It is our goal at SASS Chile to blow your mind with the swath of uniquely Chilean terrain and provide the platform to access it as efficiently as possible. Every morning we put together groups at a maximum of a 5 to 1 client to guide ratio taking into consideration personal goals and desires as well as skill level making sure groups are consistent and on the same page. Daily options will depend on conditions but include: as many laps as possible on untouched open faces, sled-to-tour high alpine summits and almost endless vertical, lapping the trees on storm days or working on your snowmobile skills with instruction from the best. All you have to do is be sure to discuss your goals and desires with Mountain Operations Director Pete Connolly, jump into the right group and follow your guide.

We shred from early morning until the sun begins to go down (conditions depending). Our guides’ knowledge of the terrain and understanding of the mountains allow you to know that you will be taking advantage of every minute. Our great pleasure at the end of the day is hearing stories of the camaraderie gained, skills learned, smiles grinned and tired legs made.

Our location was specifically chosen due to the terrain’s unique quality that allows for unrivaled snowmobile access. The valleys were filled with lava from the surrounding volcanoes that has hardened to rock covering up vegetation, river crossings and other obstacles making vast flat fields of snow. These swaths make getting from ridge to ridge as easy as possible. This feature allows us to cover an unprecedented amount of ground quickly and efficiently. The alpine terrain is then just a high-mark up from the valley floor putting us at ridgeline in seconds and allowing for lap after lap in untouched conditions. The bazaar araucaria forests make for open tree skiing options during storm days and create an otherworldly backdrop. Additionally, no one else is accessing this terrain, giving us an amount of untracked runs comparable only to private heli-ski operations.

Everyone at SASS Chile wears an avalanche beacon and backpack containing a shovel and probe every day. Everyone is required to participate in an avalanche awareness orientation as well as on-hill avalanche scenarios and snowmobile training on the first day. We pride ourselves in our seamless integration of education into our guided experience. We want to make sure that every single person leaves SASS Chile a better backcountry skier or snowboarder no matter what your level was coming in. It is this commitment to proper backcountry protocol that allows us to push further into the mountains and build the trust within our group to know that we are all on the same page and willing to work as a team to accomplish our goals on the mountain.

For those of us coming from the Northern Hemisphere, we leave the dead heat of the summer and arrive in Chile to full-on winter conditions. This escape is a truly unique experience and should be on the bucket-list of any skier or snowboarder. Conditions in this area of Patagonia are best at the beginning of September due to consistent storms, but also high-pressure days allowing for visibility in the alpine. Our sessions are designed to capitalize on this peak of the season to increase the chances of the best possible conditions for our clients.

For those of us coming from the Northern Hemisphere, we leave the dead heat of the summer and arrive in Chile to full-on winter conditions. This escape is a truly unique experience and should be on the bucket-list of any skier or snowboarder. Conditions in this area of Patagonia are best at the beginning of September due to consistent storms, but also high-pressure days allowing for visibility in the alpine. Our sessions are designed to capitalize on this peak of the season to increase the chances of the best possible conditions for our clients.

SASS Chile is based at the Sled Chile compound nestled in an araucaria forest beneath towering volcanoes and surrounded by natural hot springs. The compound itself consists of numerous backcountry cabins. SASS Chile’s lodging is set up in one of the larger homes on the compound. Casa Jerome is complete with two bedrooms, a full bath, living room, and adjoined kitchen. Heated by woodstoves kept running throughout your day in the field by the local staff, these are cozy comfortable and a perfect way to begin and end each day. A short walk through a forest path brings you over a stream and to the quincho, a traditional Chilean clubhouse. This is where the crew meets for breakfast and dinner provided daily. From the farmhouse style table, we make our plans for the day to come and tell stories of the amazing day we just had. A full bar gives you access to bottles of Chilean wine, homemade pisco sours and an array of beers. Last, but certainly not least is the 10-person wood-fired hot tub outside to door, perfect for rejuvenating your tired muscles.

In true Chilean fashion, we end every session with a massive asado (bbq) and invite our local friends to join us in celebration of our send-off. Huge cuts of beef and whole lambs are cooked over open flames and accompanied by numerous dishes unique to this area of chile. This is a truly unique experience and one that leaves both stomachs nad souls fulfilled.

When you’re not busy exploring the vast terrain, life at SASS Chile is about being in the mountains, experiencing this unique corner of the world and spending time with new friends in front of a fire, in the hot-tub or around the table. The days at SASS Chile are action-packed and physically demanding. Rest and relaxation are necessary to keep up the pace throughout the week. Hot tub sessions, filling food and early nights are the norm, but a few drinks with the crew is always an option. Rooming assignments are made by the SASS staff based on gender and age, but roommate and private room requests can be made.