Winter Mountaineering Course in Patagonia
Snow, ice, winter camping and mountain safety skills with a certified mountain guide.
Start or improve your winter mountaineering skills in real mountain terrain.
Available months: Late June to late October.
5 days
Location: Osorno Volcano, Puyehue, Casablanca, or Llaima
Objective: Develop the essential skills required to move safely on snowy terrain with slopes up to 45°.
5 days
Location: Osorno Volcano, Puyehue, Casablanca, or Llaima
Objective: Develop the essential skills required to move safely on snowy terrain with slopes up to 45°.
Day-by-day itinerary
DAY 1 - 6 hours of theory
Physiology of cold
Planning winter and polar activities
Equipment selection and care
Group leadership and decision-making in winter and polar terrain.
Risk management
DAY 2 - 8 hours of practical training
Activity planning
Progression and walking on snowy terrain
Progression techniques with snowshoes
Self-arrest, use of ice axes and crampons
DAY 3 - 8 hours of practical training
Construction of snow shelters
Winter and polar camping
DAY 4 - 8 hours of practical training
Use of ropes in winter terrain based on the UIMLA model.
Belay and rappel systems in snow
DAY 5 - 8 hours of practical training
Avalanche, organized search and rescue systems
Physiology of cold
Planning winter and polar activities
Equipment selection and care
Group leadership and decision-making in winter and polar terrain.
Risk management
DAY 2 - 8 hours of practical training
Activity planning
Progression and walking on snowy terrain
Progression techniques with snowshoes
Self-arrest, use of ice axes and crampons
DAY 3 - 8 hours of practical training
Construction of snow shelters
Winter and polar camping
DAY 4 - 8 hours of practical training
Use of ropes in winter terrain based on the UIMLA model.
Belay and rappel systems in snow
DAY 5 - 8 hours of practical training
Avalanche, organized search and rescue systems
Take a look at the prices, payment and cancellation conditions
Our Prices:
1 person: CLP $1.450.000
2 people: CLP $850.000 p/p
3 - 6 people: CLP $680.000 p/p
Payment Terms:
Credit card payments in installments
PIX for Brazil-based payments
International transfer via Wise or bank account.
Installments:
30% down payment
35% in 30 days
35% in 60 days
Cancellation Policy
30+ days: 100% refund or credit for rescheduling within 12 months.
15–29 days: 50% refund or 70% credit.
<15 days: no refund, 50% credit for rescheduling within 6 months.
Company cancellations due to safety or weather allow rescheduling at no extra cost.
1 person: CLP $1.450.000
2 people: CLP $850.000 p/p
3 - 6 people: CLP $680.000 p/p
Payment Terms:
Credit card payments in installments
PIX for Brazil-based payments
International transfer via Wise or bank account.
Installments:
30% down payment
35% in 30 days
35% in 60 days
Cancellation Policy
30+ days: 100% refund or credit for rescheduling within 12 months.
15–29 days: 50% refund or 70% credit.
<15 days: no refund, 50% credit for rescheduling within 6 months.
Company cancellations due to safety or weather allow rescheduling at no extra cost.
See what's included
ACGM and UIMLA certified mountain guide: Professional guidance throughout the course.
Complete itinerary planning: Prior briefing, adaptation of the itinerary to weather conditions and group pace.
Shared equipment: Tent, stove, first aid kit, VHF radio and GPS/satellite for emergencies, ropes, and stakes.
Logistics management: Round-trip transfer from Puerto Varas to the course destination.
Pre-expedition assistance: Personal equipment list, training and fitness tips.
Complete itinerary planning: Prior briefing, adaptation of the itinerary to weather conditions and group pace.
Shared equipment: Tent, stove, first aid kit, VHF radio and GPS/satellite for emergencies, ropes, and stakes.
Logistics management: Round-trip transfer from Puerto Varas to the course destination.
Pre-expedition assistance: Personal equipment list, training and fitness tips.
What is not included
International or domestic flights.
Meals during the course, unless specifically included in the final program.
Personal mountain equipment: backpack, sleeping bag, personal tent, helmet, harness, technical clothing and personal accessories.
Accommodation before or after the course.
Outdoor activity insurance or travel insurance.
Personal expenses.
Any item not expressly mentioned as included.
Meals during the course, unless specifically included in the final program.
Personal mountain equipment: backpack, sleeping bag, personal tent, helmet, harness, technical clothing and personal accessories.
Accommodation before or after the course.
Outdoor activity insurance or travel insurance.
Personal expenses.
Any item not expressly mentioned as included.
FAQ Winter Mountaineering Course
Why take this course?
Learn the fundamentals of winter mountaineering with an ACGM and UIMLA certified guide. The course consists of 90% practical lessons covering the main skills needed to move independently in this type of environment.
Where does the course take place?
In the mountains of the Los Lagos or Araucanía regions, Chile — usually on the Osorno, Casablanca, Puyehue, or Llaima volcanoes. The location will be chosen according to the best snow and safety conditions.
How many days does the course last?
Five full days of immersive training, combining theoretical and practical lessons in snowy terrain.
What will I learn?
Planning activities in winter environments
Cold physiology and hypothermia prevention
Use of ice axe, crampons, and snowshoes
Techniques for progression and self-arrest
Setting up winter camps and snow shelters
Safety, rope teams, and avalanche rescue basics
Do I need previous experience?
No prior snow experience is required, but good physical fitness and previous hiking experience in the mountains is recommended.
What is the difficulty level and pace?
The course is designed for beginners and intermediate participants, but it requires good physical endurance, walking on snow and ice, moderate ascents, and adapting to winter conditions.
What is the group size?
Small groups, usually 2 to 6 participants, to ensure safety, personalized supervision, and good group dynamics.
What is the safety policy and what happens in bad weather?
The activity depends on snow and weather conditions; if conditions are unsafe, the course may be rescheduled or the itinerary adapted.
How can I prepare before the course?
Recommended preparation includes aerobic conditioning (cycling, running, rowing, trekking with a backpack), familiarization with mountaineering boots, and experience in snow or trails if possible. Stay well hydrated, get enough sleep in the days prior, and check all your equipment.
What certification or credential will I receive?
A certificate of participation issued by Ensenada Tours / ACGM/UIMLA certified guide, confirming that you completed the basic winter mountaineering course. It can serve as a foundation for more advanced courses or expeditions.
What happens if I don’t complete the course or leave early?
If a participant leaves voluntarily or due to health reasons, there is no refund. However, it may be possible to discuss and arrange participation in a future course.
What level can I reach upon completion?
Beginner level for movement on snowy terrain up to ~45° slope (as described on the website). This serves as a base to continue with intermediate or advanced courses.
How do I enroll?
Contact us via WhatsApp at +56 9 5640 6085 or by email at marcelo@ensenadatours.cl.
After confirmation, you will receive the full equipment list and detailed course schedule.
Learn the fundamentals of winter mountaineering with an ACGM and UIMLA certified guide. The course consists of 90% practical lessons covering the main skills needed to move independently in this type of environment.
Where does the course take place?
In the mountains of the Los Lagos or Araucanía regions, Chile — usually on the Osorno, Casablanca, Puyehue, or Llaima volcanoes. The location will be chosen according to the best snow and safety conditions.
How many days does the course last?
Five full days of immersive training, combining theoretical and practical lessons in snowy terrain.
What will I learn?
Planning activities in winter environments
Cold physiology and hypothermia prevention
Use of ice axe, crampons, and snowshoes
Techniques for progression and self-arrest
Setting up winter camps and snow shelters
Safety, rope teams, and avalanche rescue basics
Do I need previous experience?
No prior snow experience is required, but good physical fitness and previous hiking experience in the mountains is recommended.
What is the difficulty level and pace?
The course is designed for beginners and intermediate participants, but it requires good physical endurance, walking on snow and ice, moderate ascents, and adapting to winter conditions.
What is the group size?
Small groups, usually 2 to 6 participants, to ensure safety, personalized supervision, and good group dynamics.
What is the safety policy and what happens in bad weather?
The activity depends on snow and weather conditions; if conditions are unsafe, the course may be rescheduled or the itinerary adapted.
How can I prepare before the course?
Recommended preparation includes aerobic conditioning (cycling, running, rowing, trekking with a backpack), familiarization with mountaineering boots, and experience in snow or trails if possible. Stay well hydrated, get enough sleep in the days prior, and check all your equipment.
What certification or credential will I receive?
A certificate of participation issued by Ensenada Tours / ACGM/UIMLA certified guide, confirming that you completed the basic winter mountaineering course. It can serve as a foundation for more advanced courses or expeditions.
What happens if I don’t complete the course or leave early?
If a participant leaves voluntarily or due to health reasons, there is no refund. However, it may be possible to discuss and arrange participation in a future course.
What level can I reach upon completion?
Beginner level for movement on snowy terrain up to ~45° slope (as described on the website). This serves as a base to continue with intermediate or advanced courses.
How do I enroll?
Contact us via WhatsApp at +56 9 5640 6085 or by email at marcelo@ensenadatours.cl.
After confirmation, you will receive the full equipment list and detailed course schedule.
Request course information
+56 9 5640 6085
marcelo@ensenadatours.cl
marcelo@ensenadatours.cl
Explore Chile through carefully curated experiences led by a certified mountain guide with extensive experience in Patagonia and Antarctica.
Each journey is designed around you — with personalized itineraries, seamless logistics, and the highest standards of safety and quality.
