Climb and ski the world's southern-most 6000 meter peak!

Cerro Marmolejo, in the high Central Andes of Chile, is an amazing, remote adventure summit that is remarkably attainable! This 12-day wilderness immersion (plus travel time on either side) is a comprehensive introduction to high altitude expedition ski mountaineering and an accomplishment on its own.

This ski trip is a self-propelled mountaineering expedition, guided entirely by renowned career mountain guide Jed Porter. Jed's "tight and light" approach to international mountaineering yields high rewards and great flexibility in execution. This is a group trip, but will be customized to the needs and desires of the participants. All skiers, in advance of the trip, will be well screened and properly supported for everyone's optimum experience. All of this will be done by the guide and business owner, Jed Porter.

 October 28 to November 11, 2023.

Prerequisites, etc.

This is a hard ski mountaineering endeavor. Prior experience with human-powered backcountry skiing is absolutely required. This trip requires enough BC ski experience that things like equipment use and selection, tricky skinning, long-day pacing, clothing use and adjustment, travel-mode transitions, and navigating tricky snow conditions (up and down) are all "second nature".

A high level of physical fitness is also absolutely required. How might we quantify "high level of physical fitness"? We will tackle back-to-back, heavily-laden days of high altitude mountain travel. I require, at the minimum, that all participants have prior experience with 8-12 hour days of sustained outdoor exertion and come to the trip with that same level of physical preparedness.

Multi-day wilderness travel experience is preferred, but not necessary. This trip will indeed include serious camping and associated discomforts, but it isn't the most extreme in that regard. This is an excellent opportunity for one to develop and push their wilderness and expedition skills.

Similarly, prior experience at high altitudes (greater than 14500 feet or 4400 meters) would be beneficial but not required. This is a great trip on which to ease into higher altitude ski mountaineering.

The ski terrain is not “extreme”. Maximum slope angles on the ski route are in the upper 30s. However, big packs, tricky snow, and high altitude will conspire to require high level ski skills of all participants. Again, Cerro Marmolejo is a good opportunity to push your limits with some margins. Other high altitude ski peaks involve much greater avalanche and “slide for life” hazard than this one. It is not easy skiing, but it isn’t horribly severe either.

Cost:

1 skier. $15900

2 skiers. $9900 each.

3 skiers. $7900 each.

4 skiers. $7000 each.

(Private/customized trips and rates also available. Inquire for more information)

Inclusions:

• The time and expertise of IFMGA Mountain Guide Jed Porter. For consultation and preparation in advance of the trip and in direct company for the duration of the scheduled trip in Chile.

• Group gear. Cooking kit, shelters, emergency response equipment, etc.

• Transportation from Santiago metro area to the trailhead.

Exclusions:

• Individual gear. You will need a comprehensive ski mountaineering kit, plus cold-weather wilderness camping gear and clothing. Consultation and assistance on gear is readily available.

• In-town lodging. On the planned itinerary (and plans are subject to change) we will spend one night on either end of the trip in Santiago or the immediate surroundings. I am happy to consult and direct lodging booking efforts.

• Other in-town costs like food, drinks, souvenirs, taxi from airport to your hotel etc.

• Travel and rescue insurance. Highly recommended.