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 .