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A Chilean adventure at its wildest

We’re heading back to Chile this winter for a week of resort and backcountry snowboarding. Our tour starts in Santiago, the capital of Chile. From Santiago we drive to the highest resort, Valle Nevado, nestled atop 55 switchback turns and at 10,000 feet above sea level in the Tres Valles region of the Chilean Andes. Expect spectacular Andean views and dry snow thanks to its high altitude, southern orientation and the resort’s extensive snowmaking system. The resort is one giant playground full of natural features – windlips, cornices, gullies, and more. Our focus here is on riding zones and places you wouldn’t necessarily find on your own, think hidden stashes and short hikes to untouched lines. In Valle Nevado we stay in slopeside accommodation so you’ve got easy access to the mountain each day, and each evening you’ve got classic Chilean apres on your doorstep and a hot pool to unwind. 

After exploring Valle Nevado, we drive 5 hours south for the next leg of our trip. Along the way we stop at one of the most important wine-making regions in Chile which is often referred to as the Bordeaux of South America. Here you can sample some of the local red wines and enjoy a local lunch.

We then continue on until we reach our hotel which is on the outskirts of Talca City. This is our base to explore the Maule backcountry. Here you will get to sled, shred, send and stomp some of the most insane terrain with incredibly beautiful backdrops. We have our local snowboard guides on-hand for two full days of riding big backcountry lines, with the luxury of snowmobile assisted ascents. This region receives the highest snowfall and the terrain is endless, from wide open powder fields in the high alpine to chutes and couloirs zig zagging down the faces of these peaks.

After a big week of touring through Chile, we drive back to Santiago where our tour concludes.

Dates

September, 5 - 12, 2023

Duration

8 Days I 7 nights

Price

USD $4,150

Ability

Advanced - Comfortable on black diamond runs, off-piste, powder and variable snow conditions.

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.

Highlights

Freeride the Andes

Tick off the highest resort and the the region with the highest snowfall in Chile.

Highlights

Maule Backcountry

We spend two full days riding in the Maule backcountry with snowmobile assisted ascents.

Highlights

Local Guides

Our focus is riding zones and places you wouldn’t necessarily find on your own, think hidden stashes and short hikes to untouched lines.

Highlights

Chilean food & wine

Throughout the week you'll get to sample delicious food and red wine, and even get a traditional Chilean Asado BBQ.

Chile Freeride Tour

Get in touch for a detailed tour itinerary and more info

SANTIAGO

If you have extra time, we recommend arriving a day or two before the tour starts so you can shake off the jet lag and explore Santiago’s street art, museums, architecture, pedestrian malls, nightlife, sidewalk eateries, cafes and beer halls.

WHY VISIT CHILE

Why should Chile be on your snowboarding bucket list? The terrain is top notch, the locals friendly, the food distinctive, and the culture unique. Though Chile may seem out of reach without a dedicated travel budget, it’s worth a bit of planning and saving to make it happen. It's the type of place you can spend one week or an entire winter.

SNOW & CONDITIONS

August is the ideal time of year to ride in Chile. What you can expect is light dry, deep snow, perfect for riding powder. Temps will be cold, with temperatures ranging from -10 to -30°C / 14 to -22°F. Days will be short, with an average of 6 hours of sunlight per day.

VALLE NEVADO

Valle Nevado resort is entirely above tree line and is a mix of cruisy groomed runs, natural, rolling terrain, gullies and easy off-piste access. The resort’s off-piste areas (including chutes and bowls) are filled with blower powder after a snow storm. We stay on mountain for the easiest access. After a long day on the slopes, the outdoor pool après ski scene gets pumping with DJ music and a bar, and it’s very common to see condors floating above while watching the sun set into the Andes with beautiful sunsets.

ACCOMMODATION

In Valle Nevado we stay in slope-side twin share accommodation along the way and at the end of each riding day, we’ll enjoy apres at the locals bar, live music, or even a soak in the hot pool merely steps away from the hotel. When in Talca we stay in the township in modern twin share rooms with breakfast included daily.

PRE-TOUR SUPPORT

After you sign up for a tour, you will receive pre-trip emails with specific information about your tour, the arrival and departure day process, information about the destination, packing suggestions, and other relevant information to help you prepare for your trip. In addition to this, you have access to our customer care team who are just a phone-call away. And as a full-service travel agent, we are able to take care of your flights, insurance, stopovers and pre or post tour arrangements.

Meet your expert team

EXPERT GUIDES & LOCAL PARTNERSHIPS

Mint opens doors around the globe. Our long-standing relationships with local guides, local legends, professional athletes, local businesses and resorts allow us special access to places and people. Travelling with us, you go behind the scenes to get a close-up view of each destination. You’re enriched by the knowledge of our experts and local guides.

ESSENTIAL INFO

Tour Inclusions

INCLUSIONS

 

  • 2 days backcountry snowmobiling with snowboard guiding
  • Picnic lunches on the snowmobile backcountry days
  • 3 days on-snow guiding at Valle Nevado with local guide
  • 3 day Valle Nevado lift ticket
  • 3 nights twin share ensuite room, Valle Nevado
  • 3 nights twin share ensuite room, Talca
  • 1 night twin share ensuite room, Sanitago
  • An authentic Chilean BBQ dinner at Maule
  • 3 buffet breakfasts and dinners at Valle Nevado
  • Private transfer from Santiago Airport to Valle Nevado
  • Private transfer from Valle Nevado to Talca
  • Private transfer from Talca back to Santiago airport hotel
  • Fully-escorted tour, guides on hand throughout the tour

 

WHAT’S NOT INCLUDED

  • Flights
  • Travel insurance
  • Any meals, drinks, snacks not listed
  • Rental equipment
  • Tips
Tour Dates

DATES

September, 5 – 12, 2023


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.

FAQ

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 insurance, stopovers and pre-or post tour arrangements.


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, you will be paired with another guest to room with. The accommodation for this tour is twin share i.e. 2 beds per room. Your group will be made up mostly of solo travellers so our groups generally mix well due to a shared interest in snowsports and an eagerness to explore all that Chile 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 snowboard at your preferred pace, and ultimately leads to a better experience for everyone. We have a maximum of 6 clients 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 riding.


ABILTIY LEVEL
This tour is suitable for advanced snowboarders and skiers. You should be comfortable on black diamond runs, frequently ride/ski off-piste at a resort or in the backcountry, can confidently navigate any alpine and treed terrain and maintain a continuous rhythm and pace, even through traverses and flat sections.

If you’re not quite up to the ability level for this tour, don’t dismiss the possibility of experiencing the best powder turns of your life! Talk with our team and they will be able to make recommendations for other suitable tours, or how to work towards joining this tour.

When you are ready to book, we’ll ask you to self-evaluate what type of rider/skier you are. This will help us book you on the right tour. The more accurately you’re able to self-assess your on-snow abilities, the more you (and others in your group) will be able to relax and enjoy your tour.


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.  Our lead is local Chilean snowboard guide Arnau who will join Jarred (Mint founder) in welcoming you to The Andes.


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 CHILE?
We’ll provide you with a guide with details on how to get to Chile. If it’s your fist 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.


ARE LIFT TICKETS INCLUDED?
Yes, a three day Valle Nevado lift ticket is included.  Valle Nevado is an IKON Pass destination, if you have a pass please ask about a further tour discount.


WHAT EQUIPMENT SHOULD I BRING?
We’ll send you a gear guide as soon as you sign up for a tour. The Andes Mountains can be a cold place in winter, with temperatures typically ranging from 0 to -20. We strongly recommend that guests dress in clothing specific for traveling in backcountry areas. 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 etc. We recommend that all guests bring their own 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 snowsports and an eagerness to explore all that Chile has to offer.

Price and Payment

PRICE PER PERSON
Register your interest for winter 2024


RESERVATION AND DEPOSIT
To secure your spot on tour a 50% deposit is payable to secure your booking. The balance is due 60 days prior to tour departure.

 

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