
Andes Backcountry Ski Adventure
A 14-day backcountry ski trip in Ecuador, skiing Cayambe, Antisana, and Chimborazo volcanoes, would be an epic adventure through some of the most stunning landscapes in the world. This trip is not for the faint of heart - it's designed for backcountry skiers who crave the thrill of untouched powder runs and the challenge of high-altitude terrain.
PRICE PER PERSON
USD 5.073,00
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Duration: 14 days - Start point: Quito




Andes Backcountry Sky Adventure
Day 1:
Arrive to Quito
Leave your home for Ecuador, arriving in Quito (9,500 feet/2,896 meters) in the evening. Our team will pick you up and bring you to (hotel) located close to excellent restaurants and the tourist center of the city.
Day 2:
Explore Quito and preparation for the trip!
Explore the city: Quito is known for its beautiful churches, presidential palace, downtown, and amazing views. After 12 pm, we will spend the afternoon preparing for our first run, briefing and organizing gear, accompanied by our guides.
Day 3:
Acclimatization: Teleferico - Rucu Pichincha
The first destination will be an acclimatization run, this is a 10k (6.2 miles) at one of the highest points in Quito, this exhilarating adventure takes you through stunning mountain terrain, with breathtaking views of the Andes Mountains and Quito's sprawling cityscape.
Elevation/Altitude: Highest: 4.696 m - 15.406 ft Lowest: 4100 m
Distance:
Duration: 8 hours approx
Ascent: 780 m - 2559 ft.
Day 4:
Acclimatization: Illiniza Norte
Iliniza Norte is a peak in the Iliniza mountain range located in the Andes of Ecuador. It is one of the two major peaks in the Iliniza range, the other being Iliniza Sur. Iliniza Norte stands at an elevation of 5,126 meters (16,818 feet) and is a popular destination for mountaineers and hikers.
Elevation/Altitude: Highest: 5,126 meters / 16,818 ft. Lowest: 4.000 meters / 13.123,36 ft.
Distance:
Duration: 7 - 8 hours approx
Ascent: 1100 m - 3608.92 ft.
Day 5:
Rest day in Quito
This day is dedicated to rest and recharge, we will practice yoga and enjoy the city, it is a great time to visit the local spots.
Day 6:
Cayambe
Now it is time for the real deal. Head to the lower flanks of Cayambe Volcano, where the Refugio and its staff will provide shelter, great food, and warmth during the stay.
After settling into the bunk rooms, you will spend the afternoon up on the glacier learning about this massive mountain and practicing the fundamental techniques of footwork, balance, and basic mountaineering skills in preparation for the climb.
Day 7:
Cayambe Summit Day and Ski
Summit day! You will wake up typically around midnight, get ready and wear all the necessary gear, then enjoy hot drinks and snacks and when it is time, the climb begins through some rock steps and onto the vast glaciers above. The climb takes around 4 to 5 hours to get to the summit, once at the top you will be rewarded with amazing views of three of the main Volcanoes. And finally is time to ski and descent back to the refugio. The ski line usually traces the climbing route, gracefully traversing crevasses and vast glaciers.
Elevation/Altitude: Highest: 5.790 m / 18996.06 ft lowest: 4.600 m / 15.091.86 ft.
Distance: 7.9 km (4.9 miles)
Ascent: 1200 m / 3.937 ft.
Duration: 6-8 hours approx.
Day 8:
Rest day
This day is dedicated to rest and recharge, we will practice yoga and enjoy the hotel, it is a great time to visit the local spots.
Day 9:
Travel to the Antisana Base Camp.
It’s time for the 4th highest peak and one of the most challenging, Antisana volcano is the most remote of the volcanoes in Ecuador. In this one, we will set up a camping site, and spend the day organizing and preparing for skiing the next day.
Day 10:
Antisana Summit day and Ski
Ski day! From the camping site the journey begins around 10 pm - 11 pm with a two hour hike to hit the glacier, from there the fun part start, the terrain on this mountain contains crevasses, snow bridges, ice climbing and steep slopes.
Elevation/Altitude: Highest: 5753 m / 18874.67 ft lowest: 4.490 m / 14.730.97 ft.
Distance: 11 km (4.9 miles)
Ascent: 1200 m / 3.937 ft.
Duration: 6-8 hours approx.
Day 11:
Rest day
Day 12:
Chimborazo
This day we will travel from the hotel in Machachi to the Chimborazo Base Camp. This road trip will take 4 hours approx. Once in Chimborazo, we’ll head to the high camp to prepare for the final push to the summit. This 20,564′ volcano is the perfect objective to cap off an epic ski expedition.
Day 13:
Chimborazo Summit Day and Ski
Skiing closer to the sun! The adventure starts at midnight with an alpine start, moving up to the glacier until getting to the summit. After celebrating at the closest point to the sun, the ski descent begins at this technical and amazing mountain, you better be ready to push your limits and enjoy the most epic ride of your life.
Elevation/Altitude: Highest: 6,263 meters / 20,548 ft. lowest: 4750 m / 15584 ft.
Distance: 10 km (6.2 miles)
Ascent: 1400 m. / 4593.1 ft.
Duration: 8 - 12 hours approx.
Vintimilla / Whymper summit depends on the weather and fitness level.
Day 14:
Weather day
In the event that inclement weather hindered our progress on Chimborazo, this day serves as a valuable opportunity to make up for the lost time in the mountains.
After 14 days of adrenaline, it is time to relax, and we’ll return to Quito and prepare to depart the following day.