Darcy Bacha Wins 2012 Photo of The Year | Powder Awards

Congratulations to Darcy Bacha for winning Powder Magazine's 2012 Photo of the Year.    You have probably seen many of Darcy's shots from the Dakine Catalog shoot in Valle Nevado we hosted last August, but nothing comes close to this image of Sammy Carlson on Mount Hood.

Powder Magazine calls it "one of the most unique images that have ever graced the front page of The Skier’s Magazine."

The picture was captured by Darcy while filming Carlson's movie, On Top of The Hood.

PowderQuest partners with Porter's Tahoe

PowderQuest and Porters Tahoe are excited to announce an industry leading online retail partnership that bridges the gap between travel and ski-snowboard equipment sales.  For over 13 years PowderQuest has been providing skiers and snowboarders with unique adventures to the best locations in Chile and Argentina. With over 1000 client experiences provided to date, PowderQuest is constantly asked what gear is recommended for trips to ski and ride South America. Although a packing list is provided to each client and recommendations are given over the phone and through email, a crucial component was still missing from the equation. PowderQuest needed an online partner for order fulfillment to provide the ultimate in customer service with exclusive guarantees on pricing.

Discussions with Kasey Wiese of Porters Tahoe showed synergies between the two organizations focusing on the shared core belief of providing the best possible customer experience. The partnership between the two went live on January 10^th 2012. Hosted within the PortersTahoe.com website PowderQuest has assembled an online packing list of recommended ski and snowboard gear to make the most out of skiing or riding South America in the summer.  http://www.porterstahoe.com/brands/POWDERQUEST.asp

“Since 1999 PowderQuest has been advising clients on what type of gear to buy when coming on a trip to chase powder in the Andes. Through partnering with Porters Tahoe we are now able to complete the circle and offer our clients the best equipment for their trips sold by one of the most customer service focused retail organizations in the industry. 

PowderQuest can confidently send clients to research and purchase ski and snowboard equipment at PortersTahoe.com knowing their retail experience will be nothing short of exceptional. From the price match guarantee, 90 day satisfaction guarantee, free ground shipping on orders over $75 and informed sales staff, Porters stands out from their competitors in value, commitment and customer service”

-Luke Shelley, PowderQuest

“Porters takes pride in partnering with organizations in the industry that share our values of creating and retaining a loyal customer base. The fact that the client retention and return rates of both PowderQuest and Porters lead their respective fields  is a result of never being comfortable with the status quo and always putting the customer first.  The history of the Porters brand  since 1951 combined with PowderQuest being one of the original tour companies in the world to offer skiing & snowboarding trips to South America made this partnership a natural choice for us”

Kasey Wiese, Porters Tahoe

About PowderQuest

www.PowderQuest.com 

Since 1999, PowderQuest has been the world’s leading provider of Ski & Snowboard adventures to both Chile & Argentina delivering over 1000 life changing experiences. PowderQuest is a US based company with fulltime offices in both the US & Chile offering a wide variety of trips using certified guides through the Andes to ski and snowboard during the months of July through October

About Porters Tahoe

www.PortersTahoe.com

Porters roots can be traced back to 1951 when Warren Porter started a clothing / general retail store in Tahoe City. The start of the ski retail side of the business was January 1, 1960 just a month and a half before the Winter Olympics came to Squaw Valley.  Over the last 51 years Porters has always been a family-run business and only changed hands once,  in 2002,  when the Chapman family took ownership.  Porters is committed to their customers from the top of the organization down and has built their business on striving for excellence in service and satisfaction. 

South America Spot Check: Chapelco, Argentina

In this edition of South America Spot Check we explore skiing and snowboarding in Chapelco, Argentina

Chapelco is located near the town of San Martin De Los Andes, Argentina. Perched above Lacar Lake in Lanin National Park places Chapelco in the gorgeous Lake District of Argentina. Chapelco's high speed quad, gondola and access into the steep backcountry bowls make for unforgettable days in the Southern Andes.

This resort does not get as much press or attention as some of the other areas such as Cerro Catedral or Las Lenas in Argentina and we are fine with that! Chapelco is a hidden gem that offers amazing tree skiing and some of the best freeriding in Argentina with very few crowds.

Chapelco Ski and Snowboard Resort by the numbers:

 Elevation: 1,250m (4,100ft) to 1,970m (6,463ft)

Vertical Drop: 720m (2,363ft)

Inbound Terrain 32 runs accessed by 10 lifts

Backcountry Access: Very good

Average Annual Snowfall: 350 inches (890 cm)

Trail Map: see below, click to expand

This resort is featured in multiple PowderQuest trips to ski and snowboard Argentina in the summer. From advanced intermediate up through expert, our guides will find you the terrain you are looking to ski and snowboard.  Chapelco features a terrain park, endless glades, groomed runs and plenty of freeride and backcountry terrain. Although PowderQuest does offer unguided trips to Chapelco, much of the freeride terrain is out of bounds and needs to be accessed with professional guides to show you the way and minimize risks.

For 2012 PowderQuest offers the 8 day Snowboard Argentina, Ski Patagonia and Argentina Snow Adventure tours as well as the 9 day Cimarra Sur that all include a stop to ski and snowboard in Chapelco. 

Give PowderQuest a call at 1-888-565-7158 or email us at info@PowderQuest.com with any question or to book your trip to ski or snowboard South America today!

Here are some videos that give a good look at the terrain options available for skiing and snowboarding in Chapelco, Argentina. 

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Video promoción cerro Chapelco 2010 from BQP on Vimeo.


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Freeride en Chapelco con Nicolás Fuentes. from BQP on Vimeo.

Get To Know - Steve van Loben Sels

One of the benefits of coming on a PowderQuest trip to ski Chile or ski Argentina... or BOTH in one trip, is the ability to make friends from all over the world. PowderQuest groups are like a United Nations of Powder with everyone coming together for the same reasons. We are so happy when we hear the stories of past clients constantly meeting up all over the world to get some turns together. 

Steve has taken several trips with PowderQuest. His easy going attitude and inherent ability keep his group motivated to get the most out of each day skiing and riding have added value to every PowderQuest trip he has been a part of. Take a second and Get To Know - Steve van Loben Sels

Home Base:  Madrid, Spain

Ski or Snowboard: Ski

What else do you do for fun:  Running, cycling, reading, and cooking/eating tasty food.

Numbers of years skiing or riding:  26

Favorite places to ski or ride in the world:  Kirkwood, CA ; Whistler, BC ; Arpa Cat Skiing Chile ; Chamonix, FR

What was the best PowderQuest trip you have been on?

I had a blast on the 2011 Summer Ski Escape…the conditions were perfect with fresh pow nearly every day, and the terrain was fantastic.  Most of all, I enjoyed cat-skiing at El-Arpa and ducking the lines at El Colorado to come down Santa Teresita.

What was the strangest thing you saw while in South America?

Aside from snow during “summer”?  The Chilean drink “el terremoto” (translates to “the earthquake”): white wine with a  scoop of pineapple sherbet finished with a shot of Fernet Branca.  Eep.

What makes PowderQuest your choice for skiing or riding South America?

I’ve been really impressed with the quality of the tours.  I’ve done the Summer Ski Escape and the Freerider, and both of them had fantastic skiing, good pacing, great guides, nice lodging, and tasty food.

Share a moment or experience from your personal PowderQuest adventure that still makes you smile

Playing with the St. Bernards at Portillo.  I asked one of the Chilean soldiers there for winter training if I could take a picture of his dog, and instead he handed me the leash, took my camera, and snapped a photo!

Thanks for taking the time Steve and cant wait to get you back for 2012!


For anyone interested in more information on remaining availability of spaces for either the Freerider or Summer Ski Escape trips for 2012 please contact PowderQuest at 1-888-565-7158 or info@PowderQuest.com 

Argentina: A Skier's Journey by Jordan Manley

Join our friend Jordan Manley for episode number 3 from his series "A Skier's Journey". One of the best short films about skiing argentina in the summer that we have ever seen. PowderQuest guide Maxi Artoni makes several appearances!


Argentina: A Skier's Journey EP3 [Season 2] from Jordan Manley Photography on Vimeo.

2012 is the year to make it happen and come ski or snowboard in South America with PowderQuest. Trips are filling up quickly! Questions? Call us at 1-888-565-7158 or email us at info@PowderQuest.com

Ride Cerro Bayo, Chapelco & Cerro Catedral with Shin Campos

Registration is now open for our 2 epic 2012 adventures to snowboard Argentina with Shin Campos. Come join PowderQuest and Shin for some powder, steaks, red wine and an EPIC road trip thru Patagonia, Argentina this August!

Shin Campos is one of the most respected snowboarders in the industry and was recently named a "Living Legend" by Push Magazine. This one of a kind 8 day trip winds through Patagonia, Argentina with stops to ride Cerro Bayo, Chapelco AND Cerro Catedral.

In response to demand we are offering 2 dates for 2012 to be a part of this Argentina Snowboard adventure; July 28th - August 4th and August 5th - 12th Don't wait on this one. Email us at info@PowderQuest.com or call 1-888-565-7158 for more information.

Up to 50% discount on unguided Valle Nevado Ski & Snowboard trips for 2012

Tis the Season to book a 2012 ski and snowboard vacation at Valle Nevado Ski Resort in Chile through PowderQuest.

Residents of the US, Canada and the UK who book and pay in full for a double room before February 1st 2012 at any of Valle Nevado's hotels can receive a 30 - 50% discount on 3 or 7-night packages that include lodging, meal program and lift tickets. 


We have never seen Valle Nevado offer this large of a discount before, don't wait on this one.  In addition, for the first time included in the discounted Valle Nevado package are 2 interconnect tickets to check out two other top South America Ski Resorts, La Parva and El Colorado.


Details are in the flyer below. Feel free to call or email us for any additional information and to book your trip to ski Chile this summer! 1-888-565-7158 or info@PowderQuest.com

Get To Know - PowderQuest Brand Ambassador - Marc Azar

 Introducing the PowderQuest Brand Ambassador Initiative!

A cornerstone of the PowderQuest marketing program for 2012 includes the addition of the Brand Ambassador initiative. Over the years countless clients have had such a rewarding and powerful experience on their PowderQuest adventure they have come to us asking how they can give back to the company that exceeded their expectations while skiing or snowboarding in South America.

The newly formed brand ambassador initiative takes the concept of customer testimonials to a whole new level. The goal is to bring these ambassadors to life through a online profile on http://www.powderquest.com/ and connect them with potential customers with a similar demographic/profile. This section of our website will launch in January, stay tuned!

In this edition of Get To Know we caught up with PowderQuest brand ambassador Marc Azar.

Home Base:

San Diego, CA

Ski or Snowboard:

Ski

What else do you do for fun:

Play with my kids, ski with my family and travel

Numbers of years skiing or riding:

20 years, but only 3 serious years (last 3 years)

Favorite places to ski or ride in the world:

I have little experience outside the US (except skiing Chile and Argentina with PowderQuest) so I would have to say Snowbird, UT and South America.

What was the best PowderQuest trip you have been on?

Frontier Las Lenas , amazing experience.

What was the strangest thing you saw while in South America on your latest PowderQuest trip?

A detached sheeps head in the middle of the street. Just a part of the adventure!

What makes PowderQuest your choice for skiing or riding South America?

The organization of trip booking/details by Suzi, and the incredible skill (all around) of the guides. Outstanding!

Share a moment or experience from your personal PowderQuest adventure that still makes you smile.

We were hiking at Las Lenas for about an hour before we got to a ridge that had to be crossed to ski the other side. While hiking and on the ridge, the winds were gusting up to 60+ mph and Moe was at the front of the pack leading us when all of a sudden he turned around and directed us back the way we came, due the inability to cross the ridge safely. The look on his face was priceless! When Moe has that look on his face you know the shit is about to hit the fan….. Just one of many that bring a smile to my face! In general….the entire trip brings a smile. Powder Quest rocks!
Thanks for the support Marc and looking forward to skiing with you on another PowderQuest trip in 2012!

Last Minute Gift Ideas for the Skier or Snowboarder on your list

The winter solstice is here.

This date marks two important milestones on the calendar. The first is that the days get longer and we have just over 6 months until the South America ski season starts. The second is that the holidays are here and if gifts have not been bought, there is very little time left to do so.

At PowderQuest we are here to help. Of course the BEST gift for your ski and snowboard loved ones is a trip with PowderQuest on one of our unique South America powder tours. That being said, we realize for some purchasing a trip is not possible at this time of the year so here are our top 5 last minute gift suggestions priced under $300 for the travel minded skier or snowboarder on your list.

#1 Dakine Over Under 64L Rolling Bag

This bag is the most versatile luggage option on the market. We like it because it is a carry-on for most airlines and can fit almost any personal items you would need for a week-long trip. In addition if you need to stuff in a few more things "just to be safe", this bag has an option to expand and be checked.

#2 Dakine High Roller Ski or Snowboard Rolling Bag

Between one of these bags and the above mentioned Over-Under, a skier or snowboarder should be able to take everything they need for a ski trip either domestic or international. In this bag we fit our equipment (skis or snowboard, poles, outerwear, goggles, beacon, shovel, probe, boots) along with other small items that can find convenient hiding places inside and around the above mentioned equipment list.

This bag is padded, durable and well designed. The rolling wheels are built to last and have survived everything our guide staff can dish out. From being strapped on the top of our vehicles as they travel through the Patagonia wilderness to being dropped from the plane onto the tarmac by airline employees this bag is designed to protect your gear and last a long time.

We recommend weighing your bags before heading to the airport and checking with your airline's limits and restrictions. One additional hint is to pack a lightweight nylon bag in with your gear. If for some reason you are over the weight limit, simply remove enough items to bring you under the limit and use the nylon bag as your second checked bag. With the Dakine High-Roller and the Over-Under rolling bags the skier or snowboarder on your list will be equipped with luggage options for a trip to snowboard south america in the summer or just for a weekend trip up to the local mountain.

#3 Smith Optics Goggles & Helmet 


Thankfully these days skiers and snowboarders not wearing helmets are becoming the minority. For those on your list who are still refusing to make the logical choice to wear a helmet, we recommend purchasing the Smith Optics Helmet and Goggle set as a gift. Smith Optics goggles are designed in conjunction with their helmet to provide consistent airflow to prevent fogging and overheating. This incredibly comfortable and performance driven goggle/helmet combination will convert even the most stubborn skier or snowboarder on your list. Help those you love make the intelligent choice and look good while doing it.

Smith Optics I/O Goggles & Vantage Helmet

Sarah Burke with the I/Os (sized for women) and the Maze Helmet 

#4 Black Diamond Expedition Poles


These are a great gift for both snowboarders and skiers on your list. These poles are designed to adjust to any size depending on the snow conditions or terrain and also collapse to attach to a backpack when not in use or when traveling.

Black Diamond is known for making innovative equipment designed to last. These poles will be appreciated by any serious skier or backcountry snowboarder on your holiday list.

#5 Dakine Micro Retractable Lock

This is one of the most versatile items we carry when traveling either internationally or up to the local mountain. There are so many uses it is impossible to list them all but here are a few.  Locking multiple bags together in the airport when waiting for a connection or a ride. Bags that are strapped to a roof rack can use this Micro Lock be secured to that roof rack.  While on the hill it can be wrapped through and around equipment on the ski rack to discourage theft. The cable is small enough to insert into zippers on a Dakine backpack to keep the contents secure inside. The list goes on and on.

The lock is not impossible to break but in our experience discourages any potential thefts both by its appearance and cable design. Get one or two today you will not be sorry!

There you have it, the top 5 gifts for under $300 for 2012. If anyone has additional questions on the above list, the best place to purchase the above items or just needs some feedback on something you have already purchased feel free to give us a call at 1-888-765-7158 or drop us a line at info@PowderQuest.com. We are here to help!

The ultimate gift for any skier or snowboarder is a trip snowboarding Argentina or skiing in Chile in the summer.  Spots for 2012 are filling up quickly!

Life is short. Follow your dreams.

Life is short & unpredictable. That is a fact that no one can change.

At PowderQuest we have always believed in following one's dreams sooner rather than later. The company was founded by a decision made on a life changing powder day snowboarding in chile over 13 years ago and led us to offer some of the first and the most unique south america powder tours in the business.

Last spring a tragic eruption shook the Puyehue Volcano in the South of Chile. The last time this volcano had erupted was 1960 and the surrounding area had barely recovered. We know plenty of skiers and snowboarders whose bucket list included making turns on this terrain that held some of the best skiing and snowboarding in south america. Unfortunately it will be a long time, if ever before mother nature allows skiers and riders to access the lines on the inside of the Puyehue crater.

A crew from Salomon Freeride had been eyeing the terrain within the Puyehue Crater and decided to follow their dreams just in time to make them a reality in the fall of 2009, less than 18 months before the eruption. Take a look at this video of Mark Abma, Chris Rubens & Eric Hjorleifson getting some of the  best skiing in south america as one of the last crews to ski these lines.

Basically the takeaway from this is... don't wait, just do it. Make this the year to follow your dream of deep powder lines while snowboarding in chile or skiing touring patagonia.

From guided backcountry tours of volcanos in Northern Patagonia that have not yet fully erupted to snowboarding Las Lenas to intermediate level South America ski packages,  we have what you are looking for. The trip offerings at PowderQuest hold something for everyone.

Call us up at 1-888-565-7158 or drop us a line at info@PowderQuest.com anytime with any questions. We have been doing this for over 13 years and have over a thousand satisfied clients. Guided or unguided, PowderQuest will pull from years of first hand knowledge to meet your needs.

Experience matters and PowderQuest is here to help you make your dreams become realities this season in the Andes of South America.

Skiing & Snowboarding in Cerro Catedral in Bariloche Argentina on Weather Days

One of the things we like the best about skiing in bariloche is that even on low visibility days where there is a storm in the area, there is terrain to make some great turns.

The lower half of the Catedral Ski Resort offers some of the best tree skiing anywhere in the world. Natural features are covered with snow making it the ultimate freeride playground for skiers and snoboarders even in low visibility. Check out a short video from our friend and Bariloche local Chimango Martinez as he shows how much fun you can have on a "down day" skiing the trees in Argentina.

It is hard to describe the magical nature of the tree skiing at the Bariloche ski resort of Cerro Catedral Alta Patagonia until you experience it for yourself. Ancient trees covered with moss rise up all around you, while leaving perfectly spaced lines to ski and ride between. When there is wind it drives the snow into these lines redefining the term "deep powder". Bamboo grows in the lower part of the mountain, getting covered by snow and creating springy platforms to hop off everywhere you look.

At PowderQuest we offer both guided and unguided adventures to ski and snowboard at Cerro Catedral in Bariloche Argentina. Drop us a line at info@PowderQuest.com or give us a call at 1-888-565-7159

Sneak peak at 2013 Dakine Gear & behind the scenes video with PowderQuest

Check this video out from our friends at Dakine skiing and snowboarding Chile at Valle Nevado on their Winter Catalog shoot with PowderQuest. David Owen even getting some screen time!


DAKINE Snow Team Trip to Chile from DAKINE on Vimeo.

Give us a call Tollfree at 1-888-565-7158 or drop us an email at info@PowderQuest.com for help with planning a 2012 South America ski vacation today.

Get to Know - Maximiliano Artoni

One of the things we pride ourselves on at PowderQuest is exposing our clients to both the culture and local knowledge of skiing in South America. Along with with offering the best skiing in South America, exploring the culture & spending time with locals is a huge part of the adventure on a PowderQuest trip. 

Another day at the "office"

In this installment of "Get to Know - PowderQuest" we tracked down PowderQuest guide Maxi Artoni and got him to answer some quick questions. Maxi has been skiing in Argentina and ski touring Patagonia for most of his life and brings a wealth of local knowledge to the PowderQuest crew. Always with a smile on his face and a positive attitude, Maxi helps clients get comfortable with pushing their limits in a very special way. We are proud & honored to have Maxi as part of our allstar team of guides.


We caught up with Maxi in Buenos Aires as he was preparing to head to Whistler, Canada where he spends the North America winter skiing and touring as much as possible.

Maxi ripping a line near Refugio Frey

1.) First up, how long have you been skiing South America?
I was lucky to born right next to a ski area (Chapelco Ski Resort, Argentina) so I have been skiing since I was 4

2.) What is your favorite place to ski in Argentina and why?

Las Lenas, because of the easy access to tons of awesome terrain.

3.)What is your favorite place to ski in Chile and why

Termas de Chillan in southern Chile, It has a big variety of landscape and line options. You can ski amazing trees down low and still access big alpine lines up top. There are so many places to go and explore.

4.)What do you like the most about guiding for PowderQuest

I like that I get to travel and ski in many places during the season. I also get to meet cool people from many different places and backgrounds and get to share time when everyones is having a good time. I love being able to show people around my country and letting them in on my favorite zones I grew up exploring and skiing.

The night sky in Patagonia

5.) If you had to pick one male and one female pro skier to spend the day with who would it be and why

Thats not easy to answer, for the guy, I would say Glen Plake, I think It would be fun and he must have some amazing stories to tell. As for the girl, I say a day in Alaska with Kellie Okonek, she does some fun stuff.

*editor's note: If you have not heard of Kellie just know she RIPS on skis and has one of the most impressive resumes of adventures we have ever seen. Check out her blog HERE 

6.)What made you want to become a guide?

I really like to spend most my time in the mountains, any time of the year, and being a guide Is a good way, I get to share my passion for what I do and try to give people an experience they wouldnt have on their own.

7.) What makes you smile?

A powder day with my friends, skiing powder is awesome alone but when you get to share the moment it is even better. 

Maxi - post mud bath and all smiles in Southern Chile

8.) What was a highlight from your time skiing this summer in South America

My trip with Jordan Manley was a highlight for sure. He is an amazing photographer/producer, talented skier and just a fun guy to be around.  Jordan was there to work on Episode 3 of his series A Skier's Journey

*editor's note: Season 2 of A Skier's Journey is not to be missed. Unique, engaging video content that represents the heart and soul of skiing.
Click to watch: Epsiode 1 "Friends of Shames"  

Maxi and Chad Sayers gearing up for a big day

Call us up or drop an email for help planning your unguided trip to check out the best ski resorts in South America or signup for one of our exclusive and unique guided south america powder tours. With over 13 years of direct experience running tours and offering south america ski vacations in Argentina and Chile along with our all star guide staff with people like Maxi Artoni on the roster, PowderQuest is the only choice to ski and snowboard in South America . 

2012 dates released for Cimarra Sur - Ski Argentina and Chile... including an Active Volcano!

Ski and snowboard the legendary trees and upper bowls of Cerro Catedral in Bariloche, Argentina.

Bariloche tree skiing at its finest

Explore the local's favorite spots & powder stashes of Cerro Chapelco in San Martin De Los Andes.

Backside of Cerro Chapelco

Road trip through Nortern Patagonia with jaw dropping scenery as this adventure takes you from Argentina to Chile.


Soak and rejuvenate your body in naturally fed volcanic hot springs.


Explore the culture with activities like a mouth watering barbeque (asado) on a traditional Mapuche Indian family farm


Finish with a 5,000 vertical foot descent of world famous Volcano Villarrica in Pucon, Chile.

The mighty Volcano Villarrica

All in one EPIC adventure.


The Cimarra Sur tour is exclusively offered by PowderQuest and is a unique itinerary designed for those that want a bit more adventure out of their trip to ski South America during August. Only 8 spaces are available and the 2012 dates have just been released and are booking now. 

This 9-day fully guided adventure is designed to take clients to places and connect experiences they would not be able to do on their own. The one of a kind Cimarra Sur tour takes the signature PowderQuest small group of 8 with 2 fully certified bi-lingual guides on the experience of a lifetime starting in the Northern Patagonia region of Argentina and finishing in the adventure sports capital of Chile, Pucon.

View from Cerro Catedral in Bariloche, Argentina

Includes 2 fully certified bi-lingual guides, private transportation, lodging, avalanche safety introduction, park entry fees, all breakfasts and dinners, heck we even include world famous Argentine & Chilean red wine at dinner!

PowderQuest specializes in getting the goods, away from the crowds

The PowderQuest Cimarra Sur tour allows skiers and snowboarders to signup for a South America ski trip you will remember for the rest of your life and avoid the hastle of planning as well as wondering where to ski or ride once your get there. This itinerary is unmatched in both experience and price.

For 2012 PowderQuest is offering the Cimarra Sur tour during the prime powder time of August 11-19th

Find out for yourself why Frommer's Chile & Argentina guide books among many others recommend PowderQuest as the company to use when searching for a ski & snowboard guided vacation in the Andes.

Call us today at 1-888-565-7158 or reach out by email to info@PowderQuest.com with any questions or to put your deposit down and lock in your spot today. With only 8 spaces available for the Cimarra Sur 2012 this trip will fill quickly and early.

This is the year to live your dream.

Client testimonal


"In the past 18 years, I have never been in powder like that. There is nothing better than good people and good riding, and that was what I got. The safety I felt from the guides was very comforting, you guys really know what you are doing. You really need to let people know how great the nightlife is too. The girls and nightlife are a blast!"
David Gulle
Cimarra Sur

Get to Know - Artur Cintra

Here at PowderQuest we are honored to have exceeded our clients expectations on hundreds of unique trips to ski and snowboard in South America. The loyalty and diversity of these clients continues to impress us even after 13 years. It is time to bring some of these individuals to our readers through this blog.

Artur Cintra pumped for a powder day

In this edition of "Get To Know - PowderQuest" we take a few minutes to sit down with a client who had been debating on taking a trip to snowboard South America for 6 years and finally made his dream a reality during the 2011 ski season in Chile. Artur is one of a kind and his energy and passion for living was infectious with the group. 

Artur says " Let's go THERE"!

On this particular PowderQuest trip there were 6 countries represented by the 8 clients that signed up. A true United Nations of like-minded individuals in search of powder and adventure.

Client: Artur Cintra from Lisbon, Portugal

PowderQuest trip: Summer Ski Escape - Chile - August 2011

Chile Ski Areas visited: La Parva, El Colorado, Valle Nevado, Ski Arpa

What would you describe as your outlook in under 10 words?

Live for the things you dream to do.

Have you been on many trips to snowboard in your life?

I have been on over fifty trips to snowboard on three continents!

What were the best things about Chile for you?

The culture and the people. There is a rich history in Chile and it shows! I always try to arrive a day before I need to head up to the mountains so I can explore the local culture and cities. Santiago was amazing!

What makes PowderQuest different from the other options out there?

1.) PowderQuest team is fantastic. From Suzi in the office to the guides to the owner David being a part of our trip, every step of the way I was impressed.

2.) Trip itineraries are top notch. I compared this trip with all the other options out there for 6 years! PowderQuest was the best choice by far.

3.) PowderQuest holds daily meetings with the group to keep clients informed of options and includes them in decision making.

4.) This trip was some of the best powder and snowboarding of my life

How confident did you feel on the mountain under the leadership of the PowderQuest guides?

I felt 110% confident. Mo as the lead guide was unbelievable and I have never met a guide like him on all the trips I have been on.  The avalanche safety talk was the best I have ever been a part of.

How did you enjoy your PowderQuest group? 

(Artur signed up alone for this trip)

Amazing. I had the feeling like we had known each other for ever. The PowderQuest crew and group were one big family. I would definitely do another trip with this same group.

Summer Ski Escape Crew refueling for a big afternoon

Any final words of advice to help people who are still wondering if they should take a PowderQuest trip for 2012?

You need to always be reaching for your goals and remembering what is important in life. Everything is possible. Life is short, live your dreams!

Thank you Artur and we cant wait to make some turns with you in Argentina for 2012!

At PowderQuest we specialize in providing itineraries that are limited to 8 clients per group with 2 fully certified bi-lingual guides. Spaces fill quickly and many have already booked for the upcoming 2012 season. Click HERE for a full list of trips still available for 2012.

Don't put it off another year, make your South America ski and snowboard dreams a reality this year with PowderQuest.

Please contact us at info@PowderQuest.com or give us a call tollfree at 1-888-565-7158 with any additional questions or to put your deposit down today.

Artur getting the powder turns he has been dreaming of ... in August!

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Eye Of The Condor 2011 at La Parva Chile

During the 2011 season one of the most innovative ski contests to date was launched by La Parva ski area in South America. 

The Eye of the Condor was an event held in South America where teams from the ski industry were invited to the Andes mountain range in Chile to ski La Parva to see who could capture the best photos and create the best video over the course of a week.

Here is the winning video thats gives a great look at all the amazing terrain that can be accessed at La Parva Ski Resort. 

The gallery of the winning photos can be found Here


Everyone from ESPN to Powder Magazine to The Ski Channel stepped in with articles covering the event.


PowderQuest offers several action packed South America ski and snowboard trips that allow clients to ski La Parva and experience some of the amazing terrain asseen in the photos and the videos.


Give us a call tollfree at 888-565-7158 or email us at info@PowderQuest.com to help plan your 2012 guided or unguided trip to ski and snowboard La Parva today.

PowderQuest Frontier Las Lenas - Multiple checks on the bucketlist in ONE trip!

Ski Chile & Argentina in one amazing adventure? Check


Skiing & Snowboarding in South America ... during the North American summer? Check


Hit Valle Nevado, Portillo, Arpa Cat Skiing & Las Lenas in one action packed trip? Check


Ability to cut lift lines in Las Lenas AND catskiing to get you first crack at the goods? Check



The 12 day Frontier Las Lenas adventure from PowderQuest delivers all these checks and then some.

Need some more convincing? Push Play on the video below and enjoy. Extreme Expedition at Las Lenas is included as part of the package among many other things.

2012 dates are set and timed to take full advantage of the legendary Santa Rosa storm cycle. 

Running from August 28th - September 8th this 12 day ski and snowboard adventure of a lifetime in one of a kind. This is the year to make your South America ski and snowboard dreams a reality.

This PowderQuest exclusive trip offering fills each year so dont wait to get your deposit in. Please email info@PowderQuest.com or give us a call toll free at 1-888-565-7188 with any questions.