Chile, September '09

[upcruiser]

I just returned from my annual trek down to Chile. While the trip itself was for work, I figured I'd still share some shots. I didn't have time this year to stay longer and do some additional travel like last year. I'm hoping next year to explore the southern portion of the country.

This year's trip saw some interesting challenges. Shortly after arriving and settling in at our accomodations in La Parva (a ski resort above Santiago) heavy rains caused landslides that took out the road in several places and causing fatalities. We were cut off from civilization for a short spell and while rain and mudslides were causing issues in the valleys below, we recieved heavy snow and avalanches up in the mountains.

7am on the mountain

La Parva

The ever rough but trusty Nissan and a little OJ plug! On the spectacular road to Valle Nevado.

A house perched on the edge of the canyon in Farellones.

Sweet minivan!

stone shelter on the side of the road to Valle Nevado

 

[upcruiser]

The most reliable and definately the quickest way to get to Santiago from La Parva

Another early morning, high above the clouds, getting ready for super g training

The stray dogs in the area are pretty damn adorable, this one was referred to as Lucas, he'd follow us up every morning and run up along side the lifts to the top of the mountain. Has to be one of the fittest dogs I've ever seen.

Funny shot of myself with some of the team

Typical sunset from our balcony, they never get old!

From the highest point in La Parva looking over towards Valle Nevado. The views are breathtaking

Intense game of wiffle ball, coaches vs athletes

snack time on the hill

 

[Applejack]

Wow, fantastic trip! I need a career change that allows me to travel to more amazing places.:sombrero:

 

[washington taco]

Getting ready for Vancouver 2010 no dout! I so want ski! Hope the snow is great this year in the Pacific Northwest this coming season. The last two years have been incrediable. Does the U.S. ski team plan on any stops at Washinton resorts prior or after the games? Good luck and trane hard!

 

[upcruiser]

The men's team is planning a training camp just prior to the Olympic Games at Mission Ridge in Wenatchee but the women's schedule as of now isn't allowing much for a session like that prior to Vancouver. I work with the junior women so there is only one of my girls who could have a chance of making the games if she skis well. Our women's world cup tech team (sl and gs) were training in Valle Nevado and our world cup speed team (sg, dh, and combined) were training in Portillo while we were there. Should be a good games this year. On the women's side Lindsey Vonn is coming off two consecutive seasons as the World Cup Overall champion and from training the last couple of months. She ran a training course with the men in giant slalom and beat all the guys except Ted Ligety who is skiing great. She will be a contender in all the events. Also Julia Mancuso is skiing very well again after a couple of off years and we have some other speesters in there that could pop out of nowhwere like Mancuso did at the Torino games.

On the men's side expect to see Ligety, fresh off of injury to be in the medal hunt for the men as well as Bode. Yep, sounds like Bode Miller will be coming out of retirement and joining the US Ski Team. Could make for some interesting action!

 

[TJDIV]

Man I would totally go there.

 

[Rudyard]

Chile

Hello Kristian , nice pictures you take in The Andes, I haved work many years in the ski areas as a Ski Patrol and the Landscape is just gorgeous.
If you came down next year and plan a trip to the South just let me know, I am living since 2 years in Puerto Varas and this area is just lovely, here a picture from the Andes about two months ago.
In the river Puelo

At the ski area in Osorno Volcano

 

[Mighty Dodge Ram]

We've always wanted to ski Chile in August...how's the snow that time of the year? Portillo seems to be the spot we are looking at. Great photos and trip report. Can't wait to get down there. :beer:

 

[upcruiser]

Hello Kristian , nice pictures you take in The Andes, I haved work many years in the ski areas as a Ski Patrol and the Landscape is just gorgeous.
If you came down next year and plan a trip to the South just let me know, I am living since 2 years in Puerto Varas and this area is just lovely, here a picture from the Andes about two months ago.
In the river Puelo

At the ski area in Osorno Volcano

Rudyard, I would love a little local intel on Pueto Varas and that region. I will keep in touch for sure. Thank you!

 

[upcruiser]

We've always wanted to ski Chile in August...how's the snow that time of the year? Portillo seems to be the spot we are looking at. Great photos and trip report. Can't wait to get down there. :beer:

The snow is great that time of year in general. Portillo is beautiful but you are a bit limited with regards to things to do. You basically have the hotel there and that is it. Closer to the airport and Santiago you have El Colorado, Valle Nevado, and La Parva which are all allow you to ski from one to another. Let me knownif you want any further info.

 

[Jacket]

It's a rough life you lead upcruiser....

 

[tdesanto]

It's a rough life you lead upcruiser....

No kidding. I've been thinking that for a long time now. :sombrero:

 

[Willman]

It's a rough life you lead upcruiser....

No kidding. I've been thinking that for a long time now. :sombrero:

Me three!

Your one lucky guy Kristian!

:sombrero:

 

[upcruiser]

Ha ha, well thanks guys, I definately try not to take it for granted but its not all as great as it seems sometimes. I make big sacrifices in other areas to have this life style and is primarily the reason I'm a 34 year old single dude. No regrets though, no regrets!

 

[Willman]

Ya....your single but sure hang out with some babes!