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Yate Volcano

Climbing through native forest and finishing mostly over glaciated alpine Yate volcano is an adventure for experienced backcountry skiers looking for that extra mileage in southern Chile.

Ski Touring Difficult

Distance
14 km
Ascent
2.3 km
Descent
660 m
Duration
1 day +
Low Point
24 m
High Point
2.1 km
Gradient
32˚
Yate Volcano Map

The approach to Yate starts nearly at sea level, at the town of Llaguepe, and more specifically, the house of Mr. Ramón Hernandéz.

Description

The route begins through open meadows, and after a little while, a steep trail will lead you up into the dense jungle. Stick closely to the coloured banners which mark the route, for it is extremely easy to get lost while gaining the first 400 metres of vertical relief.

Once in the wet forest, the trail is clear, yet littered with falled trees and branches. With skis on your back, this becomes a most daunting affair.

The trail then takes a turn, losing altitude. Here, the trail is mostly upon tree trunks.

Once out of the forest, a swampy clearing appears, which is usually base camp for an early morning summit push. There is a stream with clean glacial water.

From base camp, one must follow a river bed which eventually leads outside the treeline and to a secondary peak, marked in the track. From this point, one must put ones harness and glacier gear in check, with a stellar view of the fjord and the island of Chiloé.

Skiing from the summit is possible, and depending on the time of year, could be a long or short descent (the author skied 600 meters of vertical descent during January 2019).

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

3 out of 4

Little chance of being seen or helped in case of an accident.

Best time to visit

between June and November

Features

  • Alpine
  • Tree Skiing
  • Ski Mountaineering

Equipment required

  • Rope
  • Skins
  • Ice axe
  • Crampons
  • Glacier kit