“Ring of Fire” takes place deep in the active volcanic region of Chilean Patagonia, where it’s possible to ride amazing terrain and find a new appreciation for planet’s beating heart. In this session we’ll focus on developing the necessary skills to promote safe decision making in consequential terrain. We’ll explore the nooks, crannies, and “hike-to” opportunities of two very alive volcanos. We’ll get friendly with some essential backcountry gear and learn to work as a group when navigating the path less traveled.
We’ll start and end our journey in the city of Santiago. From the city we’ll travel far off the beaten path to our first destination Corralco located in the heart of the Malalcahuello National Reserve. We’ll spend two full days exploring the best lines this ski area has to offer, and if the conditions are right, we’ll venture beyond the ski area boundary to explore the vast contours of the Longuimay Volcano. From Corralco we’ll take a rest day and venture north to “Volcan Chillan”. Nevados De Chillan is one of the larger ski areas in the Southern hemisphere, renowned for hosting the best snow in Chile and giving spectators a rise when the volcano “pulses”. We’ll spend two more full days navigating the area’s vast terrain in and out of bounds, and if it’s running, we’ll hop a ride on Snow Cat for some diesel-powered turns beyond the lifts. We’ll spend our evenings at our slope side lodge, soaking in the onsite hot springs and taking in the view. Once we’ve had our fill of snow-capped volcanoes, we’ll wrap up the Session with a leisurely drive back to Santiago to catch our departing flights.
This session is open to STRONG advanced snowboarders and skiers. After registering you will receive a follow up communication to discuss your current skill to insure your readiness to adequately enjoy all the terrain Chile has to offer.
This premier session has a minimum participation of 4 persons to operate, if minimum participation is not met within 45 days of travel you will receive a full refund, or you can elect to convert your reservation to a private or semi private session.
Register 4 or more on the same reservation and receive a $200 discount on the total of your registration
- Airport transfer on arrival and departure days, and all transportation within the scheduled Itinerary. If you require any ground transportation outside of the scheduled itinerary it will be your responsibility to pay the bill
- 6 nights Lodging, dual occupancy hotel and lodge style accommodation (if traveling with friend you can request to share a room, if you prefer a private room one can be purchased at an additional charge)
- Coaching, four full days of guidance in a group setting (1 coach per 4 campers) this means small groups and more personalized instruction
- Pre-camp goal setting session via Zoom
- Lift Tickets, at all locations
- Communication, Chileans speak Spanish and so do members of our team, so rest assured we’ll make sure you are heard
- Breakfast and Group Dinners
- Off hill activities and education
- Snow Cat Excursion (if available)
- Deluxe Branded Gift Bag to make your friends super jealous
- International Flight
- Lunch on the mountain
- Adult Beverages, although some may be supplied in general you’ll buy your own beers.
- Medical care, we’ll do our best to get you whatever help you need but you’ll be on your own to settle the bill.
- Snowboard gear, you’ll need to bring your own setup, there are stores but snowboard gear is exceptionally expensive in South America, so we highly recommend you bring your own stuff
- Backcountry Gear Rental, beacon, probe, and shovel may be needed in this session, rentals will be available, splitboards will not be necessary. If needed we will rent snowshoes, and crampons.
- Staff Gratuities, tipping is never expected but always appreciated.
- Transportation outside of the schedule.
Day 1, Sunday, Arrival Day
Arrive at CCP Airport by 10am, once the whole team’s together we’re off to Malalcahuello the town at the entrance of the Malalcahuello National Reserve that we’ll be calling home for the next three nights. We’ll get moved in, get our gear ready, and have a nice dinner with plenty of time to discuss the week ahead.
Day 2 and 3, Ride Corralco,
Explore Corralco. We’ll kick each day off with a hearty breakfast at our hotel, followed by a short 15min drive to the base of the mountain. We’ll learn a little about backcountry and the wilderness we are in. We’ll focus on exploration and finding the best lines available. If conditions permit we may even venture beyond the ski area boundary for some backcountry turns. We’ll spend our evenings soaking up the local culture and enjoying the town of Malalcahuello.
Day 4, Corralco to Nevados De Chillan
We’ll start our day with a leisurely breakfast before checking out of our hotel and hitting the road. NDC is about a 6hr drive from Malalcahuello, this will be a great opportunity to give your legs a needed break. We’ll take our time getting to NDC, we’ll have a few options for cultural stops, however our goal will be to get to NDC by sunset, where we’ll check into our slopeside accommodation, get settled in and have a nice dinner.
Day 5 and 6, Ride Nevados De Chillan
Nevados De Chillan (NDC) is huge, and if everything is open it takes time to truly explore this dynamic resort. The terrain at NDC also offers opportunities for challenge, steep bowls, forested gullies, and extensive lift accessible backcountry. If we haven’t already, we will get acquainted with some avalanche safety gear, and if conditions permit we’ll take a cat ride above the lifts for some diesel powered turns. We’ll spend our evenings soaking in the onsite hot springs, and checking out the nearby town of Valle Las Trancas.
Day 7, Nevados De Chillan to Santiago and Home
After a late breakfast we’ll load up the SUV’s and hit the road for Santiago. Most departing flights to the USA leave after 10pm, this should give us plenty of time to enjoy a nice final dinner near the Airport before boarding our planes back home.