COFOUNDER & DIRECTOR OF GUIDE OPERATIONS

Claudia is an ANGM Chile Ski Guide and the 2022 IFSA South America Women’s Freeride Champion. She holds an Avalanche Pro Level I Certification with the American Avalanche Association and earned her ISIA Ski Instructor Certification in Switzerland.

Claudia combines deep local knowledge with vast international experience. She demonstrates elite big mountain competitiveness and top tier technical guiding expertise. Her commitment to safety, professionalism, and ethical guiding practices sets the standard for our entire operation and raises the bar for anyone who skis with us.

LEAD GUIDE

Manu is a cofounder of Backchillan, a tight-knit collective of local guides who grew up skiing at and around Nevados de Chillán. Long before South America was on the radar for most international skiers, Manu and his crew were out there exploring the backcountry, quietly building a deep knowledge of this zone.

Manu is a foundational member of the local search and rescue organization (Socorro Andino) and has a wide range of international certifications including Level I Ski Guide with the Canadian Ski Guide Association, Avalanche Operations Level I with the Canadian Avalanche Association and Level 3 Ski Instructor with the Canadian Ski Instructors Alliance.

LEAD GUIDE

Paip is a cofounder of Backchillan, widely regarded as the most respected backcountry guiding operation in the region. Long before Nevados de Chillán was on the international ski map, Paip was opening up terrain and building the foundation for what is now one of South America’s most iconic ski zones. It would be hard to find anyone with deeper local knowledge or more experience in these mountains.

Today, Paip and the Backchillan team are sought after by some of the most respected skiers and guiding operations from around the world. From the very beginning, Paip welcomed Ski The Andes into the community with incredible warmth and generosity. It’s an honor to work alongside him and his team each season and to share this special place with our guests.

DIRECTOR OF SLED OPERATIONS

Titi is a cofounder of South Lines Chile and one of the most respected sled guides in the country. He and his partners at South Lines are always at the top of the list when The North Face or Jeremy Jones come to town to film epic productions. With an uncanny ability to read the mountains and an infectious passion for powder, he knows the deep backcountry here better than almost anyone. Titi combines seasoned local knowledge with expert decision making and a commitment to safety that gives our guests access to terrain most only dream of exploring.

Whether it’s linking untouched faces or orchestrating seamless sled accessed road trips, Titi’s leadership and meticulous execution are central to the snowmobile skiing and riding experience at Ski The Andes.

CAMP MANAGER & LOGISTICS COORDINATOR

Nico carries the spirit of the Andes with him and it shows in everything he does - from the way he takes care of our guests to the way he brings people together around a fire, a meal, or a shared adventure.

Nico’s the reason our overnight expeditions and mountain hut barbecues are so unique and memorable. Incredibly resourceful and deeply connected to the community, Nico always knows exactly who to call and how to make things happen. His energy, reliability, and local knowledge are a huge part of what make Ski The Andes experiences authentic, seamless, and special.

BACKCOUNTRY TOURING GUIDE

A typical day for Nico starts at 3:00 a.m., hiking toward the summit of a volcano with skis on his feet and a parachute on his back. If you look up at sunrise, there’s a good chance you’ll spot him soaring alongside the condors, drifting through the sky before dropping in to lines few others even consider.

When he’s not guiding guests to hidden hot springs and secret terrain that only lifelong locals know, Nico is deep in the backcountry on his sled, scouting new lines and opening new possibilities for the rest of us. His creativity, drive, and unique perspective are a huge part of what make the Ski The Andes experience feel wild, authentic, and unforgettable.

BACKCOUNTRY TOURING GUIDE

If there’s an acronym related to “Badass Mountain Guide of South America”, Ismael has achieved it. Instructor/Guide with ACGM (Asociación Chilena de Guías/Instructores de Montaña y Escalada), ENISSCHAG (La Escuela Nacional de Instructores de Esqui y Snowboard de Chile), FEACH (La Federación de Andinismo de Chile) and ANENA (Asociación Nacional de Nieve y Avalanchas de Francia). Sufice it to say, you can feel comfortable in the backcountry with Ismael…

MOUNTAIN GUIDE & MASTER SKI TECH

A highly respected guide with Backchillan and a core part of the Nevados de Chillán community, he has spent his life exploring this terrain, learning its rhythms, and quietly mastering its lines. Whether he’s leading guests into the backcountry or sharing local knowledge on the skintrack, Harry brings a calm, confident presence that immediately puts people at ease.

He is also the owner and operator of Taller de Ski Momentum, widely regarded as the best and most capable tune shop in Las Trancas. From race-room level tunes to technically complicated backcountry setups, Harry’s attention to detail is unmatched. Having a guide who also happens to be the top ski technician in town is a huge asset for our guests and our operation. His precision, pride in his craft, and deep love for skiing are a big part of what make the Ski The Andes experience run so smoothly and feel so special.

BACKCOUNTRY TOURING GUIDE

Álvaro is cofounder of Alto Andino, a guiding outfit that runs year round throughout the Andes, specializing in high altitude ascents and lengthier excursions, which might help explain how he moves through these mountains like a Puma. Probably the nicest, most humble human you’ll meet in Chile.

RESORT FREERIDE GUIDE

Skiing with Rai at the resort is too much fun. He is one with this mountain. He knows every kicker, hip, drop and roller. If you want to get the most of this place, book a day with Rai and make sure you got a good night sleep…

RESORT SNOWBOARD GUIDE

Sponsored athlete, snowboard instructor, heli-guide and Nevados de Chillan resort guru, Trompo finds hidden stashes long after the storm has passed. His jiu jitsu style of navigating this mountain for the best snow and terrain is why you’ll hear his name being yelled from the lifts as you zig zag your way around obstacles until you arrive at The Promised Land.

BACKCOUNTRY ROAD TRIP GUIDE

José is one of the very few who actually grew up in the small village of Las Trancas. It’s wild to think that this guy came from such humble beginnings and ended up venturing so deep into the Andes. He’s been on numerous expeditions to some of the highest peaks of Chile, Argentina, Peru and Bolivia. A true international legend from Las Trancas.