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| 2011 Price | £1995 or US$3295 or € 2295 | |
| Flights from UK | from about £900-£1100 | |
| Dates | 2-21 April 2011 | |
| Duration | 20 days | |
| Grade | 3B | |
| Book Now | ||
Exploratory Ski Mountaineering in Bolivia
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 (pictured above). 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.
Mururata (on the left) and Illimani from the capital city of Bolivia - La Paz.
Included in our Price |
Not Included in our Price |
| All land transport in Bolivia as per
itinerary. All accommodation in Bolivia as per itinerary. Food while in the mountains. Organisation and planning of the expedition. Tents, stoves, ropes and other communal equipment. Climbing permits & any national park fees. Services of a western (usually UK) expedition leader. Sightseeing tours on Lago Titicaca and to Tiahuanaco. |
Flights to La Paz. Airport taxes. Insurance. Personal equipment (e.g. skis, clothing, sleeping bag, ice-axe). Meals and snacks in towns and cities. Laundry, souvenirs, tips and drinks. |
Snow wave on Volcan Parinacota.
General Information about our holidays
Please read our warning on altitude before booking this expedition to high altitudes.
Please read the comments about our style of trip before booking one of our treks or expeditions.
Who runs 'Andes' and where we are based
What is and isn't included in the price of your holiday
General information about equipment, accommodation, flights, meals etc.
Financial protection and security information
