How You Can Ski an Active Chilean Volcano

Starting the hike in the early hours of the morning. 

The town of Pucón lies in the Lake District of Southern Chile, a gateway to the to the wilds of Patagonia. This small, quaint mountain community is a major destination for adventurers in the area with an abundance of hiking, biking, and whitewater sports. Casting a shadow over the town and surrounding lake is Volcán Villarrica, an active volcano that has erupted as recently as 2015. Villarrica holds a unique proposition for those skiers and snowboarders who seek her out, as it’s one of the only active volcanos in the world that you can hike and ski.

Where to Stay: Hacienda Hotel Vira Vira

Nighttime means a unique dining experience at the Hacienda Hotel Vira Vira. Hacienda Hotel Vira Vira photo. 

Hacienda Hotel Vira Vira might be one of the unique hotels in all of Chile and one of the most incredible compliments to an adventure in Pucón. Located on the banks of the Liucura River, the hotel itself is a working farm, complete with a large vegetable garden, livestock, and its own diary. Vira Vira takes direct inspiration from the indigenous Mapuche community in Pucón, using local artists to decorate the hotel and rooms.

Cheese from the dairy at Hacienda Hotel Vira Vira. 

The connection to the surrounding landscape is further underscored in the hotel restaurant. The head chef sources most ingredients from the on site farm. Highlights included breakfast with cured meats made on site along with yogurt and cheese from the dairy. Dinners are equally as spectacular, with different harvest-inspired meals depending on the time of year. For those who identify with the farm-to-table movement, this place is complete nirvana and an incredible example of sustainable agritourism.

It doesn't get any more farm to table than this. 

First and foremost,  Vira Vira is a way to experience the natural beauty of Pucón. The hotel employs many guides who will work directly with you to develop a perfect adventure, regardless of the time of year. Whether it’s a day of fly-fishing, skiing a volcano, whitewater rafting, or anything else you can think of these guides know how to cut through the red tape to get stuff done. We used the locals' knowledge to hire one of Chile’s only IMFGA guides. It was a seamless experience.  

A view from the Hacienda. 

Skiing Volcán Villarrica

Our group begins to gain some elevation. 

In order to hike the volcano, we hired IMFGA guide Claudio Retamal and his team at  Summit Chile . It would have been relatively straightforward without a guide but Claudio elevated the experience. His local knowledge, coupled with an infectious love of the mountains was a constant source of anecdotes and inspiration. The hike is challenging mainly because of how quickly the weather and the wind can change. I would recommend starting in the early morning. In the predawn light, the lava pool at the summit is easily visible to the naked eye and one of the more interesting starts to a hike. 

The sun briefly makes an appearance. 

Our group made it a couple hundred feet from the summit but ultimately had to turn around because of high winds. With Claudio's guidance, we skied down the backside of the volcano directly to the Termas Geometricas hot springs passing the famous monkey puzzle trees on our way. It was an incredible way to end the day soaking in seemingly endless hot springs after a major physical effort. Our guides from Hacienda Hotel Vira Vira arranged rides back to our rooms so there was no reason to worry about shuttles. 

Hot springs are the only way to end a ski day. 

Bottom Line

A burnt out ski lift from an earlier eruption. 

Pucón is truly a gateway to an untapped world of outdoor adventure. The combination of the surrounding volcanos, accommodations , the quaintness of the town and raw beauty should make this town a top destination for any adventurer passing through South America. 

About The Author

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stash member Jonathan Desabris

Digital Content Producer at TGR. Jackson Hole transplant from the Green Mountain State. Contrary to popular belief I have never lived in New Jersey.