views while spotting wildlife and eating fresh empandas.

Capturing the adventure with the Drift HD camera

The Wild West, Patagonia style.

As we pulled into the hotel in San Martin De Los Andes, the group was able to see what makes this town so special as the light faded over the harbor. San Martin de Los Andes is a true ski town with locals and tourists alike walking around in ski gear, window shopping and trying to decide between the myriad of amazing restaurants dishing out some of the best meals in Argentina.

The view that greeted us with the last of the 7 lakes as the van made it's way into San Martin De Los Andes

PowderQuest hotel in San Martin De Los Andes. This place is a registered historical landmark and very special.

Classic stone fireplace in the living room. This hotel is consistently a PowderQuest client favorite!

The crew decided to have a semi-early dinner (for Argentina). The choice was the local pizza place called Pizza Cala known for their rocking music, amazing brick oven pizzas, salads and party atmosphere. After a fun and relaxing 2 hour dinner, we made our way back to the hotel to get some rest and get ready for our first day shredding the Chapelco Resort.

A rare serious moment with Alex, John and Max at Pizza Cala

Window shopping in San Martin De Los Andes takes on a whole new meaning

As the van pulled into the Chapelco parking lot, the hearts of the group sank a bit as the reality of the lack of snow became apparent. Locals were saying that this was the lowest they had seen snow levels in their memory. With our first look at the base area and lower part of the mountain we could see why. Thankfully this group had one of the best attitudes of all time and we made the best out of the situation. Heck it was a bluebird day with the sun shining and we were about to go snowboarding at a brand new resort... in August!

Perspective is important in life and it is important to be grateful for new experiences and opportunities. This group embodied that philosophy throughout the entire trip. Shin and Jamie led a wax scraping session at the base as a follow up to the wax clinic the night before to make the boards run as smooth and as fast as possible. As we headed up on the 80's style gondola, spirits were high and everyone was stoked to check out what Chapelco was all about.

The vintage gondola is a Chapelco Resort signature

Heading up the quad on a bluebird day surrounded by the magical power of nature.

Ronnie, Shin and Max loving life in the backbowls of Chapelco

Annie making her way through the enchanted forest for yet another lap

For the afternoon the group split up with me taking John, Annie and Jamie to explore and conquer the chutes and bowls up top. Shin headed off with Ronnie, Max, Logan and Ken proceeding to ride switch, jump off anything they could find and in general absolutely ripping around the entire resort with the sun shining strong.

I had an amazing time with John, Annie and Jamie and felt nothing short of a proud father. We made laps and I watched them attack and own steep lines, thread through rocks, get in the air and negotiate moguls the size of VW bugs. Progression is the name of the game and everyone stepped up their game big-time. It was awesome and our crew milked the day until the lifts closed still wanting more and smiling from ear to ear.

John steps up to one of the steepest lines he has ever ridden with an all time backdrop. He crushed it.

Jamie makes short work of a long, steep run with perfect form in very challenging snow
conditions. Nice work Jamie, you killed it!

Annie all smiles in the backbowls after consistently stepping up her
game every run, all afternoon. Amazing progression.

Apres time after an amazing first day at Chapelco

On the way back to the hotel, there was a group vote and we all agreed that we were overdue to head out and experience some Argentine nightlife. Dinner was scheduled for a bit later than normal at a steak house called Bamboo with a gameplan to hit the town immediately after the meal. The crew recharged with huge steaks, tried new things like Morcillas and of course consumed plenty of Malbec wine and the biggest beers we could purchase. Everyone was stoked after an epic day and the group recaped their first experience at Chapelco with stories and lots of laughs.

One of the best things about San Martin De Los Andes is the ability to walk anywhere in town, a feature the group took full advantage of. After a a big night of ping pong, beers and shots at the local snowboard hangout El Moro, great food at Bamboo and plenty of laughs we headed back to our hotel to catch a few hours of sleep and get ready for our last day at Cerro Chapelco.

Shin, Luke and Jamie sampling some adult beverages

Max getting some lessons on Asado techniques from the master at Bamboo

Annie tries to talk Ken into being on her pingpong team while John drops some knowledge on Luke

Annie and Max proceed to dominate the table and stare down a potential competitor at the bar

For the final day at Chapelco we awoke to a misty overcast day with everyone feeling the effects of our night out on the town. After a breakfast in the hotel complete with eggs cooked to order, fresh squeezed orange juice, great coffee and a huge variety of freshly baked goodies, the group got our gear on and loaded into the van to head to the mountain.

Some of the best days snowboarding can actually happen while riding in the rain and the whole crew rallied once again with great attitudes despite the overcast weather and hangovers. We spent the morning working on riding and jumping switch while enjoying having the slopes to ourselves.

Ronnie and Alex were pumped to check out the terrain park and work on jumping, so I headed over with them to post up for a couple of hours. Both Ronnie and Alex pushed it hard, hiking lap after lap, getting real time feedback and putting it into action. Huge improvement and progression from both riders. Ronnie took to the air again and again, fine tuning her body position and sticking every single landing on the rhythm section of medium sized features. Alex was straight sending it on the large features, taking flight in the Chapelco forest.

Misty start to Day 2 at Chapelco with the mountain all to ourselves

Ronnie getting it done in the Cerro Chapelco terrain park!

Ronnie with a perfect landing on the second jump of the rhythm section

Heading in for lunch at Rancho Manolo

Everyone had a good time and made the most out of the weather and conditions as we wrapped up the day and packed up the van. The crew was tired from the previous night's festivities and four straight days of straight riding. While the energy level was low, spirits were high as we got our gear from the hotel and embarked from San Martin De Los Andes for the final stop on the adventure, San Carlos De Bariloche and the mighty Cerro Catedral.

A final view of the San Martin De Los Andes harbor

Hotel dog ... who loved fetching rocks

Jamie and Ken rating empandas

Lift are open until 5pm in Argentina!

John finds his happy place

Ronnie reflects on an epic day

Alex all smiles after a full day at Chapelco

Shoreline Tahoe Represent!

Pimpin ain't easy

Chapleco's trees against a bluebird sky are simply amazing

Our view for the daily drive up to Chapelco was epic!

Huskies!

Jamie riding it out!

Lack of snow but no lack of positive energy from the crew!

Name that volcano!

Hola!

Coffee Break

Asado at Bamboo

Annie looking out form the top of Chapelco

El Moro nightlife

Danger!

Koi pond in the back of the hotel

Despite the lack of snow, everyone had an amazing time at Chapelco

Logan has some serious skills on the guitar!

Fresh Snow just in time for the 2012 Chile Volcanoes Adventure!

2012-09-18T12:08:00.001-07:00

Fresh snow has surprised everyone and recharged the three volcanoes that are on the itinerary for the September 22nd - 30th 2012 PowderQuest Chile Volcanoes Adventure. There is one spot remaining for this trip of a lifetime to summit and ski or splitboard three of Chile's most famous volcanoes in one amazing nine day adventure, PowderQuest style. Give us a call at 1-888-565-7158 or email us at info@PowderQuest.com for help with flights and to make sure the space is still available.

The following two pictures were taken today, September 18th on the way up to Volcano Llonquimay home of the Corralco Ski Resort and the first stop on the Chile Volcanoes tour!

The road from town up to the Corralco Ski Resort

Fresh snow all the way up to the Lonquimay Volcano Summit on the morning of September 18th 2012

25cms of snow has been reported at the base of the Antillanca Resort on Volcano Llaima as of Sunday morning which is stop number 2 on the trip.

Pucon, home to Volcano Villarrica and PowderQuest's offices in Chile received fresh snow over the weekend with more on the way. The photo below was taken on September 17th by Spencer Francy

Photo taken by Spencer Francy on September 17th, 2012 between storms.

The Chile Volcano Adventure has been written up on the website Urban Daddy as one of their recommended adventures of a lifetime. Check it out here.

Feliz 18 de Septiembre from the whole PowderQuest crew!

Ride Argentina with Shin Campos - Part I Cerro Bayo

2012-09-14T11:50:00.000-07:00

The first annual Ride Argentina with Shin Campos went down this past August. Eight lucky snowboarders chased the endless winter, all the way around the world to the Andes of Northern Patagonia. Starting and ending in San Carlos De Bariloche, Argentina this roundtrip adventure hit Cerro Bayo, Chapelco, and Cerro Catedral with an itinerary designed for cultural immersion and as much riding as possible.

When travelling as a crew, certain benefits are gained over trying to navigate the confusing waters of South America alone. The first is immediately apparent as you get to meet individuals from all over the world who love snowboarding enough to fly far south to get some turns in the summer. Something about the shared love of riding eclipses barriers that can exist between people relating to gender, age, race, and background, and everyone lands on the same level, standing sideways. It is magical and awesome.

The group spent time getting to know each other and sampling cafe con leches as we waited for the final flight to arrive. Once the whole crew had assembled, everyone packed into the private Sprinter van and headed out into the Argentine countryside excited to get things rolling. The road winds in and out of an ever changing Patagonian landscape wrapping around the mighty Lago Nauel Huapi. The driver pulled signature Argentine passing manuevers and techniques as the van sped along destined for our first stop of the trip, the small town of Villa Agnostura home to Cerro Bayo.

Cerro Bayo is a mystical place that has a way of making you fall in love with it, no matter what the conditions. During the trip this year, Cerro Bayo was at one of the lowest snow levels of the year so we put it to the test. Two long days of hikes to the peak and milking the mountain for all that it was worth put smiles on everyones faces. A group shot of everyone gearing up for the first big run of the trip on top of the world shows how it is hard not to fall in love with the backdrop or the fact that you are snowboarding in August. Shin takes a moment to brief the group and talk game plan.

The views looking out from the top of Cerro Bayo and over the town of Villa Agnostura are simply spectacular and it is great to be with a crew that appreciates every minute of the experience. Even though the conditions were closer to spring than mid winter, the crew was able to find fun lines through the upper bowls and lower trees on the far riders left of the mountain. Jamie shows us how it is done on lap number 2.

Shin helped riders to turn the entire mountain into a terrain park as the crew followed flowy lines that gravitated towards transition and staying smooth. The whole crew was rolling over cornices, shredding natural gullies, and really maximizing every feature they could find. A quick jump session went down at the eventual ending spot for the Cerro Bayo gondola, expected to be finished by next season. Max, Logan, Alex, and Shin scouted out a drop with a short but sweet landing and charged. Max and Logan got the shots.

Max spinning to win, getting the grab in and spotting his landing

Logan taking flight. Eyes on the prize with a epic backdrop

Shin Campos scoping out the possible landings for the crew

Nights were spent recharging on regional Argentina delicacies in small local family owned restaurants and enjoying each others company, all while constantly laughing and smiling. Favorites included the fresh grilled trout, handmade ravioli filled with venison or salmon, and of course some of the best steak and wine in the world.

At the end of the second day of riding everyone loaded into the van and got excited for the trip through the legendary 7 Lagos route that would take us to San Martin De Los Andes and the excitement of exploring a brand new mountain, Cerro Chapelco. After a quick stop for supplies (empanadas, beer, and wine) the Van led out onto the start of the route and we passed the 2nd of the 7 lakes, seen below.

Check back soon for Part II - San Martin De Los Andes and Chapelco

Cant wait for the ski season to start?

2012-09-05T10:01:00.002-07:00

Break out the touring gear and head to Las Trancas, Chile next week!

Las Trancas, Chile is home to many volcanoes including Chillan and plenty of great spring touring options. Get your body and touring gear ready for the upcoming winter while exploring lines only locals and guides know. Soak up the culture, food, amazing mountains, varied terrain and natural thermal hot-springs that characterize this zone in the south of Chile.

There are 2 remaining spots on the 7 Day Chillan Backcountry Tour running from September 9th-15th for only $1995 each.

Trip is based out of the town of Las Trancas and includes all lodging, breakfast and dinners (with wine) daily guiding, any lift tickets needed for access, daily transfers and transfer to/from Concepcion, Chile. Attempt to summit several volcanoes in the area along with endless touring options.

Some of the lowest prices of the season on international flights!
Please give us a call at 1-888-565-7158 or emails us at info@PowderQuest.com for more information and to confirm availability.

Last Chance to Escape to the Andes for 2012

2012-08-23T08:46:00.000-07:00

Somehow we are already approaching the end of the 2012 South America ski season. It has been a wild one, with early snow, a long dry spell and then lots of fresh snow across Chile and Argentina in the last couple of weeks.

If you have been waiting for the right conditions to book, skiing Chile in September is shaping up to be one of the best months of the season! Photo below was taken the morning of August 22nd 2012 outside of our hotel in Nevados De Chillan, Chile with 3 feet of fresh snow.

PowderQuest has a limited number of spaces remaining on the last three adventures in our trip calendar for the 2012 season. These trips are focused on touring, adventure and are consistently ranked as one of both our guides and clients favorite trips of the year. Participants need to have touring gear (touring ski bindings, skins, split-board, etc...) and be advanced/expert skiers and riders.

Packages priced at $1995 (7 day trip) and $2695 (9 day trip) and include lodging, private transfers, breakfast and dinner (Delicious Chilean wine at dinner) and daily guiding.

Call 1-888-565-7158 or send and email to info@PowderQuest.com with any questions and to check availability. These trips wont last long with the recent snow so don't delay.

Chillan "Escape to the Andes" Backcountry Tour - $1995

Dates Available: September 2nd-8th / September 9th-15th

Explore the mystical Chilean Volcanos and natural hot springs surrounding the Nevados De Chillan ski area in Southern Chile. Day tours range from a 3300 vertical foot descent beginning on the rim of a volcanic crater, to Alaska style faces that lead to hot springs to rejuvenate your tired, happy muscles.

Chile "Ring of Fire" Volcanos Tour - $2695

Dates Available: September 22nd-30th

Our goal is to summit and ski or splitboard three of Chile's most beautiful volcanos gaining 15,000 vertical feet in the three descents alone. The group will add thousands of vertical feet more in the days between as we explore the terrain in and around the legendary Llaima, Villarrica and Lonquimay volcanos of the Southern Andes.

Airfares to Santiago from Major Hubs are looking great for the above trips. Here is a brief rundown of the cheapest airfare to Santiago as of 8/23 as it related to the trips above. PowderQuest has an excellent travel agent that is happy to provide specific quotes at the lowest possible rates. Please email us at info@PowderQuest.com for more information.

Toronto - Santiago $963 RT - Chillan Backcountry Tour Sept 2-8

Vancouver - Santiago $1027 RT - Chillan Backcountry Tour Sept 9-15

Boston - Santiago $1296 RT - Chillan Backcountry Tour Sept 9-15

NYC - Santiago $1089 RT - Chile Volcanos Adventure Sept 22-30

London - Santiago $1513 RT - Chillan Backcountry Tour Sept 9-15

Sydney- Santiago $1840 RT - Chillan Backcountry Tour Sept 9-15

Lowest current fares on flights to Chile and Argentina

2012-07-18T12:38:00.000-07:00

We are seeing some of the best flight prices of the season matching up with the travel dates of PowderQuest Trip offerings in August and September. Here is a quick rundown of RT flight prices including taxes and fees from some of the major departure hubs. All of these prices were found on July 18th 2012 but are subject to change. If interested contact us as soon as possible.

**Many 2012 trips are either sold out or almost full. Please email us at info@powderquest.com or call 1-888-565-7158 to ensure space is still available before booking airfare**

Chile 2012

Ingrid Backstrom Signature Camp - August 3rd - August 10th

$886 Toronto -Santiago

$1151 Miami - Santiago

$1169 San Francisco - Santiago

$1212 NYC -Santiago

$1241 LA - Santiago

$1305 Boston - Santiago

$1349 Houston - Santiago

Summer Ski Escape - August 12th- 18th

$911 Toronto -Santiago

$1077 NYC -Santiago

$1120 Boston - Santiago

$1127 LA - Santiago

$1146 Miami - Santiago

$1185 San Francisco - Santiago

$1406 Houston - Santiago

$1419 Sydney -Santiago

$1676 London - Santiago
$1712 Auckland - Santiago

Chile Snow Adventure - September 1st - 9th

$885 Toronto - Santiago

$962 Miami - Santiago

$1077 NYC - Santiago

$1084 Boston - Santiago

$1127 LA - Santiago

$1185 San Francisco - Santiago

$1220 Houston - Santiago

$1539 London - Santiago

$1986 Sydney - Santiago

$2116 Auckland - Santiago

Frontier Las Lenas - August 28th - September 8th
*starts and ends in Santiago, Chile. Round-trip flight from Santiago - Mendoza included in trip price.

$885 Toronto - Santiago

$1042 NYC - Santiago

$1042 Boston - Santiago

$1073 Miami - Santiago

$1092 LA - Santiago

$1165 San Francisco - Santiago

$1419 Sydney - Santiago - nonstop home!

$1526 London - Santiago

Argentina 2012

Patagonia Powder - August 5th - August 14th
The Snowboard Instructional Tour in Argentina - August 5th - August 12th

$1247 Miami - Bariloche

$1527 Auckland - Bariloche

$1730 NYC - Bariloche

$1834 Boston - Bariloche

$1953 Sydney - Bariloche

$2155 London - Bariloche

Argentina Snow Adventure - August 18th - 25th
$1247 Miami - Bariloche

$1623 NYC - Bariloche

$1562 Toronto - Bariloche

$2010 London - Bariloche

There are lots of tricks to finding the cheapest flights to Chile and Argentina. It can also be confusing to pick the best itinerary. Our travel agent can help. If your trip or destination are not listed or if you would like more information on how to book please email us at info@PowderQuest.com or give us a call at 1-888-565-7158

Pucon, Chile and the mighty Villarrica Volcano

2012-07-11T08:24:00.000-07:00

Pucon is located in the south of Chile nestled up against the Andes and has created an outdoor adventure community in the shadow of an active volcano. The terrain is playful and freeride oriented as you are able to follow the gulleys and transitions while airing off rocks left from past eruptions. There is a very organic feeling to skiing or riding Volcano Villarrica and there is definitely something to the legend of the energy of the area from deep within the earth.

Not much can compare to looking into the crater of an active volcano and out over the Andes followed by strapping in and riding park like natural features the whole way down. Hopefully you will get to experience a powder day on the volcano allowing much patience for the slow opening of the old lifts, but getting the reward of deep powder turns all to yourself. If conditions allow finish the day by milking the sides of the road off the volcano down low for as long as you can.

The town of Pucon, Chile is a cross roads of cultures with a strong dose of adventure sports. Along with San Martin De Los Andes, it is one of the few South America zones to offer a true ski town feel. This area delivers the goods year round, offering world class trekking, mountain biking kayaking and climbing in the summer and plenty of skiing and riding all winter.

In the original Mapuche language of the area the translation is "Entrance to the Cordillera" and Pucon is a popular place to stop when skiing and riding both Chile and Argentina due to being only 45 miles from the border of Argentina. Although many people overlook the area when planning a trip, the experience is almost always a highlight of the itineraries for our guests. With a top height of nearly 9,500feet there is as much terrain as you can handle, provided the conditions are good. The ski resort accesses the lower half of the volcano with a wide stretch of varied terrain.

View from downtown Pucon of Volcano Villarrica in the late spring/early summer.

Pucon is the location of PowderQuest's South American headquarters allowing quick access to some of the best locations in Chile and Argentina.

PowderQuest multi-country 2012 trips the Cimarra Sur and the Freerider along with the Chile Volcanoes Tour all include stops to ski, ride and explore the beautiful zones in and around Pucon, Chile. Make 2012 the year to ski or ride South America. www.PowderQuest.com

San Martin De Los Andes, Argentina

2012-07-03T10:05:00.000-07:00

San Martin de Los Andes is one of the only towns in South America that has a true ski town feel. Everything is laid out as a grid and the entire town is very pedestrian friendly adding to the ski community atmosphere everywhere you go. New energetic clubs and bars sit next to old school asado restaurants serving up the best steaks you will ever eat.

The architecture and cuisine are both a blend of European and Patagonia techniques and reflect the mountain surroundings. San Martin De Los Andes is located just a 15 minute drive from the base area of the Chapelco Resort which offers a modern gondola and some amazing freeride access. Chapelco has diverse terrain ranging from the well spaced glades and groomers on the lower-half to high alpine cornice lines and powder bowls on the top.

Above photos courtesy of the San Martin De Los Andes Department of Tourism and Chapelco Resort facebook pages

PowderQuest offers several tours that visit and ski this area such as the resort focused Snowboard Instructional Trip to Argentina and Ski Instructional Trip to Patagonia as well as the more off-piste focused Cimarra Sur and Argentina Snow Adventure

Maxi Artoni is a PowderQuest guide born and raised, pretty much on skis, in the town of San Martin de Los Andes. His local knowledge of the snow conditions, zones and weather patterns makes you feel like you are on a secret tour of the goods that no one else can find. We recently ran a "Get To Know" interview with Maxi, check it out HERE.

This season is off too a great start in the Northern Patagonia zone with Cerro Catedral, Cerro Bayo and Chapelco all receiving significant snowfall Lo{ three early storm systems. Maxi recently returned to Sm De Los Andes from his North America winter base of Whistler, Canada and went out to do a little exploring on the current snow conditions. He came back with the photos below from yesterday 7/1/2012.

Looking pretty good, this year is off to a nice start.

If you are planning a trip to ski or ride South America this summer and want to hear more about Chapelco, just drop us a line at info@powderquest.com or give us a call at 1-888-565-7158. We can help with both guided and unguided trips to ski or snowboard Chile and Argentina. Trips are booking quickly this year with many trips and weeks already full for the 2012 season due to the good start combined with the lack of winter in much of the United States.

Resorts across South America off to a great start for 2012 season

2012-06-28T13:05:00.000-07:00

The conditions have been great for the start of the 2012 South America season with snow stretching across Chile and Argentina. More is forecasted over the weekend just in time for the holiday. Here are some photos from this past week.

Photo taken Monday courtesy of Nevados De Chillan Resort, Chile.
Nevados De Chillan scheduled to open this weekend.

Click here for more information on Nevados De Chillan

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Photo taken in the base are Wednesday night courtesy of Cerro Catedral Alta Patagonia

Cerro Catedral is open currently with snow to the base.

Click here for more information on Cerro Catedral

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Photo taken in the base area today courtesy of Las Lenas Resort
Las Lenas is open for the season with a big storm currently dropping snow in the valley

Click here for more information on Las Lenas

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Photo courtesy of El Colorado taken in the base area this afternoon

El Colorado is open for the season with a strong storm that just started

Click here for more information in El Colorado

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Photo courtesy of La Parva taken earlier this week before the latest storm arrived

La Parva is open for the season with solid coverage and more snow coming down now

Click here for more information on La Parva

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Photo is courtesy of Portillo Ski Resort as snow begins to fall with the latest storm

Portillo is open for the season and off to a strong start. A new storm has just moved into the area

Click here for more information on Portillo

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Photos are courtesy of Valle Nevado Ski Resort. Top photo taken today. Bottom photo was taken over the weekend as Valle team rider Chopo Diaz finds some fresh snow to play in.

Valle Nevado is open for the season with solid coverage. It is currently snowing in Valle Nevado

Click here for more information on Valle Nevado

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Photo courtesy of La Hoya Resort in Argentina taken this afternoon

La Hoya is not yet open for the season. Currently snowing.

Click here for more information on La Hoya

Spaces are booking quicker than ever before with the strong start to the season and the continued snowfall. Please contact Suzi at info@PowderQuest.com or give us a call at 1-888-565-7159 to find out what trips still have availability for 2012. We can also help with flights!

2012 South America Resort Opening Dates & Latest Photos

2012-06-19T10:43:00.000-07:00

The 2012 Southern Hemisphere season is almost here. The title and bragging rights of "First to Open"are still up for grabs. Who will be the first to turn the chairs for the season in Chile or Argentina?
Here are the dates resorts have confirmed and some photos from this week.

Season looks to be ready with snow in Portillo, Valle Nevado, El Colorado, La Parva and Las Lenas. A small but strong storm could leave more snow Wednesday evening in the 3 Valleys areas.

Valle Nevado - Opening Day June 23rd - 2012

photo below taken June 18th

El Colorado - Opening day Thursday June 21st

photo below taken June 18th

La Parva - Opening day?? Not enough snow to currently open
photo below taken June 18th

Portillo - Opening Day June 23rd 2012

Photo below is from Portillo taken June 12th

Las Lenas - Opening Day June 20th 2012
Photo below is from the Las Lenas webcam taken June 15th

Snow in the forecast for northern Patagonia!

There is a good sized storm in the short term forecast to bring some welcome snowfall for Cerro Catedral, Cerro Bayo, Chapelco, Caviahue, Pucon and Nevados de Chillan. We will be sure to post opening dates and photos as they come in so check back.
Looking to book a snow trip to South America? Click here for prices and details.

Las Lenas sets opening date to June 20, 2012

2012-06-14T07:31:00.003-07:00

Las Lenas ski resort in Argentina has just announced their 2012 opening date to June 20th. Yesterday's snow storm brought close to 28 inches (70 cms) to the ski area base and more up high. More images and season updates can be found on the PowderQuest Facebook page.

June 13, 2012 storm brought over 2 feet of new snow to Las Lenas.

LAN airlines offers huge flight discount from US in September

2012-06-04T07:22:00.000-07:00

LAN releases lowest pricing of the year to travel from select US hubs to Argentina and Chile for travel during September & October 2012

New York, LA, Miami, San Francisco & Buenos Aires

$899-999 RT Argentina Flights
$829-999 RT Chile Flights

South America Spot Check - La Hoya in Esquel, Argentina

2012-05-14T07:28:00.000-07:00

For this South America Spot Check we head off the beaten path to one of the most overlooked ski resorts in Argentina. The few that can say they have experienced skiing and riding at La Hoya understand what makes it such a special place . A strong cultural feel, with plenty of Andean powder, fun terrain and zero crowds make La Hoya an adventure to remember.

La Hoya By The Numbers

Located 3 1/2 hours drive south down the famous Routa 40 from San Carlos De Bariloche and Cerro Catedral, La Hoya and the town Esquel dive deeper into the Argentine Patagonia. The top lift travels 2,400feet from the base area to top out at 6,070feet.

La Hoya has 9 lifts that access 24 trails and 271 skiable acres of terrain. The resort location was chosen to take full advantage of the terrain that traps powder as it comes through the region. Add to all this an annual snowfall of over 350 inches there are plenty of reasons to add La Hoya to the list of where to ski in Argentina this summer.

Additional vertical can be added through access across the ridgeline circling the ski area (only access using avalanche equipment and appropriate knowledge). The vantage point from the top looking at the mighty Andes is spectacular. La Hoya translates as "Crater" and as you can see the from the trail map below, the ski area was designed to take full advantage of that fact.

Explore La Hoya and the Esquel, Argentina region for yourself this summer on the Patagonia Powder Tour with PowderQuest. Includes additional stops to ski and ride Cerro Catedral and Cerro Bayo.

*images used from La Hoya public facebook photos*

Esquel, Argentina

Esquel is just a few miles from the base of the La Hoya ski resort. With a population of 28,000, Esquel provides an access point for many activities. The relaxed attitude among locals pervades through the town and is contagious. Locals live in harmony with nature and are protected from the large scale development and huge numbers of tourists that have plagued the Bariloche region to the north. Native animals thrive in and around the town and ski resort. It is not uncommon to witness a large herd of the elusive Guanaco while skiing or even a fox on the trail (see below).

Brothers On the Run - Alaska to Chile with John and Eric Jackson

2012-05-02T11:53:00.000-07:00

John and Eric Jackson - two professional snowboarders and brothers embark on the adventure of a lifetime by driving 15,000 miles from Alaska down to the southern tip of Chile on a journey to ride mountains on the top and bottom of the Americas and discover what's in between.

Such a cool project. This is the ultimate roadtrip and will take them snowboarding in South America during the summer! Looks like they will arrive and start snowboarding in Chile mid-August through September if all goes according to plan.

Check out the first episode here:

Snow Alert! New Snow reported from resorts across Chile & Argentina

2012-04-27T09:06:00.000-07:00

The start of the 2012 South America Ski season is only a few months away. This morning facebook and twitter filled with photos and reports of the first significant snowfall of the season across resorts in Chile and Argentina. We will keep you updated on ACCURATE storm developments before and during the season on the blog with live cam shots, real time photos and timely video content. Stay Tuned!

Here are some photos as of this morning of the resorts reporting snow.
Vamos invierno 2012! Vamos Argentina! Vamos Chile!

Portillo, Chile

Posted 4-27 at 11:30amEST

Posted 4-27 at 2:45pmEST

Valle Nevado, Chile

Posted 4-27 at 10:30amEST

La Parva, Chile

Posted 4-27 at 10:11amEST

El Colorado, Chile

Posted 4-27 at 2:15pmEST

Posted 4-27 at 2:15pmEST

Posted 4-27 at 10:30amEST

Las Lenas, Argentina

Shot from live cam 4-27 at 10:30amEST - Storm approaching

Who else is getting excited for the 2012 Ski Season in Chile and Argentina? As of this morning we have snow on both sides of the Andes, with precipitation in the forecast for Cerro Catedral, Cerro Bayo, Cerro Chapelco. Need some options of where to ski or snowboard in South America? This is the year to check it off the list.

El Colorado Ski Resort in Chile Invests for 2012 season

2012-04-23T10:56:00.000-07:00

A PowderQuest group finds the dry powder in El Colorado

El Colorado Ski Resort is the closest resort to Santiago, Chile and the mountain town of Farrellones. Always one of our clients favorite spots when coming to ski in south america, El Colorado is a summer skiing paradise with something for everyone. Skiers and snowboarders can access 101 pistes from 20 rope-tow and chairlifts along with extensive backcountry options. Through the summer work on the slopes does not stop with a full operations staff dedicating time and money to excavating rocks and moving dirt on all 75km (46miles) of trails to provide the best inbound experience for their guests.

The terrain park at El Colorado in one of the best in South America with 2 dedicated surface lifts, a full park crew and over 40 features. In addition, the consistent pitches and careful grooming help to attract many of the world's best ski racing teams to train at El Colorado from July through September. Investment has been made in snow-making equipment that is set up for 2012 to provide snow cover for a skiable area of 4000m2.

For the 2012 season the mountain management has announced several improvements to the facilities and resort infrastructure.

A new surface lift, Los Pioneros, opens up access to 13 new trails on the eastern side of the resort in the Valle Olimpico. Los Pioneros has an uphill capacity of 1400 people an hour and accesses some excellent off-piste skiing in the bowls of the area where blown snow accumulates. The addition of this lift now makes the top of the resort Cerro Negro at 3470m/11,385ft
New customer Experience center and ticket sales offices combined with new sales software will get skiers and snowboarders quickly on the mountain and improve client service.
For the first time El Colorado will be running its own ski and snowboard school, the Escuela de Ski and Snowboard El Colorado. This is in addition to the existing Mini Escuela de Ski and Snowboard El Colorado for children between 4-7
Courtesy buses will be running from the base of the resort at Edificio El Parador to the town of Farrellones.
1500 new parking spots have been added at the entrance to the El Colorado village
Construction has been completed on 4 new apartment buildings have been completed for the 2012 season. Morros Bayos, Valle Colorado, Valle Olimpico and Patagonia Ski buildings offer ski-in ski-out, heated swimming pools. event rooms and more
Over $200,000 has been invested in protective safety fencing for the coming season

Gretchen Blieler sending it in the El Colorado Terrain Park

PowderQuest owner David Owen at the start of a long powder run off of El Colorado Resort in Chile

New Chairlift for Las Leñas Ski Resort

2012-04-19T07:11:00.000-07:00

Las Leñas Ski Resort located high in the Andes of Argentina announced they have begun construction on a new Doppelmayr quad chairlift. This is an important development and it is exciting to see the owners of Las Lenas (read more) making a substantial investment in their infrastructure on the mountain.

Installation has begun in the Minerva area of the mountain as shown by the pictures above. The Dopplemayr lift has a magic carpet entrance where a mat moves passengers forward to match the speed of the lift making loading smooth and easy. The new lift for Las Lenas will travel a length of 1,190m/3,904ft in just under 8 minutes and services 2,100 passengers per hour. Together with the existing Caris and Minera ski lifts the new quad will triple current capacity for the Minerva zone of the mountain.

Although this does not address the globally famous Marte double chairlift, this is an important step in the right direction and shows the commitment of the mountain management as they look forward to the future. The terrain at Las Leñas is some of the best in the world and definite bucket list material for any serious skier or snowboarder.

Want to get a better idea of what you can expect from skiing Las Lenas in the summer? Below is video produced by return PowderQuest client Rob Jackson from his Frontier Las Leñas tour last season. Only a few spots remain for 2012! Email info@PowderQuest.com for more information on how you can ski Las Lenas this year.

South America Spot Check - Ski Arpa Chile Catskiing

2012-04-17T08:05:00.000-07:00

Praised as one of the best experiences in skiing on the planet by Ski Magazine, El Arpa cat skiing has endless acres of advanced and expert freeride terrain reached by founder Toni Sponar's snowcats. Toni's son Anton is the head guide and the passion the family has for skiing shows through in everything about Ski Arpa. Every time we have cat skied at Arpa, there have only been a dozen skiers and snowboarders to share over 5,000 acres of Andes powder!

Located in the shadow of Aconcagua Mountain (6,959m/22,841ft), skiers and riders get dropped off by the private cats at one of two valley's and nearly everyone needs to take a moment just to soak in the energy and sheer beauty of the surroundings. Situated between 9,000 and 12,500 feet above sea level (2700-3740 meters), El Arpa receives as much as five meters of snow each season, and offers over four thousand stunning acres of rideable terrain.

It is truly an unforgettable adventure. From the cactus and goat filled snowy-dirt road journey, to the deep powder turns, all the way to the end with a cold beer overlooking one of the Andes most spectacular sunsets, a day cat skiing at Arpa is always one of the highlights of the trip for PowderQuest clients.

“Ski Arpa is a South American classic, and a must-hit for any hardcore skier on a trip through the Andes.”
Derek Taylor, Editor Powder Magazine

PowderQuest offers a stop to experience Ski Arpa on several of our tours such as the Summer Ski Escape, Chile Snow Adventure, Frontier Las Lenas and Snowboard Instructional Trip to central Chile.

Skiing Chiles Volcanoes

2012-04-13T05:54:00.000-07:00

Have you ever skied or snowboarded at the site of one of the world's most active volcanoes? If not, it is an experience you've got to try at least once. Offering thousands of feet of vertical, incredible views, and some of the best snow on the planet in October, the volcanoes of Chile are an incredible place to ride. This adventure happens in the backcountry of the Andes. Offered exclusively by PowderQuest, this amazing journey is a once in a lifetime opportunity to make your mark on virgin snow.

Volcano Villrrica in Southern Chile. Image by PowderQuest

The Volcanoes You Will Ski

This trip covers skiing three Chilean volcanoes:

· Villarrica Volcano: Located 2 hours from Temuco, with steep pitches and drops, and an ascent to the smoking crater all the way at 2,840 meters above sea level. The lava flows create natural half pipes, cornices, and wind lips.

· Lonquimay: After a 3-4 hour randonee climb from Corralco's base, you'll be rewarded with views of 7 nearby volcanoes followed by an incredible descent a at 35-45 degree pitch.

· Llaima: With several ascent options, this volcano is at the center of a 60,000 hectare area of rapidly evolving volcanic terrain, with alpine lakes and an incredible landscape. The crater is all the way at 3,125 meters elevation, and the descent is stunning.

Advanced to Experts Only

While some ski and snowboard trips are designed to accommodate intermediate and beginning skiers and boarders, the Chile volcano ski adventure is for advanced and expert level riders only. In addition, groups are kept small - there are a maximum of 8 guests per trip.

Skiing Chile's Volcanos. Image by PowderQuest

What the Trip Includes

This trip is conducted by certified backcountry guides. Before you begin, you'll be provided with a backcountry avalanche safety review. Along the way, you'll enjoy soaking in natural hot springs, plus you'll enjoy sumptuous breakfasts and dinners, along with the best red wine local vintners have to offer. The trip also includes private transportation.

What's not Included

You'll need to pay for your flight separately, plus you will need to cover visa and passport fees. Travel insurance is required, and if you decide to ski inbounds, you'll need to purchase lift tickets. You will be responsible for your own snacks and lunches, and you'll need to cover your own equipment, as well. Other than that, everything is covered, including lodging.

Equipment Required

All participants need a 35-40L backpack with harness straps for carrying skis or a split board, and everyone must carry a 457 Khz avalanche transceiver. Backcountry ski shovels, avalanche probes, boot crampons, and ice axes are required. Skiers need randonee skis with minimum 85-95mm waist with either Telemark backcountry ski bindings or an Alpine touring system, skins, and ski crampons. Snowboarders need splitboard, skins, crampons, and collapsible skiing or trekking poles. While some items may be rented, you should be sure to check in advance. No snowshoes are allowed.

For more details and reservations: Click Here