Patagonia Volcano Ski Descents
The volcanoes and culture of Southern Chile should be on the list of any traveling skier. We are pleased to offer in collaboration with IFMGA guide Chris Martin (Mindful Mountaineering) ski descents of four of Patagonia's volcanoes. From Santiago through Chile heading south, many options exist for objectives, each with their own unique characteristics and challenges. Experience the homegrown cultural vibe of Chile while skiing and riding in September-October (South America's Spring). The ten day trip takes place during the early fall in Washington where it's typically pretty crummy weather. Traveling to South America for corn skiing and the chance of powder is a welcome escape and a great way to jump start your winter ski season early!
September 26 - October 5 | $5,900

Here’s What To Expect

Itinerary

Day 0-1: Towards the end of September, guests and guides will fly to Santiago, Chile. After a gear check, the crew will pack up into camper vans and travel to Volcán Antuco and camp for the evening.

Day 2: Waking up early to catch prime conditions, you will ascend Volcán Antuco for a summit attempt and ski from the caldera. At 9,774' (2,979 meters), Antuco is a great warm up ride for the volcanos to come. After descending back down, you'll enjoy a well earned meal before sleeping for another night at the base.

Day 3-4: After packing everything back in the camper vans, you will drive to Volcán Llaima, which is one of the largest and most active volcanoes in Chile at 10,630' (3,240m). Once you return from your summit attempt and ski, you will sleep at the base of Llaima.

Day 5-6: Waking up more leisurely than the day before, you'll pack up camp and drive to Pucon for a rest day. Soak in the hot springs, grab a shower, and experience the culture of Chile before packing for more skiing!

Day 7: Waking up early once again, you will attempt to climb and ski Quetrupillán in Cillarrica National Park. With the striking Villarrica and Lanín volcanoes on either side, the views from this 7,740' (2,360m) stratovolcano are epic to say the least. Once back at the camper vans, you'll dry out the equipment, eat some good food, and gaze at the final objective of the trip: Volcán Villarrica.

Day 8-9: After restocking on supplies and taking a rest day, you will do the short drive to the base of Villarrica, the fourth and final volcano. One of Chile's most active volcanoes, it is also known as Rucapillán, a Mapuche word meaning "great spirit's house." At 9,380' (2,860m), Villarrica is one of a small number of volcanos worldwide known to have an active lava lake within its crater.

Day 10: Drive back to Santiago and enjoy one last night out on the town before flying back home the following day.

Trip Details
Ratio
1-3 Guests Per Guide
Season
September - October
Duration
10 Days
Skill level
Intermediate +

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Program Rates
September 26 - October 5 | $5,900

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Gear List
Ski & Ride

Program Cost Includes: Transportation, all meals, and lodging in country. This includes the rental of a camper van.

Program Cost Does NOT Include: Flights to and from Santiago.

Trip Reviews
“I have skied with all of the guides at CMA and have had great experiences. They are passionate about their craft, and it shows in the experiences they provide. They know where to find the best skiing and have extensive knowledge of the local terrain.”

They do the essentials really well: they’re professional, knowledgeable and competent, great teachers, and always keep an eye on safety as every guide service must. What sets them apart for me is that they do all that AND make it FUN. Some of the best times I’ve ever had in the mountains are with this crew. I highly recommend them!”

I hired this guide crew for technical education and then returned for their recreational guiding services. I’ll continue to lean on Cascade Mountain Ascents to bring me further into the backcountry and advance my technical skills in the mountains.”

Zack and Cascade Mountain Ascents is the best choice for your adventure no matter your skill level. From beginner to seasoned pro, Zack has you covered. His knowledge and skills of all-terrain and mountain situations had us feeling safe and confident all the way.”

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AIARE 2

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Women's AIARE 2

AIARE Rescue Course

Avalanche Alumni Mentorship Days

Skill Levels

Ski & Ride

Beginner

I’ve never (or only a handful of times) toured in the backcountry before.

Intermediate

I’ve toured a bit and been exposed to a variety of conditions in the backcountry.

Advanced

I’m a strong rider with at least a few seasons of experience touring in the backcountry riding a variety of conditions.

Expert

Skiing/Riding is life. I tour in the backcountry 60+ days per year and have many years of experience.

Alpine

Beginner

I’ve never (or only a handful of times) been alpine climbing before.

Intermediate

I’ve climbed a bit on snow as well as rock and understand the basics.

Advanced

I’m a strong climber with at least a few years of experience climbing snow, rock, and ice.

Expert

Climbing is life. I have many years of experience climbing big mountain objectives in steep variable terrain.

Rock

Beginner

I’ve never (or only a handful of times) been outdoor rock climbing before.

Intermediate

I’ve climbed a few outdoor multi-pitch rock climbs as a follower and understand the basics.

Advanced

I’m a strong climber with at least a few years of experience climbing multi-pitch routes outside (sometimes on lead).

Expert

Climbing is life. I have many years of experience climbing and am comfortable leading up to 5.9 trad.

Program Rates

Scheduled Programs

Scheduled Programs are open to all to sign up for. These programs are charged a flat rate per person, regardless of the number of people on your booking. This flat rate is often the same as the 3:1 per person rate. Scheduled programs tend to be more cost effective for groups of one or two people, and allow you to connect with other people with similar mountain interests and skill sets. 

Standard Programs

Day Rates
Overnight Rates
AIARE Courses
Ratio

1:1

1:2

1:3

1:4 +

Price

$600

$375

$325

$300

Ratio

1:1

1:2

1:3

1:4 +

Price

$650

$425

$375

$350

Course

AIARE 1

AIARE 2

AIARE Rescue

Mentorship

Price

$600

$600

$275

$100

Technical Programs

Cascade Mountain Ascents pays guides more when they are working in terrain that is more involved or poses higher objective hazard. Therefore, a surcharge is added to trips we deem Challenging ($100) and Complex ($200). A custom surcharge may apply to non-standard programs and will be worked out by the guide and administrative staff along with the guest(s) during program design. Here’s more information on Technical Program Surcharges

INCOME BASED PROGRAMS

At Cascade Mountain Ascents, we believe that everyone deserves access to safe and joyful mountain experiences, regardless of their financial circumstances.  That's why we are excited to introduce our income-based program rates.  These rates are designed to pay it forward and create structural mechanisms for mitigating financial barriers to the outdoors. They currently only apply to our Affinity Programs. Irrespective of the tier you choose, 10% of all proceeds from the program will be directly allocated to CMA's Scholarship Program.

MINIMUM TUITION
REDUCED TUITION
STANDARD TUITION
50% Off Standard Rate: This tuition tier is for individuals who would otherwise struggle to afford the trip or course. It covers the essential costs of running the program, including guide wages and administrative support directly related to the program. 15% Off Standard Rate: This reduced tuition tier covers program expenses and overhead costs while also providing crucial support to CMA as a small business. Standard Rate+: This tier is the standard cost of the program in the absence of payment tier options. In choosing this tier, you are covering your program expenses, contributing to the sustainability of our payment tier program, and financially supporting the development of future affinity programs.
Program Rates

Scheduled Programs

Scheduled Programs are open to all to sign up for. These programs are charged a flat rate per person, regardless of the number of people on your booking. This flat rate is often the same as the 3:1 per person rate. Scheduled programs tend to be more cost effective for groups of one or two people, and allow you to connect with other people with similar mountain interests and skill sets. 

Standard Programs

Day Rates

Ratio
Price
1:1 $600
1:2 $375
1:3 $325
1:4 + $300

Overnight Rates

Ratio
Price
1:1 $650
1:2 $425
1:3 $375
1:4 + $350

Day Rates

Ratio
Price
Level 1 $575
Level 2 $575
Rescue $275
Mentorship $100

Technical Programs

Cascade Mountain Ascents pays guides more when they are working in terrain that is more involved or poses higher objective hazard. Therefore, a surcharge is added to trips we deem Challenging ($100) and Complex ($200). A custom surcharge may apply to non-standard programs and will be worked out by the guide and administrative staff along with the guest(s) during program design. Here’s more information on Technical Program Surcharges

Income Based Programs

At Cascade Mountain Ascents, we believe that everyone deserves access to safe and joyful mountain experiences, regardless of their financial circumstances.  That’s why we are excited to introduce our income-based program rates.  These rates are designed to pay it forward and create structural mechanisms for mitigating financial barriers to the outdoors. They currently only apply to our Affinity Programs. Irrespective of the tier you choose, 10% of all proceeds from the program will be directly allocated to CMA’s Scholarship Program.

50% Off Standard Rate: This tuition tier is for individuals who would otherwise struggle to afford the trip or course. It covers the essential costs of running the program, including guide wages and administrative support directly related to the program. 15% Off Standard Rate: This reduced tuition tier covers program expenses and overhead costs while also providing crucial support to CMA as a small business. Standard Rate+: This tier is the standard cost of the program in the absence of payment tier options. In choosing this tier, you are covering your program expenses, contributing to the sustainability of our payment tier program, and financially supporting the development of future affinity programs.