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!
Get to know your Guide
Our team consists of passionate and dedicated professionals from IFMGA Guides to AIARE Instructors to NOLS Outdoor Educators who continue to up their game year after year. When not in the mountains, they can be found leading courses, hitting the books, 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! Hover and click each central photo to read about each guide's certifications followed by a short story about their background. Feel free to request the guide that seems like the best fit for your style.
Forrest Schmidt
Head Guide
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Gabi Velasquez
Lead Guide
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Pedro Pablo Sermini Lesser
Lead Guide
Juan Pablo Vergara
Lead Guide
Javier Embry
Lead Guide
Martin Kuprianowicz
Tail Guide
April Rose
Volunteer
Cyrus Struckman
Volunteer
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 our 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, Chile. Leave the logistics to us as you focus on a fluid cultural and mountain immersion that will exceed your wildest expectations.
