Date Created: 09/26/10

Last Updated: 09/26/10

This is one of the best ski descents, accessible under human-power, in all of Chile. It is steep and committing. The line is exposed to cliffs and crevasses, and there is no "light way" down. The face only sees sun for a short period in the morning, so the snow stays cold for longer.

It is not advisable to ascend this line. And yet, to ski it from the top down without knowing the exit point would be foolish. You've got to see the line first. Then the best way to ascend the peak is by way of the Northwest Couloir. From the top of the NW Couloir, you can climb the ridge to the summit, with the SE Face falling off below you. From the parking for Volcan Antuco head toward Sierra Velluda to the southwest. You can either stay in the flats of the plateau, or climb the shoulder of Antuco and descend back into the valley. From here the mountain is directly over head, but the SE Face is still not visible. Follow the directions for the Northwest Couloir for the summit attempt. If you want to see the face from below, or will attempt to climb the face, then cross a significant, yet small, ridge that goes between the two mountains. Then ascend the face to the southwest, in the direction of the glaciers above. Weave your way through the seracs until the face is visible above. From here, you can figure out the angle of attack depending on crevasses and bergschrunds, etc. Again, while it can be nice to climb what you ski, prolonged exposure on this face would require bomber conditions. Any mistake will be the last.

It is possible to ski directly from the summit. The skiing is exposed, but not overly steep - between 45 and 50 degrees. It is mostly planar, but there are a few slight convexities. It's nice to be able to see these. If you are late, the light will be flat.

There are no issues. If you enter the park after nine o'clock in the morning, you will probably pay an entry fee of 1000 CLP. (Around US$2)

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People die skiing in the backcountry every year. Avalanches, crevasses, trees, human error, weather, tree wells, rabid sasquatches, among other things can kill you in an instant. Use this guide at your own risk, we are not responsible for any wanker getting all wanked up in the wankin' backcountry. That being said, even the most experienced backcountry skier can get caught off guard. Take avalanche classes, carry a beacon, probe, shovel and avalung AND KNOW HOW TO USE THEM. Just because you buy them, doesn't mean you get magical powers of invincibility. Many people who own beacons have no clue how to operate them. More importantly than any gear you can buy, you need to know how to safely travel in avalanche terrain, minimize potential hazards, and interpret how weather affects the snowpack. This requires time and experience. Learn from others, be safe and courteous, and when in doubt go home and live to ski another day. The amount of snow needed to be dug up to rescue a buried victim, on average weighs right around an actual ton. In North America 25% of victims die from hitting trees, rocks, and other sharp unforgiving surfaces. It only takes one miscalculation to have the mountains kick your ass. Just because you see tracks or someone else skiing a line, does not mean you should ski it. Remember, individual actions affect all of us. Take care of each other out there, we are all on the same team.