Lo Aguirre

Description: Things start to get interesting here; the slope increases considerably, and lines with shade almost all day appear. This entire sector faces south-southeast, which keeps the snow in great condition throughout the season.

Ascent Time: 1 – 2 hours

Approach: Using the same route as Sector 1, continue ascending along the ridge of the Little Gorge until you reach the line you want to ski. Overall, it’s an easy and smooth tour, not requiring much skill on the ascent.

Lines: This sector offers the best ascent-to-line ratio. Lines are of a good standard with an entertaining slope, along with rocks and obstacles that you can use as you imagine.

Difficulty: Intermediate

Return: Descend below the lines, passing over the hydroelectric project.

Ascent Time: 1.5 – 2.5 hours

Approach: If you’re approaching these lines directly from your vehicle, it’s best to enter them from the back. This means, without climbing up to the ridge of Sector 1 – The Guardian, continue through the small valley that forms behind these sectors (as shown on the map). A climb with a low and steady slope up to the ridge is suitable even for the most beginner backcountry skier/rider. Once on the ridge, you can see the entire face.
Another slightly longer option to reach these lines is to ascend the north slope of the main valley (passing by the hydroelectric project) until you reach the section with the gentlest slope on the face (as shown on the map). This gives you the opportunity to see the face before skiing it. This route also works for those who want to ski the lines in the back (4, 5, and 6) and make a second (or third) descent in the day.

Lines: This is an area with a gentler slope than Sector The Guardian but still remains engaging. The lines start with a «soft» slope that gradually decreases until the second section, where the hill drops and the slope increases. In this section, some wide «spines» are formed, allowing you to descend at high speed.

Difficulty: Intermediate

Description: Here things get more technical. This sector features narrow chutes and steep slopes that define the valley’s character. Some lines are only open in years with good snowfall, while others are accessible almost year-round. Lines between rock walls hold the best snow in the valley.

Ascent Time: 3 – 4 hours

Approach: It’s recommended to approach from the valley, continuing until the end where the slope increases until you reach the ridge. As you ascend in front of the lines, you have a view of everything you could ski in this valley. Once on the ridge, you’re ready for a good chute.

Lines: For experienced skiers, these lines require skill if you want to ski them at speed. The chutes are not so narrow, so if you’re in a large group, several people have the option to ski fresh powder without tracks.

Second Line: If you have the energy and time, follow the ascent line to Sector La Teta and ski a second (or third) line. You’ll be halfway to La Teta after the main chutes.

Return: To return to the parking lots, ski back to your ascent line and return via the same route.

Difficulty: Advanced

Description: The tip of Cajón Chico: the highest point of the ridge forms a «fin» with the steepest slope in the area. It’s a Southeast-facing slope that, if conditions allow, will make you ski through an unforgettable mini golf course.

Ascent Time: 3 – 4 hours

Approach: It’s recommended to approach from the valley, following it until it steepens towards the end where you can ascend to the ridge. As you ascend facing the lines, you’ll have a view of everything you could ski in this valley. Once on the ridge, continue climbing a bit more to the left until you reach the highest point.

The Line: Very steep slope with some obstacles along the way. Highly technical and entertaining.

The line is very short (like a mini golf course). To make the most of your approach, return to the ascent line to head to the main Chutes or go to the East-facing Chutes for a second round.

Return: To return to the parking area, ski back to your ascent line (on the north face of the valley) and return along the same route.

Difficulty: Advanced

Description: A complete face full of short, very entertaining, and demanding chutes. There are options for each member of a large group to have their own line.

Approach: As shown on the map, ascend to the ridge of the chutes from the right side of them (or from the West).

The Lines: Generally, these are lines for advanced level skiers, but the ones furthest to the right (including the ascent line) are suitable for intermediate and beginner levels. They are East-facing lines, so they receive morning sun. We recommend skiing them at dawn or during the morning to avoid too much sun exposure or getting cold in the afternoon and freezing.

Return: After finishing the line (and if you have time and energy left), we recommend heading towards La Teta for a second descent. Otherwise, return to your ascent line.

Description: The highest part of Cajón Grande (8), where this imposing rock formation stands guard over the valley. Reaching El Tótem is a long journey that is rewarded with incredible panoramic views. Once there, it’s pure enjoyment.

Ascent Time: 4-5 hours

Approach: To reach this sector, you can take two similar routes in terms of distance (as shown on the map):
i) Follow the lower part of Cajón Grande (8) and then ascend to the ridge to reach El Tótem.
ii) Through Cajón Chico (the one with all the other sectors), follow the valley and then ascend the north face to the ridge of El Tótem.

The Lines: This southeast-facing slope with several chutes has very good snow quality for much of the year. Sheltered from the wind and with good elevation, the El Tótem sector offers lines for all levels.

Difficulty: All levels

Second Descent: To avoid feeling unsatisfied, after this first great descent, you’re «almost» at the top of a second line. Return to the ridge that divides the two valleys and you’ll have options for lines suitable for all levels.

Return: Without losing elevation, ski across the slope (traverse) down the valley to the parking lot. You may have to do some skinless touring (putting your bindings in touring mode but without skins), sliding along the flat terrain.

Description: A complete valley to enjoy, with steep slopes in the first part that become more friendly for all types of skiers further along. Entirely southeast-facing.

Ascent Time: 30 minutes – 4 hours

Approach: For the first set of lines, you can take the direct route from the road as shown on the map, reaching the lines in red or the ones further in green. It’s a very quick ascent, but due to its steepness and orientation (northeast), it can be challenging. If you want to go to the lines deeper into the valley, continue along the lower part as indicated on the map and ascend to the ridge almost reaching the end of the valley.

The Lines: There’s something for everyone. It starts with steep terrain but varies as you ascend.

Difficulty: All levels

Description: Former military refuge commonly used in summer by muleteers, it is a shed-type structure with two floors and plenty of space. It is large enough for several groups of skiers and is located at the entrance of Cajón Grande.

Amenities:
– Tables
– Some seats
– Grill

It’s basically a roof, without bathrooms or water.

LEAVE IT CLEANER THAN YOU FOUND IT