What about us?
APEX Backcountry Guides was established in 2019 to provide exceptional local experiences to visitors from around the world. You will be guided by our team with decades of experience in avalanche safety, wilderness first response, terrain management, guiding, and coaching. All of which ensure that you're in the best hands with our professional guides.
We are committed to maintaining the highest standard of safety and ensuring the best snow conditions possible every day. Our personalized experiences combine local knowledge, North American standards, and Chilean charm to make your South American ski dreams come true. We offer the most beautiful routes giving you a true connection to nature in the Araucania region.
You enjoy the fruits of meticulously planned details while immersing yourself in the vacation you deserve. With APEX Backcountry Guides you will enjoy the perfect combination of South American skiing and the Chilean Andes culture!
Our Guides
Our team consists of passionate and dedicated professionals who continue to up their game year after year through certifications and continued learning. When not in the mountains, they can be found hitting the books, participating in courses, or working together to increase the power of their reach through programs and community workshops aimed at increasing safety and enjoyment in the mountains of Chile!
25 Years Experience
AIARE Instructor
AAI Pro 1 Certification
Glacier Travel and Rescue
AASI 3 certification
WFR
Forrest Schmidt
Head Guide / Co-Founder
International Guide
11 Years Experience
ANGM Trekking Guide
AAIRE 1 & AST 2
Basic Mountaineering
Ecotourism Management
WFR
LNT
Gabriela Velásquez
Lead Guide / Co-Founder
ANGM Guide
16 Years Experience
ANGM Mountain Guide
Outdoor Educator
AST 2
LNT Master
Javier Embry
Lead Guide
ANGM Mountain Guide
Who we are
Andes Puro Explorations, also known as APEX, is a team of local bi-lingual guides and educators who are passionate about exploring pristine spaces using sustainable practices. We are deeply committed to preserving the environment and sharing our love for the mountains with others who share our values. We live and work in Malalcahuello year round, building relationships with landowners and indigenous communities, while constantly discovering new routes to enhance your experience. It will be our pleasure to show you why or happy guests return year after year for the trusted quality services of APEX Backcountry Guides.
What we do
We pursue customer elation with boundless energy!
We pull out all of the stops offering the only All-Inclusive backcountry experiences relevant to ski and snowboard enthusiasts visiting the Araucanía. Leave the logistics to us as you focus on a fluid cultural and mountain immersion that will exceed your wildest expectations.
