Traveling anywhere to snowboard is all about timing.  Will it snow? Will the sun come out? Scoring perfect conditions is an amazing feeling once you put in alot of time to get somewhere.  I was lucky enough to join up with some friends to head back to the Termas de Chillan area to chase down a big storm that looked like it was going to break in a couple days.  We loaded up the truck and hit the Chilean highway.  About a 5 hour drive from Santiago and lots of road tolls I was back in Chillan and things were looking much better then the last time I was there.  Snow was falling in Valle Las Trancas when I arrived and it was really cold down low in the valley.  An amazing sign that the stars were aligning for me to have an all time Chillan visit and ride some great snow.

My trip this time would be different though.  One day would be spent riding the storm out in-bounds at the resort.  As soon as the storm broke the plan was to gear up and head out to the next couple valleys over and ride untracked lines with no one in sight.  Backcountry touring isn't as popular in South America so the chances of having to share the backcountry with lots of people... or anyone is very low.  I was rolling with an all gringo crew who has been coming down here for years so we were all set to maximize our time at a resort we all collectively call one of the best. 

Boardbags strapped to the top and we are highway cruising for the mountain.  Don't see too many Defender trucks like these in North America so I'm excited to go snow safari in this thing.

Good morning powder on the truck in Valle Las Trancas, Chile

Climbing from Las Trancas to the resort on a snowy day will require 4x4 or chains... this road can get hectic... with traffic.  Luckily there weren't any stalled cars so we rolled up in a flash.  The forest is really cool and is filled with foxes and very large Woodpecker birds.

Don Otto chair is open... without delay... sweet!!

South American snow feast....

Visibility is a little low... but David Owen charges through.

Cuarto Blanco....White room!! Termas de Chillan, CHILE. David Owen of PowderQuest

The forest is really lush here with a type of bamboo that you can ride through.

The resort even has a couple lines in the trees you can ride... some of South America's only tree runs.  David Owen sprays some trunks down. Nevados de Chillan, CHILE

Powder means airtime.  David Owen drops into the whiteness, Nevados de Chillan, Chile

Back to MI lodge for some cozy apres and to rest up for the climb in the morning. If you make it here ask the owners Maylis and Bertrand about the mountain and the surrounding backcountry.  The speak English, French and Spanish here.

The next morning was still a little grey.. but we started our climb and slowly but surely left the resort and crowds in the distance.Snowshoes on the feet and boards on the backpacks...let's go...  Termas de Chillan, CHILE

Looking back towards the resort before we drop into the backcountry and into the Chilean wilderness.

The river that runs through this valley is Thermal hot water... where the zone gets its name from Aguas Caliente (HOT WATERS)

One by one we drop in for some sweet untouched vertical towards the hot water in Aguas Calientes.

Strolling over for some of mother earths best hot tub action, Termas de Chillan, CHILE

Gear off and into the water...  The only cost for this location is one long hike... and some deep powder turns.

Out of the water and into the long underwear pronto!

Adios hot water! Back to the climb... To ride in this zone you'll need a beacon,probe,shovel,backpack,snowshoes,poles, partners and knowledge of snow safety and self rescue... there is NO one back here at all.

On our way to the next terrain feature and a little suprise.

Once cresting the ridge into the next valley we were greeted by some amazing light starting to make the snow an intense pink with Alpen Glow. Nevados de Chillan, CHILE

Drop in and light it up!  David Owen, Termas de Chillan,CHILE

At the bottom of the valley there's more thermal hotsprings... with more mud... David and Phil stop to pick some up apres spa time. Maybe rub each others feet?

We climb the last ridge that will bring us to our last short shot of powder.  The Alpen glow is getting more and more intense....

No words for this one.... Nevados de Chillan, CHILE

Hold off as long as possible... and ride down in the last light of the day....Termas de Chillan, CHILE

Perfect timing on a perfect day to watch the last light creep off the peaks.

This area you've just looked at may have a limited life span. A company has made a bid to create a Hydro Electric Dam in the vicinity of the hot water and the amazing mountains you can ride. This would destroy this perfect piece of snowboard paradise forever. The area is also home and breeding ground of the Huemul de Niblinto, a unique type of deer only found in this part of the world.  Listed as one of the 25 Biodiversity HOTSPOTS on planet earth.  For more information to help with this cause and secure this beautiful locations future click HERE.  NO A LA CENTRAL HIDROELECTRICA EN AGUAS CALIENTES...(no for the hydroelctric dam in hot waters)

INFO

Flights to CHILE: www.lan.com

Resort info: Nevados de Chillan www.nevadosdechillan.com

 Tours: www.powderquest.com

Lodging in this area: www.misnowchile.com

Gear you need to climb into the mountains to see terrain like this: www.dakine.com

Chasing Winter Productions: www.chasingwintermedia.com