Ultimate Andes Adventure
Backcountry Discovery and Cat Skiing Tour: Chile to Las Lenas Argentina
Explore the Andes with our award-winning Backcountry Discovery adventure—an unforgettable 11-day ski and snowboard journey from Chile to Las Leñas, Argentina. Formerly part of our more advanced touring lineup, this trip has been refocused for our new Backcountry Discovery series—designed for adventurous riders who want to earn their turns without the demands of full-day ascents. You’ll enjoy lift-accessed touring to some of the best backcountry terrain in South America, a full day of cat skiing at Chile’s legendary Arpa, and expert guiding throughout. Each evening, relax with local cuisine, world-class Malbecs, and the vibrant culture of the Andes.
Trip Highlights
- Explore two stunning countries with bilingual IFMGA or ACMG-certified guides
- Enjoy 3,000-foot vertical descents and epic Andes vistas during a full day of adventure cat skiing at Arpa Snowcats
- Experience lift-accessed backcountry terrain at Chile’s Valle Nevado, La Parva, and El Colorado, followed by a journey over the Andes to Argentina’s legendary Las Leñas resort
- Ride like a local with guide-led access to hidden stashes and priority lift lines at Las Leñas, featuring incredible off-piste and light touring options
- Discover the vibrant culture of Santiago, Chile, and the classic wine country of Mendoza, Argentina
- Savor an exclusive vineyard tour, wine tasting, and gourmet lunch en route from Mendoza to Las Leñas
- Named Best Summer Ski Safari by OnTheSnow
Trip Highlights
Itinerary
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- Nearest international airport: Santiago (SCL)
- Meet your PowderQuest ski guides and group at 10:00am in the Wyndham Santiago Pettra Hotel lobby (Let us know if you would like us to book you a room for the night before our meet-up)
- Drive to Farellones, Chile’s iconic mountain village
- Check into our cozy lodge located at 7874 feet above sea level
- Afternoon backside skiing a short tour out of La Parva or El Colorado
- Backcountry and mountain snow safety review led by our ACMG or IFMGA ski guide
- Group dinner with epic sunsets over the village
- Group breakfast
- Backcountry out of La Parva, Valle Nevado and El Colorado – “The Three Valleys” between 9000-12000 feet above sea level
- Chilean Apres ski
- Watch the sunset from the outdoor hot tub or grab a sauna or massage
- Authentic Chilean home cooked group dinner
- Group breakfast
- Pack up/check-out
- More backcountry skiing before our departure to Santiago
- Check-in to our hotel in Santiago
- Group dinner
- An early start takes us North into the high Andes and wine country
- 4×4 drive to El Arpa, Chile’s 1st CAT skiing destination
- Full day of adventure cat skiing
- Apres ski at Arpa
- Dinner and overnight in Santiago
- Group breakfast in Santiago
- 1 hour flight to Mendoza across the stunning Andes Mountains range
- Beautiful road safari through wine country to Las Lenas
- Deluxe lunch and wine tasting at an Uco Valley vineyard
- Continue our road journey through the lunar like landscape of the Mendoza Province
- Check-in to our Las Lenas hotel for next 5 nights
- Dinner
- Daily breakfast at our hotel
- Full days exploring the best terrain of the legendary Las Leñas backcountry
- Optional cat skiing if weather and conditions allow
- Dinners hosted by your guides
- Explore the booming nightlife of Las Leñas or rest up for another adventure tomorrow
- Breakfast
- Depart Las Leñas and return to Mendoza airport in our private shuttle
- Mendoza-Santiago 50 minute flight
- Farewell to the group
- Fly home from Santiago airport or...
- Want to extend your trip? No problemo. Check-out suggestions in the “FAQs” below
Is This Trip For Me?
For advanced skiers and snowboarders who are confident riding ungroomed black diamond terrain in a variety of snow conditions, including powder, wind-affected snow, and firm or variable surfaces. As part of our new Backcountry Discovery trips, while uphill touring is part of the experience, the focus is on shorter ascents and maximizing your downhill fun. Expect climbs of up to 500–700 meters (1600–2300 feet) on touring days, broken into manageable segments. Snowboarders should be able to maintain momentum across flats and traverse confidently. This trip also includes a full day of cat skiing and two travel days—perfect for recharging between powder days. More on ability levels
Trip Essentials
- Full-time, certified, bilingual guides with expert local knowledge (In the rare case of fewer than 4 guests, the trip may be guided by one certified guide.)
- Dedicated bilingual support office in Chile, ensuring seamless logistics and extra peace of mind throughout your adventure.
- Private ground transportation
- Cat ski day at Arpa Snow Cats
- Round trip flight Santiago-Mendoza
- All lift tickets
- Lift line priority in Las Leñas
- Gratuities for hotel services and drivers
- Handpicked hotels and lodges thoughtfully selected for location, comfort, character, and authentic South American hospitality.
- Daily breakfast
- All dinners hosted by your guides
- Lunch on our cat skiing day
- Vineyard lunch and wine tasting in Mendoza, Argentina
- Wine, carefully selected by our guides to enhance every dinner
- Travel insurance
- Additional baggage fees on our included flight. Allowance of 1 bag, 23 kg (50 lbs)
- Lunches and beverages not mentioned in the What's Included section
- Guide gratuities at your own discretion
View or download the packing list
FAQs:
- When is the best time to come for the best conditions? August through September offers the most consistent powder, typically delivering peak snow and fewer crowds.
- Is there Wi-Fi in the lodge? Yes, all the lodges offer reliable Wi-Fi so you can stay connected.
- Where are the other guests from and what is their backcountry experience? Guests join us from around the world, mostly from North America, Europe, and Australia. Expect a mix of advanced to expert skiers and riders who are comfortable on varied terrain and up for the daily touring adventures as described in the Is This Trip For Me section on this page.
- How much currency should I bring for extras like lunch etc.? While most of your expenses are covered, plan on around USD $30–$50 per day for lunches, snacks, and après-ski. Credit cards are accepted in most places, but having some Chilean and Argentine pesos is handy for smaller stops.
- Can you help me extend my stay? Yes. We specialize in ski resort bookings and other unique excursions such as vineyard tours, Easter Island, Santiago, Buenos Aires and more.
Accommodations
Farellones
Cozy lodge in the heart of the Farellones ski village at 7874 feet, with close access to skiing and within walking distance to vibrant nightlife. Rooms are small yet comfortable with an ensuite bathroom. The lodge features an outdoor hot tub to watch the sunset after a great day of skiing.
Santiago
A high end hotel well located in Santiago providing easy access to explore the city nightlife during our overnight stays before continuing to Mendoza wine country and Las Leñas, Argentina the next day.
Las Leñas
The Piscis Hotel. Ski-in/ski-out, featuring a health club with spa, sauna, jacuzzi, massage therapists, and an indoor and outdoor pool to unwind after a day in the mountains.
Book Trip Now
Professionally guided. Stellar cultural and backcountry exploring the high Andes.
Pricing Details: (in USD)
- $8995 per person, shared twin room with private bath
- Solo travelers are comfortably paired with another guest of the same gender whenever possible
- Optional private room: $1695 (limited availability)
- Deposit: 25% to confirm your reservation
- Final balance due 90 days prior to departure
Questions? Call us at 1-307-213-9094 or contact us via email.