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Volcán Llaima - Centro de ski Las Araucarias

The longest line in Araucanía!

Ski Touring Difficult

Distance
14 km
Ascent
1.6 km
Descent
1.6 km
Duration
7-8 hrs
Low Point
1.5 km
High Point
3.1 km
Gradient
40˚
Volcán Llaima - Centro de ski Las Araucarias Map

The Llaima Volcano, surrounded by araucaria trees and mountain lakes, is one of the highest volcanoes in the Andes. In this active volcano, you can find fumaroles, coihue forests, araucarias (ancestral forest) and beautiful views of the mountains all around.

Description

This descent is down wide and open terrain without big obstacles, making it an amazing descent for a high intermediate level skiers. The normal route is on the northwest side from the Araucarias ski centre.

The trip starts from the parking lot of the ski centre, where it is recommended to follow the line of the lifts. First you will go up the line of the chair lift, then go straight up the poles of the next lift, and then continue towards the peak.

The uniformity of the cone makes it difficult to find many options on the route. If you keep your eyes straight ahead and looking at the cone, there is nowhere to get lost.

As on other volcanoes, conditions are changeable and there may be ice, so it is recommended to bring crampons.

At the peak, the crater is impressive! You will be able to appreciate a view of all the surrounding volcanic peaks, high walls, a mixture of fumaroles, snow and intense smells from the volcanic activity.

From there you can start to ride a wide and extensive downhill. With good snow conditions it is possible to find excellent lines for your descent, so there is nothing left to do except enjoy this beautiful ski line.

Difficulty

Difficult

Serious gradient of 30-38 degrees where a real risk of slipping exists.

Medium Exposure (E2)

2 out of 4

As well as the slope itself, there are some obstacles (such as rock outcrops) which could aggravate injury.

Remoteness

1 out of 4

Close to help in case of emergency.

Best time to visit

between June and October

Features

  • Ski Mountaineering

Equipment required

  • Skins
  • Crampons

Guidebooks in this area