What to expect when skiing and traveling in South America
For most of us who are from North America or Europe, we are used to and expect that things run smoothly. We are not only on time but usually at least 5 minutes early. With the exception of trains, buses and flights, Chilean and Argentine services are not known for their punctuality.
We provide the following information in good faith so you will have a clear picture of what to expect before you arrive.
Mountain Safety
Ski Patrol in South America is not up to international standards. This goes not only for hasty assistance on an injury, but also snow safety. For this reason PowderQuest uses certified guides recognized by international guide associations. See our Safety Document
Groomed runs are not what you find in Aspen or Vail, and mountain hazards and boundaries are not marked as vigorously as you find at home.
Off Mountain Safety
As our guest, your safety is a priority to PowderQuest both on and off the mountain, and alongside with showing you the time of your life, our guides are always thinking of your well being.
Security in Chile and Argentina, even in the larger cities is quite safe. Common sense should be used, especially in busy city areas where pick pocketing can occur.
Health
Chile and Argentina are two of the most modern countries in Latin America.
With quality foods, no yellow fever or malaria, and an abundance of well-stocked pharmacies (including personal items for women), the only discomforts travelers occasionally have, are upset stomachs and a temporary bowel disorder. This is common with travels anywhere in the world, and can be avoided by drinking bottled water, avoiding side salads, and uncooked foods.
Ski Resort Infrastructure
Overall expect later starts than you are used to at home. The 7:00 tram line up simply does not exist in the Andes. Most ski resorts open by 9:00 am but full mountain operations can be delayed until mid-morning for no apparent reason. When there is fresh snow or a current storm, these delays can be even longer. However, due to longer natural light, you can also ski later into the afternoon in South America. Some resorts do not stop running lifts until as late at 5:30 to 6:00 pm.
The ski resorts in the Andes vary from modern with millions of dollars in infrastructure to rustic areas with little more than a small cafeteria and a few tow-lifts. In many ways, we find this positive. This is not written to discourage you from visiting this beautiful part of the world, however, if you are accustomed to North American ski resort amenities, you will find the infrastructure of some resorts we visit more rustic, especially the speed and layout of the ski lifts. South America simply runs on a different pace.
The good news is, we find it all evens out. Some lifts may be slower, however 45 minute lift lines are virtually non-existent in the Andes. In addition, you do not have thousands of skiers fighting for those untracked powder runs. If you come down with an open mind you will find this part of the world fascinating and quite often comfortably relaxing!
Our Resort Focus Tours visit the most modern resorts of Catedral, Portillo, Valle Nevado, and Chapelco while our Off Piste Focus and Backcountry Touring Focus tours visit these areas and the lesser known resorts as all areas access amazing off piste and backcountry terrain and the lift infrastructure is not as important.
Snowboarders should expect to encounter long traverses to access some of the better terrain at several ski resorts.
It is important to note that in Las Lenas, the famous Marte chairlift gets you to some of the best lift accessed terrain in the world. However, Marte does close due to anything from high winds, avalanche danger and cold temperatures. When Marte closes, so does a good amount of the advanced and expert terrain. Other resorts occasionally have lift closure issues as well but do not affect us as much as a Marte closure.
Weather
Weather forecasts are available and our guides are competent in understanding weather maps and local forecasts. However weather is not an exact science and the info available is not like in North America and Europe. Sometimes just like anywhere, forecasts are completely inaccurate.
There may be days that there is so much wind or snow that lifts close. Portillo, Valle Nevado, La Parva, El Colorado, El Arpa and Las Lenas are 100% alpine, meaning no trees. When the visibility is poor due to a storm or low clouds it is very difficult to see and for safety reasons we may choose not to go out.
Although we do not refund money for unused lift tickets, we do cover the expenses of alternate activities when it is not worth going riding.
We have many fun optional activities tucked up our sleeves for when these glitches in scheduling occur. Not a good day for riding in the mountains? How about a day of surfing in the Pacific Ocean, or a relaxing massage, or perhaps exploring Patagonia on horseback instead?
Road Conditions
Sometimes road conditions are poor due to rain, snow, mud etc. Heavy snow and high winds can quickly stack up snow on the roads we travel. Maintenance can be slow so there may be times when you find yourself delayed on leaving our hotel in the morning, stopping to put on chains, or outside pushing the transfer through a tricky spot on the route. The roads to Portillo, Valle Nevado, La Parva and El Arpa cat skiing are especially tricky due to heavy wind transport of snow during a storm.
The roads to El Arpa, Termas de Chillan, Villarrica Pucon, Corralco, La Hoya and Cerro Bayo are dirt roads. Dusty when it is dry and snowy and muddy after a storm. 4x4 is needed on the Road to El Arpa Cat Skiing.
Communications
Cellular phone coverage, WIFI, Blackberry and general internet access are surprisingly good.
We have tried our best to secure accommodation on most tours in areas where there is internet access available but some locations it is either unavailable or slow at best. Take this in stride and revel in the luxury of being disconnected for awhile!
Meals
A true highlight to the trip! All meals, with the exception of some lunches are included with your tour. Wine and mineral water is included with dinners.
In addition to the delicious food included with our stay at many of the resorts, PowderQuest guides have selected great restaurants serving everything from local favorites to international. Many guests say they have eaten the best meals of their lives with us!
The norm in South America is a big lunch around 2pm, a smaller tea and cakes snack around 6pm and then a late dinner. We will usually be having our dinners between 8pm-9pm as most restaurants don’t open before 8:00 pm.
We encourage you to embrace your trip to South America with all it has to offer, and if that means that things are not right on schedule, let that be part of the adventure!