Trekking with snowshoes: the perfect winter adventure in Chile

When winter arrives in the southern zone of Chile, the landscapes transform into winter postcards: forests covered in snow, volcanoes dressed in white, and a cleaner, quieter, and purer air. This serene environment invites you to slow down, breathe deeply, and explore with new senses.

In this setting, there is an activity that is gaining popularity among those seeking adventure with a connection to nature: snowshoe trekking. A practice that allows you to venture into the mountains even when the paths disappear under the snow, combining sports and exploration.

Ideal for those who want to discover winter trails in an accessible and different way, this experience offers a deep contact with the natural environment, a safe alternative to other more technical mountain disciplines, and landscapes that are only revealed during the coldest months of the year.

What is snowshoe trekking?

Snowshoe trekking consists of walking on snowy surfaces without sinking, thanks to snowshoes that are placed over footwear. These devices, light, resistant, and with a wide support surface, distribute the body's weight and allow you to advance comfortably on the snow without losing balance and without unnecessary efforts.

Although its origins are ancient and date back to indigenous communities that used them to move in cold climates, today snowshoes have become modern tools, used by hikers, mountaineers, and tourists who want to explore snowy environments without requiring skis, crampons, or technical experience.

One of the great attractions of this activity is its low level of difficulty. It is not necessary to have previous knowledge or great physical preparation. Just a curious attitude, suitable clothing for the weather, and a desire to be surprised by the beauty of winter. Therefore, it is an excellent alternative for families, groups of friends, solo travelers, or even older people who want to enjoy the mountain safely.

Chile, a privileged destination for winter trekking

Chile's geography, marked by its length, diversity of climates, and constant presence of the Andes Mountain Range, offers endless opportunities for snowshoe trekking. From the pre-Andean areas in the center of the country to the most southern corners of Patagonia, snowy landscapes invite you to discover a completely different facet of Chilean nature.

Between the months of June and September, the temperate forests, mountain valleys, and national parks are covered in a white blanket, opening the way to unique and less traveled routes. Some of the most recommended regions to experience this are:

• Araucanía Region, with its parks full of snowy Araucarias, such as Conguillío or Nahuelbuta.

• Los Ríos Region, with trails that cross rainy forests transformed by ice.

• Los Lagos Region, a true paradise of mountains, lakes, and volcanoes.

In this last region, the Vicente Pérez Rosales National Park stands out, the oldest in the country. Located in the Llanquihue province, this park is part of the iconic Route of Parks of Patagonia and offers a privileged environment for snowshoe trekking. Beech and coigüe forests, views of the Osorno volcano, crystalline lakes, and ideal tourist infrastructure for those arriving from Puerto Varas or surrounding areas.

An immersive experience in winter landscapes

More than just a walk, snowshoe trekking is a sensory experience.

“Each step crunches underfoot. The cold awakens the senses. The whiteness of the snow covers everything and muffles the sound, creating a deep, almost meditative silence”

Unlike traditional hiking, this activity allows access to routes that may be crowded in summer but offer solitude, calm, and a different beauty in winter. The paths transform, the trees seem like frozen sculptures, and the horizon is framed in whites and grays that change with the daylight.

During the route, it is common to find traces of mountain animals like foxes or pudús, observe birds like the black woodpecker or the harrier, and even glimpse glaciers and frozen lagoons. In the midst of silence, every detail is appreciated more, the breath vapor, the texture of the flakes, the contrast of dark branches against the cloudy sky.

Looking for the perfect place to go snowshoe trekking?

If you are planning a different winter getaway, away from the crowds and close to the purest nature, this is your opportunity. At Outdoor Index we help you discover Chile in a new way, walking on the snow in one of its most emblematic parks. We connect you with a guided and unforgettable experience in Vicente Pérez Rosales National Park.

Book your next great snowshoe trekking adventure in Vicente Pérez Rosales National Park.