Border Zone

Description: The highest sector of Paso Pehuenche that retains plenty of snow well into the season. Accessible via paved roads and featuring lines suitable for all skill levels, it’s the perfect spot for a day of ski touring. If the areas around the lagoon have hard-packed snow, here you might find powder.

Recommendation: Generally, the lines are short. If you want to extend your day and ski two lines, we recommend ascending to point 1, skiing one of the lines, and then returning to the skin track to continue ascending to points 2, 3, or 4.

Snow Months: June – November
Minimum Altitude: 2,550m
Maximum Altitude: 3,080m
Ascent Time: 1 – 4 hours
Difficulty: All levels

2024 BC Trips

Description: The first slope from the road offers very quick and easy access. As you reach the ridge, the ski touring becomes slightly more technical, but nothing too challenging. If it gets too difficult, you can always put your equipment on your backpack and continue on foot.

The Lines: The first part of the hill is suitable for beginners and varies along the ridge with lines that descend to the South, ranging from intermediate to advanced-expert level.

Distance to the Lines: 1.5 – 2.2 km (0.9 – 1.4 miles)
Vertical Drop: 330 – 370 meters (1083 – 1214 feet)
Time: 45 minutes – 1.5 hours

Approach: Follow a straight line towards the point one indicated in the photo, looking for the best snow to ascend.

Difficulty: All levels.

Diseño sin título (14)

Description: An imposing hill with a skiable line right at the foot of the summit cliff.

Approach: Follow the valley towards the line and enter through the skiable line itself. It’s straightforward.

The Line: You can find some obstacles and more technical sections, but overall it’s an intermediate to advanced level line.

Distance to the Lines: 2.5 km (1.6 miles)
Vertical Drop: 420 meters (1378 feet)
Time: 3-4 hours

Description: Similar to point 2, this line between two enormous walls offers an incredible scene.

Approach: Follow the valley towards the line and enter through the skiable line itself. It’s straightforward.

The Line: Moderate to steep slope, not many obstacles. Pure enjoyment on the descent.

Distance to the Lines: 3 km (1.86 miles)
Vertical Drop: 530 meters (1739 feet)
Time: 3.5 – 4.5 hours

Description: The bottom of the valley offers the greatest variety of lines. Although it requires a slightly longer approach, we find the best quality snow on these slopes. With an east orientation, this face preserves excellent snow and lines for all levels.

Approach: Walk along the lowest part of the valley until you find your ascent line on the right-hand side.

The Lines: Something for everyone, from intermediate lines without obstacles to demanding lines with very technical sections.

Distance to the Lines: 3.3 km (2.05 miles)
Vertical Drop: 520 meters (1706 feet)
Time: 3.5 – 4.5 hours

Return: To return to the car, take the right-hand slope (north face) after skiing down the line. Traverse without losing altitude to minimize walking on the way back. If you get stuck, you can resort to ski-touring without skins.

First, you need to reach the Chilean Customs, before reaching Laguna del Maule.

This is the place where we park the car to go randonnée, after passing through Customs and the Laguna.

Region: Maule
Nearby City: Talca, 2 hours away
Travel Time from Santiago: 5 hours
Vehicle Required: Paved road, snow chains for vehicles without 4×4.

How to Get There: Exit the highway in Talca (or follow Waze directions) and drive towards Paso Pehuenche.

Weekend Itinerary: You need to adjust to the opening hours of the customs office. If the passage to the Laguna is open, they operate from 9 am to 5 pm. If you’re coming from Santiago, it’s advisable to leave on Friday afternoon and stay overnight in the La Mina area to start your journey to the Laguna in the morning.

To avoid any issues and ensure smooth passage with pre-registration, it’s recommended to contact Backcountry Potrero Norte, who have domes at the Lake.

The link provided here is the one that best matches the location and altitude of the lines in the sector.

Weather forecasts are never 100% accurate. You must be prepared for anything.

Mountain forecast