Snowshoes are the oldest and simplest trick in winter mountain travel: they spread your weight over a larger surface so you stop sinking. With them, terrain that would otherwise be exhausting becomes walkable, and the season when the volcano’s flanks are at their best opens up.
You do not need to ski, you do not need technique, and there are no falls involved. If you can walk, you can snowshoe — it takes five minutes to explain at the start.
How the day works
We climb the snow-covered slopes of Villarrica, away from the pistes and the noise of the machinery. The silence of a snowed-in forest is a concrete thing: snow absorbs sound, and suddenly all you hear is your own breathing and the crunch of the snowshoes.
The route mixes forest sections with open ground looking out over the lake and the surrounding volcanoes. The pace is slow, with stops, because walking on snow is more tiring than it looks.
It is a half-day trip, which in winter means using the middle hours — the best light and the best temperature.
How hard is it
Moderate. The technique is nil, but the effort is not: walking on soft snow with snowshoes burns considerably more energy than firm ground, and there is elevation gain.
Normal fitness is enough to enjoy it. You do not need to be an athlete, but you should be used to walking.
When to go
This is a winter trip and depends directly on snow. The usual season runs roughly June to September and varies each year with the weather.
The best day is a clear one just after a snowfall: fresh snow, clean sky and the volcanoes in view. Worth asking about conditions before fixing a date.
What to bring
- Waterproof trousers — you will sit in the snow, guaranteed
- Layers: base layer, fleece and a windproof shell
- Waterproof gloves and a warm hat
- Spare socks in your pack
- Sunglasses: light on snow is harsh even under cloud
- Sunscreen, for the same reason
- High boots if you have them; otherwise footwear that can get wet
Snowshoes and poles are provided.
