Ecuador Volcano Ski

Skiing the Ecuador volcanoes offers an exhilarating and unique adventure for ski mountaineers. Nestled in the heart of the Andes, Ecuador boasts a series of towering, snow-capped volcanoes that provide some of the greatest high altitude skiing in the world. The most notable peaks include Chimborazo (20.549 ft), Cotopaxi (19,347 ft), and Cayambe (18,996 ft), each presenting its own set of challenges and breathtaking views.

Imagine carving your way down the slopes of Chimborazo, the closest point on Earth to the sun due to the planet's equatorial bulge, with its summit standing at 6,263 meters (20,549 feet). Cotopaxi, one of the world's highest active volcanoes, offers a thrilling descent with its perfectly symmetrical cone and pristine snowfields. Cayambe, straddling the equator, provides a rare opportunity to ski in both the northern and southern hemispheres on a single run.

Skiing these volcanoes requires a good level of physical fitness, proper acclimatization to high altitudes, and an ability to ski in diverse ski conditions. The experience combines the thrill of high-altitude skiing, a rich cultural experience and the beauty of Ecuador's diverse landscapes, where you can encounter everything from lush rainforests to stark alpine deserts.

This trip is perfect for those with a solid skiing foundation, experience with 14,000 ft peaks, and the love for experiencing a culture on an expedition of a lifetime. The trip begins in Quito at 9,500 ft where we spend time acclimating to the altitude and experiencing the beauties of the surrounding area. This is followed by ascents and descents of Cayambe, Cotopaxi, and finally Chimbarazo. During this trip we will get you dialed in all aspects of glacier travel, mountaineering fundamentals, and volcano skiing. 

Ecuador: Cayambe, Cotopaxi, Chimborazo
November 9-22, 2024

Locations and Dates

3 Guests to 1 Guide on summit days

Group Size

Pricing

$5,200

  • Must have backcountry skiing experience

  • Must be able to ski in all snow conditions 

  • Must be able to comfortably ski double black diamonds

  • Must have hiking and backpacking experience

  • Must be able to carry 40 lb 

  • Must be able to hike/skin 6 miles a day

Skill Level

Required Equipment

  • IFMGA Certified American Mountain Guide

  • All lodging according to itinerary, including double occupancy lodging while in town and group lodging in mountain huts. 

  • Breakfasts in town, all meals while on the mountain 

  • Group camping and climbing equipment 

  • All park / climbing permits 

  • Scheduled in-country transportation 

  • Airport transfers

What’s Included

  • Flights to/from the city where the expedition begins 

  • Additional nights in hotel outside of the itinerary 

  • Airport taxes 

  • Visas 

  • In-town dinners 

  • Immunizations 

  • Tips for guides or local staff 

  • Travel, rescue, or any other type of insurance 

  • Hospitalization or evacuation costs 

  • Single supplement charges  

  • Excess baggage charges  

  • Alcoholic beverages

  • Other personal expenses 

  • The costs of delays or changes to itinerary that are beyond the control of Valhalla Mountain Guides or its agents are not included.

What’s Not Included

Cancellation Policy

Please read our Cancellation & Refund Policies before booking.

Itinerary

Day 1

Quito •  9,550' | 2,896M

Arrive in Quito (9,500 ft) you will be picked up at the airport and transferred to your hotel located near the city center. We will spend the day touring the city and acclimating to the high altitude. Quito is surrounded by beautiful glaciated peaks and holds the immense history of Ecuador. We will then meet for dinner at one of the amazing local restaurants.

Day 2

Ruca Pichincha • 15,700' | 4,785M

We set off and ride the telepherique from the city center to 14,000 ft. After a two hour hike we reach the rock ridge and attempt to summit Ruca Pichincha at 15,700 ft. This is a great acclimatization day and necessary for our larger summits. 

Day 3

Fuya Fuya • 13,986' | 4,263M

Today we drive to Otavalo. We will attempt to hike to the summit of Fuya Fuya. A beautiful peak with an elevation of 13,986. We then spend the night in the historic city of Otavalo. 

Day 4

Cayambe Hut  •  15,091' | 4,600M

We will drive to Cayambe and get settled in to the mountain hut. The afternoon will be spent working on all the skills needed to safely ascend and descent Cayambe.

Day 5

Cayambe Summit Day •  18,996' | 5,790M

Summit attempt on Cayambe (18,996 ft). The day we have been waiting for. We will start early and attempt to climb and ski from the summit of this beautiful Volcano. After the summit we will descend back to the town of Otavalo and stay in beautiful accommodations.

Day 6

Otavalo • 8,307' | 2,531M

Today we have a rest day exploring the history of Ecuador in Otavalo. Otavalo is known for its vibrant colors and is a great place to keep some souvenirs from Ecuador. 

Day 7

Cotopaxi Base • 11,811' | 3,600M

Drive to Cotopaxi we stay in beautiful accommodations at the base of the mountain. This day we will work on more skills and get a bit more rest before our summit attempt. 

Day 8

Cotopaxi Summit Day • 19,347' | 5,897M

Summit day on Cotopaxi (19,347 ft). We wake up early and set out for one of the most beautiful Volcanoes in the world. After a quick jeep ride we arrive at the refugio and begin our climb. With good conditions we will strap into our skis on the summit and make the descent of a lifetime. We will then transfer to Banos and have a great dinner.

Day 9

Banos • 5,971' | 1,820M

Today we explore Banos known for its natural beauty Banos hosts a series of beautiful waterfalls, hot springs, and rivers. It is truly a perfect place for relaxing after the long days of climbing and skiing. 

Day 10

Chimborazo Lodge • 13,123' | 4,000M

Drive to Chimbarazo and stay at Chimborazo Lodge. This lodge is owned by one of Ecuador's original mountain guides. 

Day 11

Chimborazo High Camp • 18,050' | 5,502M

Move to high camp on Chimborazo. The camp is located high on the mountain (18,050 ft) and is a 2 hour hike from the car. 

Day 12

Chimborazo Summit Day • 20,548' | 6,263M

Summit day on Chimborazo! Our final challenge, the ascent is challenging as we approach our highest elevation of the trip. After taking breathtaking photos we will click into our skis and begin the long descent back to camp. We will then transfer back to Quito for a celebratory dinner. 

Day 13

Weather Day

Contingency Day

Day 14

Quito + Travel Day

Flights back home from Quito.