Recently I had the pleasure of traveling to Chile to hang out with my friend David Owen, owner of PowderQuest. Since 1999 he has been providing amazing snowboard and ski tours to Chile and Argentina. You can choose your trip based on ability (intermediate, advanced or expert), focus (backcountry, camps, off-piste or progression) dates (July, August, September or October) or destination (Chile, Argentine or both).
My trip was mainly for fun, but I’m also redesigning the PowderQuest website so part of my visit was to come along for the experience and learn more about the product. The first tour I went on was the Summer Snow Escape Off Piste in Chile. It’s a 7-day tour that visits El Colorado, La Parva, Valle Nevado, Portillo and Arpa and focuses on off-piste and backcountry terrain. You must wear a beacon, probe, shovel and have trekking poles if you snowboard. Equipment rentals are available if you don’t have any of the required equipment and then everyone takes an Avalanche Safety Introduction.
The second tour was the Snowboard Progression Adventure in Chile. The goal of this trip is to teach proper technique and assist the progression of each rider from a certified snowboard instructor. It’s a 8-day tour that visits El Colorado, La Parva Valle Nevado, Nevados de Chillan and Arpa. Those taking this tour will leave a much better rider with a better fundamental understanding of snowboarding.
PowderQuest is a U.S. based company with bi-lingual guides that are avalanche certified and extensively know the terrain you will be exploring so you can feel safe knowing you are in good hands. You will experience the Chilean culture staying at local bed & breakfast style places, meet amazing new friends from around the world, and experience some of the best-guided snowboarding and skiing in the world.
While my opinion of PowderQuest is clearly biased I can honestly say that my time spent snowboarding in Chile was a truly one of a kind experience and one of the most amazing trips I’ve taken in my entire life. The level of service and attention to detail that David and the guides provided was perfect. Just come ready to have the time of your life and you will be just fine.
Visit powderqueset.com for more info.
David Owen says
Chad,
This post brings back some great memories from both trips. Glad you were able to make it down and hopefully we will ride again soon. Come visit me in Oregon if you get a chance!
Chad says
You do a hell of a job and I’ll always be glad I took the trip.