6 Outdoor adventures for this winter vacation in Chile

Winter in Chile has a charm that few places in the world can match. While in other latitudes the cold season invites you to stay indoors, here it encourages you to go out, seek the mountains, and live intense experiences, ones that stay with you for many years.

If you are looking for more than just a break this winter vacation, these six adventures are an invitation to live unique experiences. From snowshoeing through the forests of Vicente Pérez Rosales National Park to climbing to the summit of Villarrica Volcano, at Outdoor Index we gather the best opportunities to connect with nature and the winter of southern Chile.

1. Snowshoe Trekking on Osorno Volcano

Location: Vicente Pérez Rosales National Park

Duration: 6 hours

Difficulty: Low

Minimum age: 13 years old

Perfect for those who want to start in winter adventures, this experience combines accessibility, nature, and spectacular views. From Puerto Varas, you will enter the Vicente Pérez Rosales National Park, part of the iconic Route of Parks of Patagonia, to walk on the snow with snowshoes and discover a completely different Osorno.

Guided by local experts, the tour starts at the Luis Malagueno Monument and Jean Pierre Laude, continues through lenga and coigüe forests to Refugio Los Pumas, and culminates with unparalleled views from the Teski sector, at over 1,200 meters above sea level. All this without the need for previous experience or great physical condition.

Why do the Snowshoe Trekking on Osorno Volcano?

• No technical experience required.

• Ideal for family sharing.

• Includes expert guide and complete equipment.

• Ends with a warm group snack.

➜ Book your trekking here

2. 3-Day Randonnée on Osorno and Casablanca Volcanoes

Location: Osorno Volcano, Casablanca Volcano, and Puerto Varas

Duration: 3 days / 2 nights

Difficulty: Medium - High

Minimum age: 18 years old

This is a trip that has it all: logistics sorted out, stunning landscapes, and the opportunity to challenge yourself in one of the most beautiful environments in southern Chile. For three days, you will experience ski randonnée like never before, exploring lesser-known slopes, adjusting skins to the terrain's rhythm, and celebrating each descent with a well-deserved après-ski.

"Après-ski is not just a moment, it is the ritual where the mountain is celebrated, the body rests, and stories come to life amidst laughter"

The first day is for welcome and technical preparation. Then, on the second day, the challenge of the Casablanca Volcano awaits, with an ascent to 1,990 meters to then slide down its snowy slopes. The last day, the adventure continues on Osorno Volcano, where the route will take you through the Glacier Station viewpoint to the "La Isla" landmark, from where you will begin an unforgettable descent.

What makes the 3-Day Randonnée on Osorno and Casablanca Volcanoes unique?

• Combines two volcanoes in one trip.

• Constant accompaniment by certified guides.

• Transport, accommodation, and equipment included.

• Ideal for skiers looking to transition to the backcountry.

➜ Book this journey here

3. Full-Day Randonnée on Casablanca Volcano

Location: Puyehue National Park

Duration: 10 hours

Difficulty: Medium - High

Minimum age: 18 years old

Many travelers pass by Casablanca Volcano without suspecting what it hides: one of the best ski touring areas in the Los Lagos Region. This full-day excursion is perfect for those who want a powerful experience but do not have several days available.

The day starts early in Puerto Varas and after a 2.5-hour journey to Puyehue National Park, the ascent begins on the slopes of the Antillanca volcanic complex. You will cross the Raihuén crater, reach the altitude of 1,990 meters, and, if conditions and your legs allow, you can reach the summit. The descent is technical, stimulating, and deeply rewarding.

What makes the Full-Day Randonnée on Casablanca Volcano so special?

• Access to areas without ski lifts, only available to randonneurs.

• Open landscapes and total solitude in the mountains.

• Includes technical equipment and safety.

• Intense day, ideal for those who have tried randonnée before.

➜ Book your adventure here

4. Randonnée on Osorno Volcano

Location: Vicente Pérez Rosales National Park

Duration: 8 hours

Difficulty: Medium - High

Minimum age: 18 years old

Osorno Volcano is probably the most recognized silhouette in southern Chile. But far from ski lifts and traditional postcards, there is another way to experience it:

"With your own means, advancing step by step, ski in hand and skins on"

This route takes you from the base of the volcano to 2,200 meters above sea level, passing through sectors such as the Glacier Station and "La Isla". From there, a unique descent awaits you through the hidden valley, one of those places that are not seen from the road, but that mark you forever when you experience them.

Why choose the Randonnée on Osorno Volcano for this winter?

• A new way to explore the iconic Osorno.

• Technical challenge with professional support.

• Dynamic route, with views of volcanoes and Lake Llanquihue.

• Perfect ending with shared après-ski.

➜ Make your reservation here

5. Ascent to Villarrica Volcano

Location: Villarrica National Park

Duration: 5 to 6 hours ascent / 3 to 4 hours descent

Difficulty: High

Minimum age: 18 years old

Few volcanoes in the world offer an experience as intense and visually stunning as Villarrica Volcano. Ascending it is not just a physical feat, it is a connection with volcanic energy, the Andean environment, and your own capacity for overcoming challenges.

The adventure starts early in Pucón. After a technical talk with the guides, a private transport takes you to the base of the volcano. From there, the ascent is progressive... you pass through sectors like "El Filo", cross glaciers that in summer are covered in volcanic scoria, and approach the crater, where gas masks come into play.

From the summit, the view opens up in 360 degrees, revealing neighboring volcanoes, lakes, valleys... and even, if you are lucky, a glimpse of the bubbling lava in the crater.

The descent is a celebration; walking sections alternate with snow slides until you reach the valley again.

Why challenge yourself with the Ascent to Villarrica Volcano?

• One of the most iconic summits in South America.

• Spectacular views towards lakes, valleys, and other volcanoes.

• Expert guides, included equipment, and cable car option.