A lot of ski terrain in the Andes is found on long rolling mountain faces and volcanoes which provide great slopes for learning powder as they offer some great terrain that is not too steep and of good length. Also the terrain is wide open with no trees. Therefore you have lots of open space and great slopes for learning something new. As a new powder skier you only have the challenge of the powder and not the additional challenge of steep and or narrow areas to learn in. Removing these obstacles goes a long way to allowing people to succeed.
Why you can find these gentler slopes and open spaces is unique to the Andes. With very few skiers and lots of terrain as there are no trees, fresh tracks can be found for days and days after a snowfall. In fact the fresh tracks can be found right next to the pisted runs. You don’t have to hike to sweet spots or rush out first thing in the morning to capture the fresh snow before it is all used up like in North America and Europe. Skiing tracked powder is even harder for the skier new to powder. Having abundant fresh tracks like this is unique in the ski world and provides great opportunities for the novice powder skier to learn.
South America also offer a unique snow condition unique to the Andes called “carton”. “Carton” is a Spanish word meaning cardboard. It refers to a common phenomenon when the very dry, small particle Andean snow falls and compacts on itself or with a little wind to form a smooth surface. You ski on top of it and do not break through as it is not a crust layer but solid underneath. Thus the name – “carton”. The great thing is that it is like skiing in powder. Your skis flow and you have that powder feel under your skis. It is not too deep but requires the same good balance and technique that deeper powder skiing does. Therefore you have the ideal challenge for learning but not too deep which can be a struggle for those learning powder.
Also on our guided tour format you are going to have multiple days to build up your abilities and the above mentioned consistent snow conditions to practice, and this is rare in other areas of the world.
“An amazing experience that will be difficult to better. I was doing slopes that I thought I would never have the confidence to do and good to see the improvement on video. This from the person who was scared of black runs and powder!!!”
Lesley Jackson – England (Chile Tour)
If you are an intermediate to advanced skier who has never had the opportunity to ski powder or continually struggle in it when the opportunity does present itself, then seriously consider Chile and Argentina as a great opportunity to be introduced to powder skiing or finally learn to master it!
Until the next Blog…
Gerry Winchester, Founder, DreamSki Adventures
