South America Travel Tips: Part 2
What to Pack, What to Expect, and What DPS Skis to Bring
So you’ve booked the trip. Now you need to begin thinking about what to actually bring. In this guide, we’ll walk you through the best gear to have, how to decide which skis to bring, and other ways to prepare.
According to DPS athlete Chris Davenport, South America skiing is less about chasing endless powder and more about embracing a wide range of conditions.
Mid-winter in the Andes, typically July through early September, can bring everything from storm cycles and powder days to warm sunshine and spring corn.
Unlike many North American ski destinations, much of South America skiing happens above treeline.
That means wide-open alpine terrain, incredible visibility on good days, and flatter light when storms move in.
For first-time visitors, Davenport recommends hiring a guide for at least a day or two to learn the terrain and maximize your time on snow. Since there aren’t many trails that are cut tree runs like in North America, it can be tricky to navigate directions on your own. A guide will help you to get the lay of the land initially.
What Skis Should You Bring?
For most trips, versatility wins. First, determine if you’ll be traveling with one or two pairs of skis. If you can only bring one, make it something versatile enough to handle mixed conditions. However, Davenport prefers traveling with two ski setups: a wider ski and a narrower option, having one paired with a touring setup if backcountry access is part of the plan.
Chris Davenport’s DPS Ski Picks:
Option 1: Pagoda Tour CFL 105 or Kaizen 105
Option 2: Pisteworks 94
Our Argentinian freeride athlete Santi Guzmán takes a similar approach.
If bringing one ski, he recommends something versatile enough to have fun in a wide array of conditions, like the Kaizen 105 or Pagoda Tour CFL 105. The 105 shape remains one of our favorite tools for handling the mix of powder, firm snow, corn, and touring access that South America often delivers.
But if you have the space to bring two pairs, you’re even better off.
A wider ski for storm days paired with an everyday option makes for an ideal quiver
“Bring two pairs of skis. A powder ski, and something in the 100–105 range for everyday skiing. With those two things, you’re pretty covered.” - Santi Guzman
For skiers expecting deeper days, something like the Koala 111 offers versatility across changing snow, but is still a dedicated powder ski to make the most of any potential for deep snow.
Pack Light, Ski More
When it comes to clothing and gear, their advice is simple:
Keep it light.
South America tends to stay warmer than midwinter North America, meaning you’ll want layers for sunny spring-like afternoons. But is is winter after all, so don't skimp on warmer layers for colder storm days.
A few essentials:
- Spring and winter gloves
- Low-light and sunny lenses
- A lightweight layering system
- Touring gear if you plan to leave the resort
Be ready for whatever winter throws at you while skiing in the middle of summer!
