Ski touring trip on the volcanoes of Araucania

Description

In September, at the end of the European summer, what could be more original than exploring the volcanoes of Araucanía, in central Chile, on a ski touring trip?

In the Southern Hemisphere, winter is over, the peaks are still snow-covered, and the possibilities for ski touring are endless.

This trip includes the volcanoes Lonquimay (2,840m), Chillán (3,212m), Llaima (3,125m), Villarrica (2,840m), and Osorno (2,652m), representing daily elevation gains of approximately 1,200 to 1,500 meters, and just as many turns!

This trip is also an opportunity to discover an emerging country, over 4,000 kilometers long, its cooking, and its warm hospitality. Not to mention extraordinary landscapes, glaciers that plunge into the sea, and pristine nature.

Program

Day 1: Flight to Santiago, Chile.

Day 2: Santiago, Chile - Temuco - Curacautín.
Arrival in Santiago in the morning, then domestic flight to Temuco (1-hour flight).
Pick up your rental car and transfer to Curacautín.
Overnight in a very comfortable lodge.

Day 3: Ascent of Lonquimay (2,865m).
Approach from the top of a chairlift and a majestic descent. Discover the Araucania trees, an emblematic tree of Chile.
Return to our lodge.
Elevation gain: 950 meters, elevation loss: 1,400 meters.

Day 4: Ascent of Llaima (3,125m).
Today we depart from the Las Araucarias ski resort to ski a spectacular volcano whose last eruption was in January 2008.
Drive to Melipeuco at the end of the day.
Elevation gain: 1,200 meters, elevation loss: 1,600 meters.

Day 5: Ascent of Sollipulli (2,282m).
A unique volcano on the border with Argentina, its 4-kilometer caldera makes it a truly magnificent sight.
Drive to Pucón at the end of the day.
Elevation gain and loss: 1,100 meters.

Day 6: Ascent of Villarrica Volcano (2,840m).
This symbol of the region is still active, and the lava at the bottom of the crater can be seen if the fumaroles allow access.
Afternoon relaxation at the famous Pucón hot springs and a visit to this beautiful place, a small town nestled against the volcanoes, beside a vast and charmingly touristy lake.
Overnight in a cozy lodge in Pucón.
Elevation gain and loss: 1,500 meters.

Day 7: Ascent of Quetrupillan Volcano (2,360m).
The route is very wild and offers a magnificent viewpoint overlooking Lanin.
Drive to Neltume at the end of the day, then a pleasant night in very comfortable cabanas and the discovery, nestled in the heart of the Chilean forest, of an absolutely magical hotel and tourist complex!
Elevation gain and loss: 1,300 meters.

Day 8: Ascent of El Mocho Volcano (2,422m).
Today we set off for a lunar volcano perched like a flying saucer beside a glacier!
We depart from a chairlift and ascend a perfect volcano with consistent 30-degree slopes.
At the end of the day, we drive to the foot of Osorno, Chile's iconic volcano with a well-deserved reputation.
Overnight in a very comfortable guesthouse in Puerto Octay.
Elevation gain: 1,100 meters, elevation loss: 1,500 meters.

Day 9: Ascent of Casablanca (1,990m).
This volcano offers arguably the most breathtaking panorama of the entire trip, with a unique view of Osorno, Puntiagudo, and Puyehue.
Elevation gain and loss: 1,200 meters.

Day 10: Transfer day.
Drive to Antuco with sightseeing, a vineyard visit, and a culinary treat on the agenda.
Overnight in cabanas at the foot of Antuco.

Day 11: Ascent of Antuco (2,985m).
Early in the morning, after a half-hour drive, we will ascend the slopes of a volcano of impressive, earthy beauty.
In the afternoon, we will travel to Termas de Chillan, where our hotel and spa await us.
Elevation gain and loss: 1,500 meters.

Day 12: Exploration of Termas de Chillan, a locally renowned ski resort.
Ascent of Nuevo Chillan or Nevados de Chillan (3,100m). Ski descent through fumaroles to the natural hot springs (Valle de Aguas Calientes). Fantastic swimming: pack your swimsuit and towel! ... then descent to the resort via the Pirigalli.
Overnight stay at our hotel.
Elevation gain: 1,200 meters, elevation loss: 2,000 meters.

Day 13: Additional day in Temas de Chillan.
Skiing at the resort or ski touring, depending on individual fitness.
Overnight stay at the hotel.

Day 14: Return flight.
Early departure for Temuco, then return flight with a layover in Santiago, Chile.

Day 15: Arrival in France.

The price includes

• Supervision by the mountain guide.
• Accommodation in hotels, lodges, or cabins.
• Catering.

The price does not include

• The flight from Europe to Santiago and the domestic flight from Santiago to Temuco (offer at 1660€ per person via Sat Voyage).
• Insurance costs.
• Entrance fees to the thermal baths.
• Battery surcharges for air travel.
• Drinks.
• Personal expenses.
• Anything not mentioned in "The price includes".

Accommodation

• Accommodation is generally very comfortable, ranging from charming small hotels to, occasionally, cabanas (the local name for lodge-style accommodations).
• See the day-by-day description for details of each lodge or hotel.

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