1. What are the best ski resort tours in South America?

• The Southern Andes offer an exceptional setting for a ski holiday, with dramatic volcanic landscapes, varied resort terrain, and the opportunity to ski in both Chile and Argentina.

• Resorts near treeline provide great skiing even on stormy days when Central zone ski resorts may be closed due to a lack of visibility.

• APEX's Land of Volcanos Ski Resort Tours bring several of the region's standout destinations together in one carefully planned journey.

• The 8-day Land of Volcanos Tour visits Nevados de Chillán, Corralco, and Pillán in Southern Chile.

• The 12-day Volcanos and Lakes Tour extends the experience across the border into Argentina, adding Chapelco and Cerro Catedral to the itinerary.

• Both combine lift-accessed skiing and snowboarding with distinctive mountain lodges, regional cuisine, natural hot springs, and the support of a dedicated local team.

2. What is the difference between the Land of Volcanos Tour and the Volcanos and Lakes Tour?

• Both tours combine skiing at multiple resorts in the volcanic Andes of Southern Chile, but the longer journey crosses into Argentina for a broader South American experience.

• The 8-day Land of Volcanos Tour visits three Chilean ski destinations: Nevados de Chillán, Corralco, and Pillán. It is a great choice for guests who want to experience the mountains, hot springs, waterfalls, and hospitality of the Araucanía and surrounding regions.

• The 12-day Volcanos and Lakes Tour includes Corralco and Pillán in Chile, then crosses into Argentina to ski Chapelco and Cerro Catedral. The road trip connects mountain landscapes, lakeside destinations, and four different resorts across two countries. Choose this option if you have more time and want to make your ski holiday a wider journey through the Southern Andes.

3. What ski resorts will we visit on the Land of Volcanos Ski Resort Tour?

• The 8-day Land of Volcanos Tour includes five ski days across three resorts in Southern Chile.

• At Nevados de Chillán, you'll experience a mountain environment known for its volcanic setting and varied ski terrain. The itinerary includes two days here, with time to enjoy the surrounding landscape and thermal pools.

• Next, the journey moves to Corralco, located on the slopes of Lonquimay Volcano. Two ski days are planned here, with the option of adding a guided ascent of the volcano.

• The final ski destination is Pillán Ski Resort near Pucón, where you'll spend a day on the mountain before enjoying the region's natural thermal attractions.

4. Which ski resorts are included in the Volcanos and Lakes Tour in Chile and Argentina?

• The 12-day Volcanos and Lakes Tour visits four resorts across Chile and Argentina, with eight ski passes included.

• The journey begins at Corralco in Chile, where you'll have three ski days and the option of a guided ascent of Lonquimay Volcano. From there, you'll cross into Argentina and spend two days at Chapelco, near San Martín de los Andes. The itinerary then continues to Bariloche for two days at Cerro Catedral, one of the region's major mountain destinations. The final ski day takes place at Pillán Ski Resort near Pucón, Chile.

• The route offers a rewarding way to experience different resort environments, mountain scenery, and local cultures during one South American ski holiday.

5. When is the best time to go skiing in Chile and Argentina?

• The Southern Hemisphere winter offers the opportunity to ski in Chile and Argentina during the Northern Hemisphere summer. APEX schedules these resort tours during the Southern Andes ski season, with published departures in July, August, and September.

• Snowfall, temperatures, and mountain conditions vary from year to year, so no two seasons are exactly alike. July and August fall within the heart of the Southern Hemisphere winter, while September can offer a different feel as the season progresses.

• The best departure for you will depend on your schedule, preferred conditions, and the specific tour dates available. Contact APEX to discuss the current season's departures and plan your travel around the itinerary.

6. What skiing or snowboarding ability do I need for these resort tours?

• You do not need to be an expert to enjoy the Land of Volcanos Ski Resort Tours. The programs are designed for a range of abilities, from confident recreational skiers and snowboarders to highly experienced riders. The important thing is to choose a tour with a realistic understanding of your skills and comfort level.

• APEX uses four ability descriptions to help guests assess where they fit:

1. Cruiser: Most comfortable on gentle green-circle and easier blue-square terrain, enjoying a relaxed pace and moderate pitches.

2. Proficient: Comfortable on blue-square runs and moderately steep terrain, with some experience venturing off-piste.

3. Strong: Confident on challenging blue-square and black-diamond terrain, including bumps, trees, and variable snow.

4. Expert: Highly experienced on black-diamond and double-black-diamond terrain, with excellent technique and confidence in demanding conditions.

• Trail ratings vary between resorts, and the descriptions are general guides rather than exact equivalents across every mountain. Be honest about your ability when booking so the APEX team can help you determine whether the tour is a good fit.

7. Are these ski tours suitable for intermediate skiers and snowboarders?

• Yes. Intermediate skiers and snowboarders can enjoy these tours, provided they are comfortable on the terrain suited to their ability and are realistic about their experience. The resort format offers access to groomed runs as well as opportunities to experience different mountain environments.

• Guests should be comfortable controlling their speed and making linked turns on the pitches they choose. More challenging terrain, trees, bumps, and variable snow may be available at some resorts, but nobody should feel obliged to ski beyond their ability.

• If you are unsure whether your experience fits the Cruiser or Proficient level, speak with APEX before booking so expectations are clear.

8. Are these backcountry ski tours or lift-accessed resort holidays?

• The Land of Volcanos and Volcanos and Lakes programs are ski resort tours, not dedicated backcountry ski touring programs. Your included ski passes provide lift access at the resorts listed in each itinerary, allowing you to enjoy the mountains without having to earn every turn through an uphill approach.

• There are opportunities to experience the surrounding volcanic landscape beyond the ski areas, including an optional guided ascent of Lonquimay Volcano. That is a separate mountain activity, not the same as a daily backcountry ski touring program.

• If your main goal is untracked backcountry terrain, ski touring, or splitboarding, APEX offers separate programs designed specifically for that style of adventure.

9. Will I have a guide with me while skiing every day?

• You have the option to ski or snowboard with an APEX guide or host, but guided skiing at the resorts is not mandatory. Guests who feel comfortable exploring independently can enjoy the resort on their own, while those who prefer local support can arrange to spend time on the mountain with the guide or host.

• Your dedicated local host, guide, and logistics support are part of the overall journey, helping the trip run smoothly between destinations and throughout the itinerary.

• If you have particular guiding expectations, discuss them with APEX before booking so the arrangements are clear.

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10. How many guests are in each ski tour group?

• APEX keeps group sizes limited, with a maximum of eight guests and a stated guide ratio of four guests to one guide. Each tour has a four-guest minimum.

• You can book as a private group or ask about joining an existing departure. A private booking is a good option for friends, couples, or families who want to travel together, while joining an existing program can be a way to share the experience with other skiers and snowboarders.

• If you are interested in a private departure, it is worth contacting APEX early to discuss dates and guide availability.

11. What is included in the Land of Volcanos Tour?

• The 8-day Land of Volcanos Tour includes seven nights of premium accommodation, ground transportation including airport transfers, breakfasts and dinners, and five ski passes: two for Nevados de Chillán, two for Corralco, and one for Pillán.

• The experience also includes two drinks of your choice with each meal, access to three separate hot spring experiences, a waterfall tour, and an après-ski craft tasting at Roble Viejo Brewery.

• Guests also have the option to upgrade for a guided ascent of Lonquimay Volcano and Villarrica Volcano with a professional mountain guide and technical ascent equipment—including crampons, an ice axe, and a helmet—provided for that activity.

• If you would like to summit a volcano or volcanoes please express this at the time of booking so that APEX can align a dedicated guide for the experience

• A welcome package and dedicated local host, guide, and logistics support are included throughout the journey.

12. What is included in the Volcanos and Lakes Tour?

• The 12-day Volcanos and Lakes Tour includes 11 nights of premium accommodation, ground transportation including airport transfers, breakfasts and dinners, and eight ski passes across four resorts: three for Corralco, two for Chapelco, two for Cerro Catedral, and one for Pillán.

• Guests also receive non-alcoholic drinks with breakfast and two drinks of their choice with each dinner.

• Access to two separate hot spring experiences and a waterfall tour.

• Pool, spa, and gym access are included as part of the accommodation experience where applicable.

• The optional upgrade to a guided ascent of Lonquimay Volcano or Villarrica Volcano includes a professional mountain guide and technical equipment such as crampons, an ice axe, and a helmet.

• A welcome package and dedicated local host, guide, and logistics support are also included throughout the trip.

13. What accommodation can I expect during the tours?

• Both tours feature carefully selected mountain and lakeside accommodation, chosen to complement the route and give you a comfortable place to unwind after skiing.

• On the 8-day Land of Volcanos Tour, you'll stay at Roble Viejo Lodge in Las Trancas, Posada del Río Lodge in Malalcahuello, and Hotel Casa Solaria near Lake Villarrica. These stays combine welcoming lodge atmosphere, thoughtful amenities, and access to the landscapes surrounding each destination.

• The 12-day Volcanos and Lakes Tour includes Posada del Río Lodge in Malalcahuello, Hotel & Spa La Chiminée in Argentina, Cacique Inacayal Lake Hotel & Spa in Bariloche, and Casa Solaria near Pucón. The accommodation adds a mix of riverside relaxation, wellness facilities, and lakeside comfort to the cross-border journey.

14. Are meals and drinks included in the ski resort tours?

• Both tours include daily breakfasts and dinners, making it easier to enjoy the journey without having to organize every meal yourself.

• Two drinks of your choice with each dinner and non-alcoholic drinks with each breakfast are also included.

• Food is an important part of experiencing Southern Chile and Argentina, and the route offers opportunities to enjoy regional hospitality alongside the mountain destinations.

• The included meals and drinks are specified in the tour package; guests should check with APEX about any dietary requirements or specific preferences before confirming their booking.

15. Do the tours include hot springs and other activities besides skiing?

• Yes. Natural hot springs and time to experience the surrounding landscapes are an important part of both itineraries.

• The 8-day Land of Volcanos Tour includes access to three separate hot spring experiences, a waterfall tour, and an après-ski craft tasting at Roble Viejo Brewery. The 12-day Volcanos and Lakes Tour includes access to two separate hot spring experiences and a waterfall tour, alongside the resort visits and scenic road transfers through Chile and Argentina.

• These experiences create a welcome change of pace between ski days, allowing you to enjoy more of the region than the slopes alone.

16. Can I climb Lonquimay Volcano during one of the tours?

• Both tours include the option to upgrade for a guided ascent of Lonquimay Volcano or Villarica Volcano, located near Corralco and Pillan in Chile's Araucanía region. The ascent is an optional mountain activity, not a required part of the ski itinerary.

• A professional mountain guide and technical equipment—including crampons, an ice axe, and a helmet—are included for the ascent. Whether the climb is appropriate depends on conditions, logistics, and your own experience and fitness.

• Discuss your interest with APEX when booking so the team can explain the plan and help determine whether it is suitable for you.

17. How far in advance should I book a ski resort tour with APEX?

• Booking as early as possible gives you the best chance of securing your preferred departure and arranging a private trip without conflicts in guide scheduling. The tours have limited group sizes, with a maximum of eight guests, so available places can be limited.

• Early planning is also helpful when coordinating international flights, domestic connections, and the travel dates needed to join the itinerary. If you are traveling with a private group, contact APEX as soon as you have a general date in mind.

• The team can help you review departure availability, airport arrangements, and the details of the 8-day or 12-day journey before you commit to your flights.