High Altitude Ski Mountaineering in Bolivia.
This itinerary visits 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 one high 5800m+ or 6000m peak after an initial phase of skiing several 5000-5500m peaks.
The expedition will fly out to La Paz, the capital of Bolivia. Our first two days will be spent in this city and visiting nearby tourist attractions to acclimatise to the altitude. Then we'll spend a half day out at the world's highest 'ski resort' just outside the city. Called Chacaltaya, it is at 5100m and has only one old and broken rope tow, but a high road provides easy access to the snowline and if conditions are good we'll do a half day ski-tour. For out first big mountain trip we will ski several 5000m peaks around the Khara Khota valley in the central Cordillera Real. This first short mountain trip will be based in tents, with several nights camping and approaches to the mountains by 4x4 and/or on foot. The scenery in this high and remote valley is really superb and in the past we've had good snow conditions on the peaks.
Finally, our main objective is to ski a high 5800m+ or even 6000m peak. This is very likely to be either the volcano, Volcan Parinacota 6342m (pictured a long way below) or a peak in the southern Cordillera Real called Mururata, 5869m (pictured on the left in the photo of La Paz below). The choice of big peak will depend on current snow conditions on the mountains, and a final decision will be made when we are out in Bolivia.
Expedition members must be strong alpine skiers, able to ski black runs confidently and in full control. Previous touring experience and previous high altitude experience are also highly recommended (but neither is absolutely essential). However at least a little previous experience of using an ice-axe and crampons in a mountaineering setting is essential. 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 we strongly recommend Alpine touring kit.
Mururata from El Alto, la Paz.
Mururata, 5868m from the public transport teleferico in the suburb of El Alto, La Paz.
General Information about our holidays
Please read our warning on altitude before booking this expedition to high altitudes.
Who runs 'Andes' and where we are based
General information about equipment, accommodation, flights, meals etc.
LA PAZ
La Paz is the capital of Bolivia and the world's highest capital city. The nearby mountains provide fresh air and the city has an 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 in the suburb of La Florida; the poorest people live on the steep sides of the canyon and in the district of El Alto at over 4100m above sea level.
TIAHUANACO & LAGO TITICACA
The ruins of Tiahuanaco make an interesting short day trip from La Paz which those who are interested can take during our first two days in the city. The ruins are from several different civilisations preceding the Incas; the site was first used almost three thousand years ago. Also possible is a full day tour to Lago Titicaca, famous as the world's highest navigable lake and 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. You can take a short boat cruise on the lake to see some of the fishing boats and islands and have trout for lunch (this is almost unavoidable when you go to Lago Titicaca). If you are interested to do either of these optional tourist trips from La Paz please let us know and we'll make all the arrangements for you.
CHACALTAYA
The worlds highest ski 'resort' is the old rope tow and run-down cafe on the mountain called Chacaltaya just a few hours outside La Paz. If snow conditions permit we'll spend a few hours here refining our high altitude ski technique and also getting used to the Bolivian snow. If possible this will include the short ski to the summit of Chacaltaya mountain, 5395m. These days skiable snow is not guaranteed at Chacaltaya, in which case we'll do an acclimatisation hike to the top of the mountain. Read More...
