Bolivia Ski Explorer Dossier 2011
Exploratory Ski Mountaineering in Bolivia
For dates and prices please return to the Bolivia Ski Explorer front page
SummaryAn exploratory ski trip to a country with wild scenery, plenty of wildlife and some good high altitude skiing. A great opportunity to try skiing an easy 6000m+ peak. |
Outline Itinerary |
|
| Day 1-2 | Flight and day in La Paz. |
| Day 3-5 | Excursions to Lago Titicaca, Tiahuanaco and Chacaltaya "resort" for acclimatisation. |
| Day 6-12 |
Ski exploration of the Cordillera Real - Khara Khota and Mururata. |
| Day 13 | Rest in La Paz. |
| Day 14-17 | Parinacota ascent. |
| Day 18-20 | Return to La Paz and return home. |
INTRODUCTION TO THIS EXPEDITION
This new itinerary for 2011 will visit a country we know well to explore some of the highest mountains on skis. We aim to keep the itinerary fairly flexible to make the best use of snow conditions for ski-mountaineering, but plan to ski at least one 6000m peak after an initial phase of skiing several 5000m peaks.
The expedition will fly out to La Paz. After a few days in this city and visiting nearby tourist attractions to acclimatise to the altitude we will spend a day at the world's highest 'ski resort'. Chacaltaya at 5100m has only one small and very old rope tow, which may not even be running, but a high road provides easy access to the snowline. Although it may prove to be a bit of a novelty day we will still get good views of the whole Cordillera Real and valuable acclimatisation.
We will then ski several 5000m peaks around the Khara Khota valley in the central Cordillera Real before attempting a ski ascent of one of the highest peaks in the range - Mururata. These two short mountain trips will be based in tents, with several nights camping and approaching the mountains by 4x4 and on foot. The scenery in these high valleys of the Cordillera Real is really superb.
Finally, our main objective is to ski a 6000m peak and this is very likely to be the volcano, Volcan Parinacota 6342m. Parinacota is a beautiful symmetric volcanic cone with an incredible summit crater over 300m deep. It is still believed to be active, although it has not erupted for many centuries. It is the world's highest volcanic cone and almost always has a good smooth snow-cap for skiing on.!
Expedition members must be strong alpine or telemark skiers, able to ski black runs confidently. Previous touring experience and previous high altitude experience are also highly recommended (but neither is absolutely essential). Experience of using an ice-axe, crampons and ski-crampons is also very useful. We will take our own skis out to Bolivia, you can bring either alpine or telemark kit, but given the terrain we plan to ski on alpine kit is probably more suitable. A relatively high level of fitness is required for this trip.
Volcano skiing in the Andes.
LA PAZ
La Paz is the capital of Bolivia and the world's highest capital city. With a population of about one million it is still a relatively small and pleasant city. The nearby mountains provide fresh air and the city has a reasonably agreeable climate. It gets warm in the sun during the day but, because of the altitude, quite cold every night.
The main business district with its modern skyscrapers is set at about 3700m in the bottom of a canyon. The city stretches up and down the canyon from here; the rich live over 500m lower in the suburb of La Florida; the poorest people, mostly indigenous, live on the steep sides of the canyon and up in the district of El Alto on the edge of the 'Altiplano' by the airport and over 4100m above sea level.
There are many fascinating things to see in this unusual city. Steep cobbled streets wind through colourful markets selling almost everything: alpaca jumpers, hundreds of kinds of potato, plastic buckets, car batteries and coca leaves. There are also all the regular things to do and see in a capital city; there are some beautiful churches and colonial buildings and museums showing artefacts from the Inca civilisation and the other previous civilisations to have inhabited Bolivia.
The beautiful Lago Titicaca near La Paz.
TIAHUANACO AND LAGO TITICACA
The ruins of Tiahuanaco make an interesting short day trip from La Paz which we will take during our first days in the city. The ruins are from several different civilisations preceding the Incas; the site was first used almost three thousand years ago. There are many compounds and much terracing to be seen as well as a few giant monolithic stone carvings and an impressive gateway.
A full day tour to Lago Titicaca is also included as part of our acclimatisation program. Titicaca is famous as the world's highest navigable lake and it is certainly one of the most beautiful. The waters are clear and blue and there are fine views to the snow capped mountains of the northern Cordillera Real. We will take a short cruise on the lake to see some of the reed boats and islands and have fresh caught trout for lunch (this is unavoidable when you go to Lago Titicaca). The cost of both these tours is included in our quoted price.
CHACALTAYA
The worlds highest ski 'resort' is the rope tow and cafe on the mountain called Chacaltaya just a few hours outside La Paz. The height of the piste is approximately 5100m, and just hanging on to the tow is hard work at this altitude. We'll spend a few hours here refining our high altitude ski technique and also getting used to the Bolivian snow. If possible we will also ski to the summit of Chacaltaya mountain, 5395m.
KHARA KHOTA & MURURATA
We have regularly visited the Khara Khota valley as an acclimatisation venue for our mountaineering trips to Bolivia and it will make a fine venue for a ski acclimatisation trip as well. The peaks are relatively near the roads, with just small glaciers, few if any crevasses and relatively "rolling" terrain. We may climb and ski several of the following peaks that surround the valley - Wila Llojeta 5244m, Janco Huyo 5512m, Janco Laya 5545m. The exact choice will depend on where the best snow is lying and client fitness and acclimatisation. Janco Huyo is pictured above, as seen from Wila Llojeta.
Mururata is a 5864m high peak at the southern end of the Cordillera Real and just a short drive form La Paz. It has a large glaciated plateau, and long easy-angled glacier descending to the west. We'll ski it by this west glacier after accessing the mountain on foot from an old mine road.
SAJAMA NATIONAL PARK
The 6000m+ phase of the expedition is planned to be based in the wee village of Sajama in the high 'Altiplano' in the remote western region of Bolivia. The village is set in stunning scenery under the peaks of Nevado Sajama, the highest mountain in Bolivia and the twin volcanoes pf Parinacota and Pomerape. The villagers are very friendly and welcoming. They still mainly make a living from traditional agriculture including llama and alpaca herding, but tourism is now bringing in some more money for these very poor people.
The surrounding area is given some protection by a national park and is one of the best areas in the Andes for seeing wildlife. We are likely to see vicuñas, rheas, condors and many species of geese and duck.
Volcan Parinacota 6342m, from the southeast side.
VOLCAN PARINACOTA
Parinacota volcano, pictured above, is a beautiful symmetrical cone, covered in pure white snow. It is the worlds highest volcanic cone and one of the worlds ten highest volcanoes. At 6342m it is also one of the highest peaks in this part of the Andes and the views from the summit out across the 'Altiplano' and down into the deep volcanic crater are superb. We'll climb the mountain by the south or east flank (depending on the best snow conditions), crossing on foot an extensive lava desert of pumice with relics of old lava flows to a high camp near the snowline at 5500m, then climbing to the summit and skiing back down in one long day.
CLIMATE
This expedition is scheduled during the early part of the dry season in this part of the Andes and we can expect long periods of stable weather. However there will sometimes be high winds and light snow flurries. It is midwinter in Bolivia; during the day it normally feels pleasantly warm in the strong sunshine, but at night temperatures at altitude go down to -10ºC during the 12 hours of darkness. Bring a warm sleeping bag and a good book!
HARDSHIPS
On this type of expedition there are inevitably some hardships which clients must be prepared to face in return for the great rewards of climbing and skiing amongst such high mountains. Cold nights, cold washing water and some tinned and dried food are a few of the experiences which will have to be enjoyed or endured. Because this is a tropical ski trip it definitely won't be "ski-in, ski-out" and we'll have to carry skis from the road end to the snowline on at least a few of our peaks. Where possible we will make use of horses or mules to help out.
EXPERIENCE AND FITNESS
Clients must be experienced ski mountaineers. Previous experience of using an ice-axe and crampons is also essential although the peaks are mostly fairly straightforward.
Expedition members need to be reasonably fit as we will be climbing and skiing at quite high altitudes. The ascent of Parinacota in particular will place demands on your fitness - climbing above 6000m is always hard physical work and the summit day is likely to be over 10 hours long. However we should stress that you don't need to be an olympic athlete!
The ruins at Tiahuanaco near La Paz
FLIGHTS
Flights from London to La Paz cost from about £900-£1100. We normally arrange these for you through our travel agents, Journey Latin America (ATOL 2828), at very competitive prices. We make no charge for this service and most customers find it convenient as we are then all booked to fly out on the same plane.
If you prefer you can arrange your own flights to fit in with the expedition itinerary. Please note that if booking flights yourself it is better to pay only a deposit in the short term in case we do not have sufficient fully paid customers to run the expedition.
ACCOMMODATION
While we're in La Paz we use a clean and secure hotel, with hot showers and all the other comforts of home. It will be possible to leave some extra luggage and clean clothes here when we go off to the mountains. We will be camping when we are out in the mountains; modern lightweight tents and stoves are provided by us, but you'll need your own four season sleeping bag and mat.
HEALTH AND HYGIENE
Bolivia is one of the poorest countries in South America and hygiene standards reflect this. Even with a bit of caution you're likely to get an upset stomach or gut at some stage. It is a good idea to avoid tap water, unwashed fruit, ice and all seafood. Vaccinations for tetanus, typhoid, polio and hepatitis are needed! Malaria and yellow fever precautions are not necessary as we won't be visiting mosquito infested areas.
The high plateau of Mururata near La Paz makes a good ski objective. The west glacier descends towards the camera on the left.
VISAS
Visas are not necessary for British citizens, but you should have a full passport valid for at least six months from the date of travel. If you will not be travelling on a British passport you must let us know at the time of booking.
SAFETY AND RISK
This is an adventure holiday and all clients will be exposed to an element of risk by taking part in this itinerary. While we take all reasonable precautions to reduce risk it is neither possible nor desirable to completely eliminate these additional risks. It is important that you understand the risks involved before signing our booking form. We have identified the following areas as the principal additional risks of this itinerary. This is not a fully inclusive list - please ask if you would like to see a more detailed risk assessment of this itinerary before booking.
Driving, hotels and general safety : In Bolivia driving, health, fire safety standards and general safety standards are not as high nearly as in Europe.
Crime : Bolivia has a higher crime rate than Europe. As a wealthy tourist you may attract attention.
Minor slips and falls : due to steep, uneven and unstable ground. There is a considerable risk of injury when skiing off-piste
Remoteness : You will be more than a days walk/drive from professional medical help for periods of time throughout the expedition.
Altitude : At high altitudes there is an increased risk of medical problems, most obviously altitude illness.
Mountain Hazards : In certain places you may be subjected to a slight risk of rock slips. During and after stormy weather there may be a risk of avalanche. There is also a small risk from crevasse falls on some of the ascents.
INSURANCE
All clients must be insured for medical costs and repatriation in an emergency. We recommend having insurance for baggage, personal liability and cancellation as well. If you would like advice on insurance please ask.
Fiesta in Sajama village, western Bolivia
EXPEDITION ORGANISATION
Our expeditions are designed to be small and flexible. The expedition will be co-ordinated, organised and lead by us, but we will consult expedition members when planning the details of the trip. We publish an outline itinerary so that we have a framework on which to build the expedition.
Please note however that the leaders decision is final where the safety of the group or any member is in jeopardy; for example where retreat or diversion is necessary due to illness or bad weather.
Walking towards Parinacota volcano over the lava desert
EXPEDITION LEADER
At the time of printing we have not finalised the leader for this expedition. Please phone for latest information later in the year. All our expeditions are normally led by a suitably qualified and/or experienced British leader.
EXPEDITION SIZE
The maximum size of this expedition will be six persons plus leader. We need a minimum of three bookings to run this expedition.
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