Freeride Camps in Chile and Patagonia: Ski and Snowboard

Camps · Freeride

Chile · Bariloche 3 min read Updated October 2026

Short Answer

A freeride progression camp is a week of coaching focused on skiing or riding off-piste with more confidence: technique in variable snow, line choice, jumps and terrain reading, with a certified guide managing safety. We run two in the Andes: the Chile Freeride Progression Camp with pro rider Erika Vikander and Niki Salençon, and the Women's Freeride Camp in Bariloche with Backcountry Baddies.

Both are built for intermediate to advanced skiers and riders who already enjoy leaving the groomers and want to ski stronger and smarter in real terrain.

Part 01

The two camps at a glance

	Chile Freeride Progression Camp	Women's Freeride Camp, Bariloche
Coaches	Erika Vikander (pro freeride snowboarder) and Niki Salençon (pro freeskier, Freeride World Tour)	Addy Jacobsen and Niki Salençon, with Backcountry Baddies
Who	Skiers and snowboarders	Women skiers
Where	Tres Valles near Santiago + Nevados de Chillán	Cerro Catedral + 3 nights at Refugio Frey
Length	8 days / 7 nights	8 days / 7 nights
Group	Max 4 guests per coach	Max 4 guests per coach
Level	Intermediate to advanced, basic backcountry experience required	Intermediate to advanced, comfortable off-piste
Dates 2027	September 12–19, 2027 (Fiestas Patrias week)	August 29 – September 5, 2027
Price from	USD 4,100	USD 4,050

Part 02

What you actually work on

Both camps share the same coaching core:

Technique: stance, edge control, speed management and steeps.
Confidence: reading terrain, choosing lines and making decisions in variable snow.
Jumps: takeoff and landing mechanics, with a safe progression.
Freeride flow: linking turns and features in natural terrain, not just on the groomers.
Backcountry basics, when conditions allow.

The point is progression, not competition. Groups are matched by level, discipline and goals.

Part 03

The Chile camp: skiers and snowboarders together

The Chile camp coaches skiers and snowboarders in the same week. Guests rotate between Erika and Niki, so you get both perspectives on the same terrain. The first four days are in the Tres Valles above Santiago, with lift-access freeride sessions and sidecountry at La Parva, El Colorado and Valle Nevado. Then a road trip south to Nevados de Chillán for volcanic sidecountry and backcountry objectives.

An ACGM/IFMGA certified mountain guide leads every backcountry and sidecountry outing, so the coaches can focus fully on your riding.

Part 04

The Bariloche women's camp: Patagonia and Frey

Now in its second edition, the Women's Freeride Camp brings a small group of women skiers to Bariloche. Days at Cerro Catedral focus on lift-access freeride and sidecountry laps, and the highlight is a three-night stay at Refugio Frey, skiing technical terrain below its granite spires.

Part 05

Is a camp right for you?

A camp is a good fit if:

You ski or ride off-piste already, but feel stuck in variable snow or steeper terrain.
You want structured coaching, not just guiding.
You like learning in a small group with people at your level.

If you have never been off-piste, start with a resort trip with sidecountry. If you already tour confidently, a volcano trip may be the next step. Read What Level Do You Need for Backcountry Skiing in the Andes? to check.

FAQ

Frequently Asked Questions

Can snowboarders join the Chile Freeride Progression Camp?

Yes. The camp coaches both skiers and snowboarders, with Erika Vikander coaching the riders.

Do I need backcountry experience?

For the Chile camp, yes: you should be familiar with beacon use and avalanche rescue basics. For the Bariloche women's camp, you should be comfortable skiing off-piste in variable conditions.

Are lift tickets included?

The Bariloche camp includes three lift tickets at Cerro Catedral. In the Chile camp, lift tickets are purchased separately.

How big are the groups?

A maximum of 4 guests per coach in both camps.

When are the 2027 camps?

The Chile camp runs September 12–19, 2027, during Fiestas Patrias week. The Women's Freeride Camp in Bariloche runs August 29 – September 5, 2027.