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Portezuelo cerro Combo

Valle Arenas

A classic route with great snow and steep slopes.

Ski Touring Difficult

Distance
13 km
Ascent
1.4 km
Descent
1.3 km
Duration
6-7 hrs
Low Point
2.4 km
High Point
3.8 km
Gradient
38˚
Portezuelo cerro Combo Map

In this route you can get into the wild mountain of the Andes Centrales with the objective of reaching the portezuelo, where you can enjoy a great view of the national monument El Morado and enjoy a great route of nice snow conditions and steep slopes.

Description

The views of the huge mountains, massive rocks and chutes along the route make you lose track of time while walking up the valley to the top. And the long road to the top is not as hard as it looks.

The route starts at the parking lots near Alto Maipo. From there walk into the Arenas Valley, cross the river and start walking up the hill along the same route as the ski centre.

When you reach the top of “the resort” area you will find a small flat shelf, then follow the valley in a northeasterly direction. Continue straight almost to the end of the valley where there is an access to the south slope on the left side. This is the moment to exit, because it is not necessary to reach the peak to enjoy the great descent. The last section before getting to the portezuelo is very windy so the terrain is usually icy and it is recommended to put crampons on.

It is recommended to rest before the portezuelo as it is very windy. From here enjoy the great descent and be careful with possible avalanches. In the final part of the ride you can have fun in the chute before going out to the valley.

When you get to the valley go back along the side of the river to the streets of Alto Maipo to return to the parking lot.

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 September

Features

  • Ski Mountaineering

Equipment required

  • Skins
  • Crampons

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Guidebooks in this area