Cerro Unión - Sureste

Valle Arenas

Excellent snow conditions and the most beautiful landscapes of the central Andes.

Ski Touring Severe

Distance
11 km
Ascent
1.3 km
Descent
974 m
Duration
5-6 hrs
Low Point
2.4 km
High Point
3.7 km
Gradient
42˚
Cerro Unión - Sureste Map

Cerro Union is one of the classics of Valle Arenas, where you can find good and dry snow, and enjoy one of the most beautiful landscapes of the central Andes.

Description

The route starts from the parking lots near Alto Maipo, where ParqueArenas only allows access by sending an email to ParqueArenas@gmail.com.

Start by walking along the left side (west) to the Arenas Valley. Once immersed in the valley go up following the river on the left side. Then take the left slope towards the lagoon to go around the hill and walk up the north side towards the top. The lagoon and the El Morado Glacier National Monument will start to appear.

When you reach the peak you will have an extraordinary view surrounded by high mountains. To the south are the Morales and Lo Valdes valleys, to the east the Marmolejo and San Jose and to the north a great panoramic view of the Morado valley.

This downhill route usually has excellent snow conditions during the season, but you need to take extreme caution because of terrain traps and avalanches, as it is not very easy to ride. Pick your day sensibly if you're going to ski this line.

Start the fun on the ridge and then ride down and around the rock to the right, then head left as it is a safer area and down the couloir to return to the same route you came from. Head back to the parking lot and head into town to toast a great line!

Difficulty

Severe

Steep skiing at 38-45 degrees. This requires very good technique and the risk of falling has serious consequences.

High Exposure (E3)

3 out of 4

In case of a fall, death is highly likely.

Remoteness

2 out of 4

Away from help but easily accessed.

Best time to visit

between June and October

Features

  • Ski Mountaineering

Equipment required

  • Skins

Similar routes nearby

Guidebooks in this area