1. What is included in an APEX all-inclusive ski or splitboard vacation?
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An APEX all-inclusive adventure brings together the essential elements of an exceptional ski vacation in Chile, so you can spend less time organizing logistics and more time enjoying the mountains.
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Depending on your selected program, inclusions cover airport transfers from Temuco, ground transportation throughout your trip, accommodation, professional mountain guides, guided backcountry outings, and meals featuring locally sourced ingredients. You'll also enjoy distinctive experiences such as natural hot springs, riverside hot tubs, cultural activities and memorable local dining.
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Our packages include a welcome gift and Activities Insurance, with additional details and inclusions varying between Backcountry Ski & Ride, Grand Slam and Andes Hot Tent programs. Each experience has its own character, itinerary and accommodation arrangements.
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The idea is simple: we take care of the moving parts, bring together the people and places that make this region special, and give you the freedom to enjoy your time in the Andes.
2. What makes an APEX all-inclusive ski vacation different from a regular ski trip?
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A conventional ski vacation often leaves you coordinating accommodation, transportation, meals, guides, equipment and activities yourself. An APEX all-inclusive trip brings these elements together into one carefully organized mountain experience.
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Our local team knows the terrain, understands the changing mountain conditions and has strong connections throughout the Araucanía region. That means your days can extend beyond the usual ski routine, combining exceptional backcountry skiing and splitboarding with volcanic landscapes, ancient araucaria forests, regional cuisine, hot springs and genuine local hospitality.
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You'll travel with experienced guides, enjoy small-group mountain adventures and have the logistics arranged around your program. Rather than spending valuable vacation time working out where to go and how to get there, you can focus on the experience itself.
3. What all-inclusive ski and splitboard programs does APEX offer?
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APEX offers three distinct all-inclusive experiences in Chile's Araucanía Andes, each with a different approach to exploring the mountains.
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Backcountry Ski & Ride Tours combine guided backcountry skiing and splitboarding with comfortable lodge accommodation, exceptional local dining and a variety of mountain and cultural experiences. Available in shorter and extended formats, these programs offer a wonderful introduction to the region.
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Grand Slam Volcano Tour is an ambitious ski mountaineering expedition for experienced backcountry skiers and splitboarders. Built around four major volcanic objectives, it combines challenging mountain days with comfortable accommodation and carefully arranged regional experiences.
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Andes Hot Tent Tours offer a more immersive wilderness experience, with heated tipi accommodation in the mountains and the opportunity to wake up close to the terrain you'll be exploring. Standard and Premium options provide different combinations of backcountry camping and lodge accommodation.
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Each program has its own dedicated page with detailed itineraries, ability requirements and trip information.
4. Where do the all-inclusive ski tours take place?
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Our all-inclusive ski and splitboard tours are based in Chile's Araucanía region, in the southern Andes. This remarkable mountain landscape is dominated by volcanoes, ancient araucaria forests, deep valleys and extensive backcountry terrain.
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Malalcahuello is our home base, ideally positioned for exploring the surrounding mountains and volcanic ranges. Depending on the program and daily conditions, our guides take guests into a variety of terrain, from open alpine slopes and volcanic summits to sheltered forest runs and hidden powder stashes.
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The region also offers much more than skiing. Mountain rivers, natural hot springs, local communities and distinctive regional cuisine all contribute to the experience. It's an exceptional destination for travelers who want to combine serious mountain adventure with a deeper appreciation of southern Chile.
5. What airport should I fly into, and are airport transfers included?
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You'll fly into La Araucanía Airport (ZCO), also known as Temuco Airport, which is the arrival and departure point for our all-inclusive programs.
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International travelers generally connect through Santiago International Airport (SCL) before taking a domestic flight to Temuco. APEX arranges airport transfers between Temuco and the Araucanía region as part of the all-inclusive package, along with ground transportation for the planned outings and dinners.
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Your arrival and departure arrangements will be coordinated with your program itinerary. We recommend sharing your flight details with us as early as possible so we can organize a smooth connection between the airport and your mountain accommodation.
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International and domestic airfares are not included in the package price.
6. Where will I stay during an APEX all-inclusive ski tour?
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Accommodation depends on the program you choose, with options ranging from comfortable mountain lodges to heated backcountry tipi tents.
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For Backcountry Ski & Ride and Grand Slam, the primary accommodation is Posada del Río Lodge in Malalcahuello. This welcoming mountain retreat provides a comfortable base for exploring the surrounding terrain, with inviting shared spaces, riverside hot tubs and a relaxed atmosphere after a full day outdoors.
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The Andes Hot Tent programs offer a different experience. Guests spend several nights in heated, fully equipped tipi tents in the backcountry, with lodge or hostal accommodation arranged at the beginning and end of the trip. The Premium option combines nights at Posada del Río with nights in the mountains, while the Standard options use Hostal Cerrito for the lodge stays.
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Private accommodation upgrades may also be available, subject to availability. The specific lodging arrangements are outlined on each program page.
7. What is the food like, and are meals included?
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Food is an important part of the APEX experience. We take pride in introducing guests to the flavors of the Araucanía, combining fresh local ingredients, traditional Chilean dishes and some of the region's best restaurants.
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All-inclusive programs feature breakfasts, packed lunches for mountain days and dinners, with the exact dining arrangements depending on the itinerary. You can look forward to hearty meals after days in the mountains, locally inspired cuisine and special indigenous experiences.
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Vegetarian and vegan options are available, and meals can be prepared with dietary preferences in mind. Please tell us about any dietary requirements, allergies or restrictions when booking so we can coordinate with our accommodation and restaurant partners in advance.
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Selected programs also include daily après-ski drinks, with the specific beverage inclusions varying by package.
8. Are hot springs, hot tubs and other activities included?
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Yes. The all-inclusive experience is about enjoying the Araucanía beyond the ski terrain, and selected programs include some wonderful opportunities to relax and explore the region.
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Depending on your itinerary, experiences may include the riverside hot tubs of Manzanar, waterfall visits, the naturally heated mineral waters at Cañón del Blanco. Some programs also include an indigenous cultural experience, offering an opportunity to connect with the history and traditions of the region.
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These experiences are thoughtfully incorporated into the trip rather than left for you to organize independently. Their timing and availability depend on the selected program and, where relevant, weather and mountain conditions.
9. What level of skiing or splitboarding experience do I need?
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The all-inclusive programs cater to a range of backcountry abilities, but the experience required differs considerably between tours.
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Backcountry Ski & Ride is suitable for a broad range of confident skiers and splitboarders, from Cruiser through Expert, with the shorter and longer formats offering different terrain and objectives.
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Grand Slam is designed for Advanced to Expert participants with established backcountry touring experience, strong technical ability and the fitness required for demanding ski mountaineering objectives.
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Andes Hot Tent has options for different experience levels, with the Standard and Premium programs carrying their own ability recommendations. Previous touring experience and comfort with backcountry travel are important considerations.
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If you're unsure which program best matches your ability, speak with our team before booking. We'll help you choose an experience that suits your skiing or riding, fitness and mountain ambitions.
10. How large are the groups, and what is the guide-to-guest ratio?
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APEX keeps group sizes small to provide a more personal experience and allow our guides to manage terrain and objectives appropriately.
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Backcountry Ski & Ride and Andes Hot Tent generally operate with a maximum ratio of four guests per guide, with group sizes of up to six guests. Grand Slam operates with a more focused ratio of three guests per guide, reflecting the additional demands of its volcanic ski mountaineering objectives.
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These ratios allow guides to communicate effectively, make informed decisions and adapt the day's plans to the group's abilities and prevailing conditions. The emphasis is always on creating a rewarding mountain experience while maintaining appropriate guiding standards.
11. Are the itineraries fixed, or can they change during the trip?
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Every APEX program has a planned itinerary, but mountain adventures require a degree of flexibility. Weather, snow conditions, avalanche hazard and visibility all influence where we can safely travel and which objectives are appropriate on a given day.
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Our guides assess conditions continuously and make decisions based on the mountain environment and the group's abilities. A planned summit may be replaced with a different tour, a forest objective or another suitable outing if conditions call for a change.
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The all-inclusive format makes this flexibility easier to enjoy because the transportation, accommodation and local logistics are already coordinated. We can focus on finding the best available mountain experience rather than trying to reorganize every detail ourselves.
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Specific summits, descents and snow conditions cannot be guaranteed.
12. Are there opportunities to ski at a resort as well as in the backcountry?
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Yes. Selected Backcountry Ski & Ride and Grand Slam itineraries include access to Corralco Ski Resort, adding another dimension to the mountain experience.
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Resort access can be used for a day of lift-served skiing or as part of an approach to a volcanic objective, depending on the itinerary and conditions. It provides a change of pace from human-powered touring while allowing guests to explore more of the surrounding mountain landscape.
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The resort days and passes included vary by program, so check the individual itinerary for the specific arrangements.
13. Can I rent ski touring or splitboard equipment through APEX?
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Yes. APEX can help arrange equipment rentals, subject to availability. Rental options may include touring skis, splitboards, boots, climbing skins, poles and avalanche safety equipment such as a transceiver, probe and shovel. Technical mountaineering equipment may also be available where required.
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We strongly recommend bringing your own boots whenever possible. A familiar, properly fitted pair can make a significant difference to comfort during long days of touring.
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If you need rental equipment, let us know when booking and provide your sizing and equipment requirements. This gives us time to check availability and organize suitable gear before you arrive.
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Equipment rental is an additional cost unless specifically stated otherwise in your selected package.
14. Can you accommodate dietary requirements and food allergies?
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Absolutely. We want everyone to enjoy the food and hospitality that are such an important part of an APEX trip.
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Vegetarian and vegan meals are available, and we can work with dietary preferences and requirements when arranging meals with our accommodation and restaurant partners. If you have food allergies, intolerances or other restrictions, please provide the details when booking.
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The earlier we know about your requirements, the better we can coordinate suitable options throughout the itinerary. For serious allergies or complex dietary needs, we recommend discussing the details with us directly before confirming your reservation.
15. Can I book a private or customized all-inclusive ski vacation?
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Yes. If you have a group of friends, a family or a crew of experienced skiers and splitboarders, we can discuss a private or customized experience.
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Depending on your objectives, dates and group abilities, we can explore different trip lengths, accommodation arrangements and combinations of mountain activities. You may prefer a focused week of backcountry skiing, a more ambitious volcanic expedition or a deeper wilderness experience with Hot Tent accommodation.
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Private trips offer greater flexibility, but the final itinerary and guiding arrangements will depend on group size, mountain conditions, logistics and availability.
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Get in touch with our team to discuss what you have in mind and we'll help shape a trip around your group's ambitions.
16. What is not included in the all-inclusive package price?
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Although APEX takes care of the main travel and mountain logistics, a few expenses remain the responsibility of each guest.
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International and domestic flights are not included. Personal purchases, retail goods, gratuities and transportation for activities outside the planned itinerary are also additional expenses.
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Equipment rental, single-room accommodation, private lodging upgrades and optional activities may be available at an additional cost. Certain upgrades, such as an extra ski day in place of a scheduled relaxation or excursion day, depend on the program.
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Travel insurance is listed separately from the package inclusions, and guests should review the insurance requirements before booking. We recommend checking the detailed inclusions and exclusions for your selected tour so there are no surprises when planning your trip.
17. What should I know before booking an APEX all-inclusive ski tour in Chile?
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The best place to start is by choosing the program that matches your ability, available travel time and the kind of mountain experience you're looking for.
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Consider how much backcountry experience you have, how comfortable you are with sustained uphill travel and variable snow conditions, and whether you're drawn to a varied lodge-based adventure, challenging volcanic objectives or a more immersive Hot Tent experience.
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Once you've identified a suitable program, check the available dates, trip length, inclusions and accommodation arrangements. We recommend booking early, particularly if you have specific travel dates or would like a single room or equipment rental.
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You'll also need to arrange your flights to Temuco, review the travel insurance requirements and share any dietary or equipment needs with us in advance.
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If you're unsure which experience is right for you, contact APEX. We are happy to talk through the options, answer your questions and help you find the right way to experience the Araucanía Andes.