Ski Touring in Cajón del Maipo: A Guide to Valle de las Arenas

Part 01

Where it is

The Cajón del Maipo is the long canyon of the Maipo River, which starts on the southeastern edge of Santiago and climbs toward the Argentine border. The road runs through San José de Maipo and on toward Baños Morales and Lo Valdés, at the head of the valley. In summer it is a trekking and climbing destination; in winter the upper valley turns into a ski touring zone.

Part 02

Valle de las Arenas

Valle de las Arenas sits at the foot of San José Volcano, one of the big peaks of the central Andes. It is the classic ski touring zone of the Cajón del Maipo, with a mix of terrain that works for a full trip:

• Wide bowls for warm-up runs and cold powder days.
• Couloirs off the ridges for strong groups once the snowpack has settled.
• Glacier terrain higher up in the valley.

Around it there are more objectives, such as Cerro Unión and the quieter Carreño valley, chosen by the guide for the snow and the group.

Part 03

When to go

The season runs from July to October. July and August bring the winter storms and the best chance of powder, with short days and cold temperatures. September and October bring longer days, more stable weather and spring corn that softens through the late morning.

Every day is planned around snow stability and weather, so the best objective changes through the season. For a broader view of the Chilean season, see Best Time to Ski in Chile.

Part 04

How hard is it?

Touring in the Cajón del Maipo is real backcountry. You should be able to:

• Ski confidently in ungroomed snow on slopes of 25 to 40 degrees.
• Skin uphill for several hours, with kick turns on steeper sections.
• Use a beacon, shovel and probe.

If you have done a few touring days at home, you are probably ready. Not sure? Read What Level Do You Need for Backcountry Skiing in the Andes? or ask us.

Part 05

Getting there and where to stay

From Santiago it is about two hours by road up the Maipo valley. After a storm, the upper road can need a 4x4 and chains, so plan the drive with someone who knows it.

Staying in the valley makes a big difference: you skip the daily drive from the city and start touring early. On our trip we stay at Lodge El Morado in Baños Morales, close to the touring zones.

Part 06

Gear you need

• Touring skis or a splitboard, with skins
• Ski crampons for firm spring mornings
• Avalanche beacon, shovel and probe
• A 30 to 40 L touring pack and warm layers
• Sunglasses, goggles and high-SPF sunscreen

We can arrange rental gear with advance notice.

Part 07

Safety in a lift-free valley

There are no lifts, no ski patrol and no avalanche control in the Cajón del Maipo. Weather in the high valley changes quickly and mobile coverage is limited. That is why we tour it with local mountain guides who know the valley, check the snowpack every day and choose the objective for the conditions.

Part 08

How to ski it with us

• Cajón del Maipo Ski Touring: 4 days and 3 nights at Lodge El Morado, touring Valle de las Arenas, with transport from Santiago included. July to October. From USD 2,500.
• Single Day Ski Guide in Chile: a private day in the backcountry near Santiago, planned around your level.

It also works well before or after a resort week such as Andes Week or Portillo + Tres Valles.

FAQ

Frequently Asked Questions