La Parva Backcountry

Ski Area: A classic spot for national freeriding, with numerous options for skiers who want to mix resort skiing with backcountry touring. Relatively simple and short ascent routes make it a good choice for learning the discipline. The altitude and orientation of the area keep the snow relatively good throughout most of the season. The issue here is the cost of lift tickets to avoid lengthy walks; hopefully, La Parva will offer a rando pass for randonneurs this year.

Snow Months: June to October

Minimum Altitude: 3,300m (10,827 feet)
Maximum Altitude: 4,040m (13,255 feet)

Ascent Time (with ticket): 30 minutes – 4 hours
Ascent Time (without ticket): 3.5 hours – 7 hours

Difficulty: Lines for all skill levels.

The Chimney

Description: A classic line for local skiers. Very good slope and conditions within this chute and the alternative lines (Face and Mcconkey).

Orientation: Southwest

Ascent Time: 30 minutes

Approach: Hike or ski up from the highest part of the Barros Negros ski lift. Once on the ridge, descend along it until reaching the line. Ask ski patrol if you’re unsure where to go.

The Lines: Because of its easy access, they usually get tracked out shortly after fresh snowfall, especially the Chimenea (chute). The alternative lines don’t get tracked out as much. The chute can be challenging to ski with ice.

Difficulty: Advanced – Expert

Return: Once you finish the line, you have two options:
1. Traverse back to Manantiales (La Parva trail), heading left (looking downhill).
2. Continue skiing this face to return to the ski resort via the lower part (Ositos, La Parva trail).

Falsa Parva

Description: Face above the La Parva ski trails. Several line options with good slope.

Difficulty: Moderate-Advanced

Observations: The face is often exposed to wind, leaving some parts of the lines with shallow snow.

Ascent Time: 30 minutes – 1 hour

Approach: Ascend via the same route as to Chimenea or alternatively to the right of the Piuquenes ski lift. Upon finishing the line, you’re already back at the ski resort.

Parva Peak

Description: Classic backcountry sector. Incredible panoramic views upon reaching the ridge with lines for all skill levels. It’s a great area to start out in the sport.

Approach: Once at the top of the Piuquenes or Barros Negros ski lift, head East (right) to begin the ascent. Apply climbing skins immediately.

Ascent Time:
Leñas Discoteque Area: 1-1.5 hours
Parva Summit: 2-3 hours

The Lines: South-East orientation and altitude create excellent conditions almost all season long. High-level lines with narrow chutes can be found from the summit (Main Chute and its variants).

Difficulty: There are lines for all skill levels.

Return: Once you’ve finished your line, head westward back to the center.

«Vicho Sutil» in the main chute of Parva.

Double line Parva

Description: This alternative route from the summit of Parva allows you to ski two lines instead of just one. You must traverse after the first line to continue the journey (See number 4 on the general map).

Difficulty: Advanced

Ascent Time: 2-3 hours to the summit of Parva (+ 10-20 mins on the traverse after the first line).

Approach: The ascent begins to the right of the Piuquenes ski lift. Same route as for the summit of Parva.

Lines: Entertaining medium-level lines, passing through wide chutes.

Orientation: The first line faces East while the second line faces Southeast.

Return: Once you’ve finished the lines, you have two options:
1. Traverse back to La Parva.
2. Descend to the Valle Nevado anchor ski lift and ask for permission (they usually allow uphill access without a ticket) to then cross over to La Parva.

Access

Region: Metropolitan Region
Nearby City: Santiago, 45 minutes away
Required Vehicle: No restrictions, snow chains occasionally requested by police at the checkpoint before ascending.

Access: To access this area, you must head to the La Parva ski resort, where you park and gear up.
Here you have two options:
1. Purchase a daily lift ticket to use the ski lifts. Then ride up to the upper area of Barros Negros/Piuquenes and continue touring to the lines.
2. Do not purchase a ticket and tour entirely from your car. In this case, you must drive up to the top of the Barros Negros/Piuquenes ski lifts and then continue touring. If you choose this option, find parking as high as possible to minimize walking.

You can access through Valle Nevado or Colorado too, plan with the map.

Conditions

Andes Touring Trips

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