From ancient forests to a steep chute

Statistics

1 - 2

hrs

299

m

298

m

36

max°

Difficulty

FATMAP difficulty grade

Difficult

Description

This route with amazing winter landscapes is located in the Arenales Mountain Center in the community of Lonquimay.

The classic remote area of the Corralco ski resort offers multiple possibilities for ski touring, which has a long history in region thanks to the magic of the landscape.

Definitely a must-see. This route has a little bit of everything; you start immersed in a forest of millenary Araucarias, continue with spectacular views of the valley and end going down a steep descent of good snow.

The snow is in good condition until well into spring. Start on the R89 road, park at the spots near the center, and start walking in a north-west direction towards the top of Cerro 9.

If you are going down the chute, it is recommended that you view the cornice from below to get a better understanding of the descent. Go to the right into the araucaria forest to enjoy this magical and unique experience, where the native residents say you have to take a "forest bath" while walking through it.

Continue in a northern direction where the slope increases until you reach the first peak.

At this point you will have an excellent view of the valley.

If your skiing is not very expert or you decide to do a more quiet descent you can return from this point to the car.

On the other hand, if you want to go down a steeper descent between chutes and cornices, continue to the top of Cerro Nueve and half way up, get ready to descend the big drop. The chute conserves snow, mostly hardpack windblown.

So now you just enjoy this short and intense ride down.

Ski in the direction of the road and then return to your starting point on the side of the road.