The beginnings
APEX Backcountry Guides was established in 2019 to provide exceptional local experiences to visitors from around the world. Our team has over 20 years of experience and holds professional certifications in avalanche safety, wilderness first response, terrain management, guiding, and coaching. We are committed to maintaining a high 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 Andean ski dreams come true. Our goal is to offer our guests beautiful routes that allow them to connect with the natural beauty of the Araucania region and its rich culture while enjoying premium snow quality on incredible descents. We have meticulously planned every detail to ensure that nothing has been left to chance. Leave the logistics to us while you enjoy the perfect combination of blower pow and 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 or working together to increase the power of their reach through programs and workshops for the community that both increase safety and enjoyment in the mountains of Chile!
25 Years Experience
Backcountry Guide
AAI Pro 1 Certification
Glacier Travel and Rescue
AASI 3 certification
WFR
Forrest Schmidt
Head Guide / Co-Founder
AMGA Member
11 Years Experience
ANGM Trekking Guide
AAIRE 1 / AST 2
Basic Mountaineering
Ecotourism Management
WFR
LNT
CASI 1
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.
