Ride both sides of The Andes in Chile and Argentina and taste some of the best wines in South America
This winter we head back to Chile and Argentina in South America for a road trip to the best ski areas of the high Andes Mountains. But this 13 day tour is not just about the skiing and snowboarding, we also stopover in the cities of Santiago and Mendoza for a taste of local wine, food and South American culture.
We begin the tour in Santiago where a private shuttle takes us up to the 3000m+ resort of Valle Nevado – the largest ski area in South America. Conditions permitting, you can ride the inter-connected areas of El Colorado and La Parva where the terrain boasts big natural features like wind lips, gullies and bowls. Plus, we’ve got direct access to some of the best heli-ski zones in Chile.
Back in Santiago we discover the capital’s street art, museums, architecture and pedestrian malls before checking out the sidewalk eateries, cafes and beer halls of Bellavista. From here, it’s onto Mendoza and one of the greatest wine regions of the world. We explore the city then spend a day visiting wineries for tastings and a gourmet lunch before heading south to the Argentinian ski area of Las Lenas.
After skiing and snowboarding it’s famously steep and untracked off-piste for another 5 days, we then drive back to Mendoza before saying goodbye from another huge tour of The Best of South America.
Dates
02 August - 14 August 2022
Duration
12 nights, 8 days on-snow
Price
Twin - USD $5,220
Single - USD $6,795
Tour Type
Freeride - Be prepared to ride and ski alpine terrain
Why Travel With Mint
In a rapidly changing travel industry it’s important to know that your travel provider is accredited, accountable and responsible. We are a registered member of AFTA and IATA and conduct business in accordance with the ATAS Charter and Code of Conduct. When you travel with Mint you can have peace of mind that you are booking with a qualified and established travel operator with over 20 years of expertise. And as a full-service travel agent, we are able to take care of your flights, insurance, stopovers and pre or post tour arrangements.
BEST OF THE ANDES TOUR
Get in touch for a detailed tour itinerary and more info
ABOUT VALLE NEVADO
Valle Nevado resort is nestled atop 55 switchback turns, 3000+ metres above sea level in the Tres Valles region of the Chilean Andes and just 90 minutes from urban Santiago. The resort has everything you need including open alpine terrain, well-groomed runs, fun gullies, rollers and plenty of off-piste and natural terrain park–like options.
ABOUT LAS LENAS
Las Lenas is not only the largest ski resort in Argentina it's also the most challenging. It offers up big mountain terrain and it's high elevation (up to 3,450m) runs ensure good quality snow while the 14 lifts access 40 miles of piste and vast range of tough off piste terrain.
ABOUT SANTIAGO
After our last day skiing and snowboarding at Valle Nevado, we transfer back from the ski resort to the city of Santiago. The Chilean capital is famous for its many fine museums, central markets and vibrant street cafes, bars and clubs all with the magnificent Andes as a backdrop.
ABOUT MENDOZA
Mendoza is one of the few pre-planned cities in South America as the original city was completely destroyed by an earthquake in 1861. From the now 'modern' city of Mendoza, the view of Aconcagua Mountain (6,962 meters) in all its glory is hard to miss. The mountains in the Andes of Mendoza are the highest in the world outside of the Himalayas.
ACCOMMODATION
On-mountain we stay in premium slope-side accommodation including breakfasts and dinners. At the end of each riding day, we’ll enjoy apres at the locals bar, live music, even a soak in the hot pool merely steps away from the hotel. Our Santiago and Mendoza hotels are centrally located and minimum 3 stars.
SMALL GROUPS
We offer one of the smallest client to guide ratio’s in the industry which ultimately leads to a better experience for everyone. Our small groups allow greater manoeuvrability and ease of access to the best areas a destination can offer. When we are on mountain, our guest to guide ratio is maximum 6 people per guide. This also makes for a more personal experience between our guests and guides.
ESSENTIAL INFO
YOUR TOUR INCLUDES
- 3 nights accommodation, Valle Nevado (Hotel Puerta del Sol)
- All breakfasts and dinners in Valle Nevado
- Return scheduled airport transfers, Santiago International Airport (SCL)
- 3 days lift tickets Valle Nevado
- 1 night accommodation, Santiago
- Private Transfer from Mendoza Airport > Mendoza city center
- Private Transfer Mendoza city > Las Lenas > Mendoza Airport
- 3 nights accommodation, Mendoza
- Breakfast in Mendoza
- Private City Tour in Mendoza
- Private full day wine tour of Mendoza region, includes 3 premium wine tastings and gourmet lunch
- 5 nights accommodation, Las Lenas (Aries Hotel)
- All breakfasts and dinners in Las Lenas
- 5 day lift ticket, Las Lenas
- Mint Tours guiding and hosting
The Best of The Andes Tour is 12 nights / 13 days in Chile and Argentina. Ask about pre / post tour accommodation and activity options.
DATES 02 August – 14 August, 2022
PRO-TIP – GO PRIVATE!
Book this tour as a private departure – with your own guide and all the benefits of a Mint group tour – for any group, big or small (even just one traveller). Get in touch to discuss.
WHY TRAVEL WITH MINT?
In a rapidly changing travel industry it’s important to know that your travel provider is accredited, accountable and responsible. Mint is a registered member of AFTA and IATA and conducts business in accordance with the ATAS Charter and Code of Conduct. When you travel with Mint you can have peace of mind that you are booking with a qualified and established travel operator with over 20 years of expertise. And as a full-service travel agent, we can take care of your flights, insurance, stopovers and pre-or post tour arrangements.
WHAT HAPPENS IF BORDERS ARE CLOSED DUE TO CORONAVIRUS (COVID-19)?
The global health crisis has impacted everyone enormously, so we want to make sure your future travel plans are safe and reassure you that we are committed to supporting our customers in the best way that we can. You can view our latest Coronavirus (COVID-19) updates HERE
WHAT IS A ROAD TRIP TOUR?
Our Road Trip offers you the best chance to experience a variety of different ski areas in the one tour. Our experienced guides have an in-depth knowledge of the resorts we visit, which gives you the ultimate advantage when your chasing deep, un-tracked snow. We’ll aim to ride and ski a lot of powder, however, expect anything from fresh tracks to corn snow, spring slush and ice so please be prepared to ride and ski multiple days straight in various weather and snow conditions.
WHAT HAPPENS ON ARRIVAL AND DEPARTURE DAY?
Once you’ve signed up for the tour we will send you through a comprehensive guide with details about the tour including the arrival and departure day process, a map of where we meet, recommended arrival and departure times, flight options, Visa requirements and transportation information.
WHAT IF I’M TRAVELLING SOLO?
About 99% of our guests are travelling solo, so you’ll be in good company. If you are travelling solo and book a twin share room, you will be paired with another guest to room with. We have single share and twin share rooms available for this tour. Your group will be made up mostly of solo travellers. Our groups generally mix well due to a shared interest in snow sports and an eagerness to explore all that South America has to offer.
HOW MANY PEOPLE ARE ON THIS TOUR?
Each tour is different, but we know that by offering one of the smallest client to guide ratio in the industry allows you to ski or snowboard at your preferred pace, and ultimately leads to a better experience for everyone. We have a maximum of 6 people on this tour. This ensures you get the most out of your time with us, and keeping the groups small means less time waiting and more time skiing and snowboarding.
IS THIS TOUR RIGHT FOR ME?
This tour is best suited to skiers and snowboarders who can link turns in powder snow, can make a variety of turn shapes and can traverse, hold speed and is adventurous when skiing and snowboarding the entire mountain including side-hits and jumps. If you’re not sure, give us a call. Weather and ski conditions are impossible to predict so guests must be prepared to ride or ski anything.
WHICH RESORTS WILL WE VISIT?
We will ski and ride both Valle Nevado in Chile and Las Lenas in Argentina.
CAN I ARRIVE EARLY OR STAY ON AFTER THE TOUR?
For most tours you can arrive earlier or stay later. We can tailor the trip to suit your travel plans. Speak with one of our tour specialists when you are booking and they will be more than happy to assist.
WHO ARE THE GUIDES?
All of our tours are guided by friendly, knowledgeable and expertly trained guides who are passionate about the mountains. Most of our guides work for us season after season. If you have a preferred Mint guide, just let us know and we’ll be able to tell you which tours they are leading.
CAN YOU BOOK FLIGHTS?
Yes. Let us take the hassle out of selecting the right flights for the tour. We can book you the best flight options for the tour, with no booking fees.
ARE FLIGHTS INCLUDED?
No, flights are not included. If you need assistance booking flights, we can book you the best flight options for the tour, with no booking fees.
DO I NEED TRAVEL INSURANCE?
Yes. All guests on tour need to be covered be comprehensive travel insurance. Once you have booked on the tour, we strongly recommend purchasing travel insurance. We offer all of our tour guests discounted snow specific travel insurance.
WHAT HAPPENS ONCE I’VE BOOKED?
Once you’ve booked your spot on tour, we will send you through a booking confirmation and provide updates about the tour including the arrival and departure day process, a map of where we meet, recommended arrival and departure times, flight options, Visa requirements and transportation information. We will send out a Pre Departure Guide 30 days prior to departure. Prior to the tour commencing we will invite you to a group chat which is managed by your tour manager and guides.
HOW CAN I CHECK MY ABILITY LEVEL?
The best way to check if a tour is suited to your ability is by speaking with one of our tour specialists. They will be able to determine if the tour you have selected is a good fit for your ability, as well as suggesting other tour options.
HOW DO I GET TO SOUTH AMERICA?
We’ll provide you with a guide with details on how to get to Santiago and where to meet your hosts. If it’s your first time to South America or if you’re unsure about travel arrangements, often we can link you up with other tour guests to travel with.
HOW DO I CHECK AVAILABILITY?
Speak with one of our tour specialists. As this is a small group tour with limited availability, it’s best to get in touch early to avoid disappointment.
DO YOU TAKE SKIERS & SNOWBOARDERS?
Yes! We are ski and snowboard friendly. Please note that the majority of our tours are led by snowboard guides.
ARE LIFT TICKETS INCLUDED?
YES. Lift tickets are provided for both Valle Nevado and Las Lenas. To ski and ride El Colorado and La Parva an upgrade ticket is required to be purchased on the day.
CAN I RENT EQUIPMENT?
Yes! We can arrange rental equipment for most destinations, however we do recommend bringing your own equipment.
WHAT EQUIPMENT SHOULD I BRING?
South American resorts like any ski area can experience all kinds of weather depending on the season, with temperatures typically ranging from +10 to -10 degrees. We recommend that guests have a good quality waterproof jacket and pants, lightweight insulated layer, merino base layers, merino gloves and waterproof gloves, goggles with low light & high light lenses, sunglasses, balaclava, beanie, and helmet. We recommend that all guests bring their own ski or snowboarding equipment for the tour (board, boots, bindings & outerwear).
WHO WILL BE ON MY TOUR?
Your group will be made up of travellers from diverse backgrounds and will be varied in age. Our groups generally mix well due to a shared interest in snow sports and an eagerness to explore all that South America has to offer.
PRICE PER PERSON
Twin share – USD $5,220
Single share – USD $6,795
*** Please note internal flights between Santiago and Mendoza are not included ***
RESERVATION AND DEPOSIT
To secure your spot on tour, a non-refundable 50% deposit is payable within 3 days of booking. The balance is due 90 days prior to tour departure. You can view our terms and conditions HERE and COVID-19 policy HERE
If you would like some more information or a quote for the tour you can contact us by:
1. ONLINE
Click on ‘Enquire’ below and send us your details. Once we receive your request one of our tour specialists will be in touch with a with a quote, availability and further details about the tour.
2. OVER THE PHONE
Call us and follow the prompts to speak to one of our tour specialists.
Within Australia (03) 5296 0314