Backcountry Skiing in Ecuador: Top Outdoor Adventures Awaiting You

Ecuador is a South American country that sits on the equator, but its mountains are a great place for ski touring and backcountry trips. Many of the volcanoes rise to high altitudes, so you can ski through a few great obstacles on one trip. The highest climbs include Chimborazo, Cotopaxi, and Cayambe, and while they aren’t particularly technical, you should be prepared for some challenging climbs. Acclimatization is a large part of these trips, so planning extra days for these backcountry trips is vital. Ambitious backcountry skiers may have the opportunity to include rock climbing and hiking onto their programs.

Far Out Adventure!

Actually - the furthest out adventure! If you head to Cayambe (5,790m), you will be skiing on the world's highest spot on the equator, cruising down the mountain from the most distant point on Earth's axis. Not to be outdone, the top of Chimborazo (6,268m) is considered the point furthest away from the center of the Earth. Ski both of them and cover all of your far out bases.

Avenue of Scenery!

The Avenue of the Volcanoes is a special place to visit, and a more exciting destination to ski. Programs will include acclimatization, so you have time to explore the glaciers and surrounding mountainside. Skiing down these tall volcanoes while looking out at the surrounding peaks is the ultimate awe-inspiring view.

Triple Crown!

The indomitable trio of Chimborazo, Cotopaxi, and Cayambe presents a unique opportunity for daring powder hounds to complete the "Triple Crown" and ski down all three volcanoes. This challenging task allows drops from over 6,000 meters, traversing some glaciated terrain, and viewing some of the extraordinary vista of Cayambe Coca Ecological Reserve. Three times the rewards all in one country!

The weather varies mostly according to altitude. The mountains and volcanoes will be cold, enough to keep a snow cap on Cayambe. The rest of the country can be hot in the summer around Quito, the coast, and in the rain forest. Dry season lasts from May to December, while the other months constitute the rainy season.

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Flying into Quito is the best way to start a backcountry skiing program. It is within 100 kilometers of Cayambe to the northeast, and within 70 kilometers of the gateway to Cotopaxi. There is also an international airport in Guayaquil to the southwest.

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The best time to go backcountry skiing in Ecuador is November and December. Some October and January programs can be safe, fun, and all-around satisfying as well.