Chile Ski Expedition: Marjerison Checks in with an update for the last several days
Posted by: Sam Marjerison
Categories: Expedition Dispatches Chile Ski
October 1, 2025
After a big day of skiing yesterday, we planned to take it easy and learn about the rich culture of the Mapuche people in Arenales. After taking a leisurely lap and enjoying some classic spring skiing, we sat down for a traditional Mapuche lunch which included wild boar, sweet potatoes and even a cup of piñon coffee! We learned about the traditional Rokas (house) the native Mapuche people live in and the importance of their coexistence with the environment.
With our stomachs and minds full of all that we learned, we traveled back to Malalcahuello for one last night before an early morning to climb and ski Volcan Llaima in the morning! Pizza and Pisco Sours were on the menu tonight and we enjoyed another great evening in the Araucania region of Chile.
September 30, 2025
After a delicious breakfast at our hostel, Casa Esquina (Corner House), we loaded up the van and set off towards Volcan Lonquimay. The van wound through the tall Araucaria Araucana trees known for their tall trunks and wild leaves and we enjoyed the crisp spring air as we donned our boots and skins for the day ahead.
With 4,000 feet of elevation gain, we had a big day ahead of us and we slowly and enthusiastically weaved our way up onto the Southeast shoulder of Volcan Lonquimay. After skinning for most of the way, we strapped our skis to our packs and boot packed the last 600 feet to the summit crater and enjoyed views of Volcan Llaima (our next destination), Sierra Nevada, Volcan Villarica and Volcan Lanin.
After snapping some photos and enjoying the panoramic views, we began our 4,000 foot ski descent back to the car where we enjoyed soft turns straight off of the summit! Our day was capped with an afternoon beverage on the ski areas deck and the satisfaction of a summit well earned. Tomorrow we plan to take an active rest day and do some moderate skiing in an adjacent valley.
September 29, 2025
We woke up early to dew covered grass and foggy streets here in Temuco, Chile. After a hearty breakfast, we met the rest of the team and loaded our gear into a large bus that would be our wheels for the trip. We drove into the countryside and out to the Corralco Ski Area at the base of Volcan Lonquimay. Today our plan was to do some skiing, get to know each other and shake off the ski cobwebs.
With clear skies and warm temps, we enjoyed a day full of groomer laps, off piste skiing and spectating an FIS GS race where even Lindsey Vonn was in attendance! After skiing bell to bell, we drove back down to the town of Malalcahuello for dinner and drinks before getting a good night's rest for our first of four volcanoes tomorrow, Volcan Lonquimay.
September 28, 2025
After a long two days of travel, we arrived, with all bags accounted for here in Temuco, Chile. Naps were taken, Jacuzzis were utilized and we enjoyed a wonderful evening exploring the downtown city streets. With an early start tomorrow morning, we will drive over to Corralco Ski Area for a day of riding lifts and shaking off the cobwebs of a snowless summer.
RMI Guide Sam Marjerison
