Ice Climbing in Voipir Glacier

Ice climbing in Voipir Glacier, west face of Villarrica Volcano

Ice climbing in Voipir Glacier is one of the most atractive tours in the area. Combining multiple mountain disciplines, it is perfect for beginners, as well as people with ice climbing experience. Our expert guides will take through the whole tour with safety and confidence, depending on your own experience level.

Firstly, we hike through native forest for approximately 1 to 2 hours, with coihue, lenga, and araucaria trees. The sound of different birds will be our company, and if we get lucky, the Magallanic Woodpecker will be visible. Once we get to the edge of the forest, volcanic terrain starts and the trail becomes less clear. Walking through volcanic sand and rocks, soon we reach the glacier going down West side of Villarrica Volcano.

Here, our professional guide gives the indications necessary about the place and the equipment. We equip ourselves with all the ice climbing gear; crampons, ice axe, helmet, harness, rope. Walking over the glacier is an intense experience, each person testing their own mountaneering abilities, getting used to walking on the hard, blue ice, while we look for a cravasse to climb in. Once we find a good wall to climb in, the guide creates a masterpoint to attach the rope to and the group can climb up the steep ice walls with the ice climbing tools and crampons. We can repeat the ascent multiple times, or move the group to a different crevasse and try a different route.

This adventure is a fullday tour, with time for amazing pictures. The descent is through the same path we came through. 

Check the forecast for Voipir Glacier here.

A starting time of around 6am is normal, but we organize each trip directly with our clients.

7 to 9 hours of tour in total. This activity can be done throughout the whole year. In summer, we explore the cravesses and in winter we can combine this. activity with ski or snowshoes.

Trip Includes

• Professional, local mountain guides
• Private transport
• Technical equipment 
  
  • Helmet
  • Ice axe
  • Crampons
  • Mountain boots
  • Windproof pants
  • Windproof jacket
  • Liner gloves
  • Snow mittens
  • Protective gaiters
  • 40 liter backpack
  • Gas mask
  • Sliding protection

• Entrance to the park
•  VHF Communication
• Accident insurance

The equipment you must bring: long sleeve hiking clothing, jacket, sunglasses, sunscreen, water (1.5 liter minimum), and food.

We recommend to always consult with our guides previously on what to wear, depending on the season.