“Evolution”
A Note from the Owner
My name is Donny Roth and I am the owner of Chile Powder Adventures. I am originally from the U.S., but now I call Chile home. I’ve been guiding here every winter since 2004. I first came here looking for adventures in snow-covered mountains during the northern summer season. To use an expression translated from the Spanish… I was enchanted. Chile is a dramatic place. Whether we are referring to the topography, the geology, the weather, the climate, socio-economic development, or political history, it is a dynamic environment where the extremes can be seen and felt in very short distances or periods of time. Even after more than twenty winters here, this place feels like more of an adventure every year. I am here for the foreseeable future and remain committed to helping people create their own adventures in these mountains.
The global pandemic brought about by the COVID-19 outbreak prevented me from guiding for two seasons. It was an opportunity for me to reflect. After four seasons (‘04-‘07) of working at the ski resort of Portillo, as well as a bit of heli-ski guiding with Powder South, I started Chile Powder Adventures because I wanted more people to experience the challenge and rewards of ski touring in the Chilean Andes. Beyond adventure, I wanted to uphold the standards (both in terms of safety and satisfaction) of my background in world-class ski resorts and a rigorous education and certification process. It was a wonderful ten years of exploring mountains, hot springs, food, lodging and much more with amazing guests, many of whom I now call friends.
I returned to guiding for the seasons of 2022 and 2023, but in a very limited capacity. It felt different. In many ways, Chile has changed dramatically since I first arrived. Undoubtedly, much of this change is for the better. The roads, telecommunications, weather forecasts, food options and general safety have all greatly improved. In many ways, this makes guiding much easier—and you can see this is the number of guides now offering trips here. But there are new challenges, too. Chile is an expensive for a “developing” country and prices are rising quickly. This affects how I have to charge and therefore “who” can afford to ski with me. The climate is changing, too. Winters are undeniably warmer and less predictable. I am not naïve to my role in this and want to do better in the future. And finally, I am also changing. Physically, mentally and emotionally, I am not the same as I was even five years ago. Most of this change is positive and actually makes me a better guide, but there are negative aspect I have to acknowledge, as well. The recipe I had used successfully for so many years no longer worked because the ingredients had changed.
Looking ahead, it is obvious to me that Chile Powder Adventures has to adapt. I have to evolve to be successful in a different environment. This website will be the expression of that evolution. That said, my mission remains exactly the same. The following statement has been the header of this website for five years, and it still rings true…
Human-powered skiing in Chile. My goals: to inspire you to get off the beaten path; to create a truly rewarding ski experience; and share the culture and landscape of this beautiful place. Let me share my experience, local knowledge, professionalism and passion for skiing with you!
While my mission hasn’t changed, how I go about accomplishing that will. Whether you are coming for a big adventure on a tight budget; a successful professional looking to unplug for a bit; a sponsored skier or social media influencer looking to create a story; a certified ski or mountain guide coming with your own clients; or a young guide trying to get started, I would like to offer my experience, skills and knowledge to help you succeed here in Chile. If you are curious, you can continue reading below…
A Note from the Owner
My name is Donny Roth and I am the owner of Chile Powder Adventures. I am originally from the U.S., but now I call Chile home. I’ve been guiding here every winter since 2004. I first came here looking for adventures in snow-covered mountains during the northern summer season. To use an expression translated from the Spanish… I was enchanted. Chile is a dramatic place. Whether we are referring to the topography, the geology, the weather, the climate, socio-economic development, or political history, it is a dynamic environment where the extremes can be seen and felt in very short distances or periods of time. Even after more than twenty winters here, this place feels like more of an adventure every year. I am here for the foreseeable future and remain committed to helping people create their own adventures in these mountains.
The global pandemic brought about by the COVID-19 outbreak prevented me from guiding for two seasons. It was an opportunity for me to reflect. After four seasons (‘04-‘07) of working at the ski resort of Portillo, as well as a bit of heli-ski guiding with Powder South, I started Chile Powder Adventures because I wanted more people to experience the challenge and rewards of ski touring in the Chilean Andes. Beyond adventure, I wanted to uphold the standards (both in terms of safety and satisfaction) of my background in world-class ski resorts and a rigorous education and certification process. It was a wonderful ten years of exploring mountains, hot springs, food, lodging and much more with amazing guests, many of whom I now call friends.
I returned to guiding for the seasons of 2022 and 2023, but in a very limited capacity. It felt different. In many ways, Chile has changed dramatically since I first arrived. Undoubtedly, much of this change is for the better. The roads, telecommunications, weather forecasts, food options and general safety have all greatly improved. In many ways, this makes guiding much easier—and you can see this is the number of guides now offering trips here. But there are new challenges, too. Chile is an expensive for a “developing” country and prices are rising quickly. This affects how I have to charge and therefore “who” can afford to ski with me. The climate is changing, too. Winters are undeniably warmer and less predictable. I am not naïve to my role in this and want to do better in the future. And finally, I am also changing. Physically, mentally and emotionally, I am not the same as I was even five years ago. Most of this change is positive and actually makes me a better guide, but there are negative aspect I have to acknowledge, as well. The recipe I had used successfully for so many years no longer worked because the ingredients had changed.
Looking ahead, it is obvious to me that Chile Powder Adventures has to adapt. I have to evolve to be successful in a different environment. This website will be the expression of that evolution. That said, my mission remains exactly the same. The following statement has been the header of this website for five years, and it still rings true…
Human-powered skiing in Chile. My goals: to inspire you to get off the beaten path; to create a truly rewarding ski experience; and share the culture and landscape of this beautiful place. Let me share my experience, local knowledge, professionalism and passion for skiing with you!
While my mission hasn’t changed, how I go about accomplishing that will. Whether you are coming for a big adventure on a tight budget; a successful professional looking to unplug for a bit; a sponsored skier or social media influencer looking to create a story; a certified ski or mountain guide coming with your own clients; or a young guide trying to get started, I would like to offer my experience, skills and knowledge to help you succeed here in Chile. If you are curious, you can continue reading below…
version 2024: Adventure for Everyone!
Chile Powder Adventures will now offer a wider range of products and services in order to be more inclusive, even in a much more challenging environment. Continue reading below to explore the variety of ways I would like to help you find an adventure in Chile. Additionally, you can find more information about Chile Powder Adventures in the links in the footer. Thank you for spending a few minutes here. I truly hope I can help you have a fantastic experience in this dramatic country.
How can I help you?
1. Pointing You in the Right Direction
A simple, online guide to the “classic lines” of Chile. It is intended to be a first step for those who are curious about skiing in Chile—especially those whom are looking for an unguided adventure of their own. Clean, simple and well organized, it’s a good start for inspiration and information.
A simple, online guide to the “classic lines” of Chile. It is intended to be a first step for those who are curious about skiing in Chile—especially those whom are looking for an unguided adventure of their own. Clean, simple and well organized, it’s a good start for inspiration and information.
2. Sharing My Extensive Knowledge
If you’re looking for more information than the public access, simple, online guide provides, then I am happy to share more in-depth information. This is an advanced, digital guide with some interaction included. It goes beyond the mountain and includes a wealth of knowledge for the surrounding area. It is literally everything I know about the skiing, the access, and the valley below.
If you’re looking for more information than the public access, simple, online guide provides, then I am happy to share more in-depth information. This is an advanced, digital guide with some interaction included. It goes beyond the mountain and includes a wealth of knowledge for the surrounding area. It is literally everything I know about the skiing, the access, and the valley below.
3. Logistical & Strategy Planning
When traveling in the developing world, there are always questions and concerns—things unknown. I am available to help you address those and more. I want to help you make better choices, feel prepared, and know that you’ve got “a friend” in Chile.
When traveling in the developing world, there are always questions and concerns—things unknown. I am available to help you address those and more. I want to help you make better choices, feel prepared, and know that you’ve got “a friend” in Chile.
4. Private Guiding
Going forward, I am going to go back to my roots and focus on truly adventurous experiences. I will offer guided experiences that are truly unique. As before, I will remain dedicated to small groups of people who have chosen to travel and ski together. I will not offer fixed itineraries for random people to join. I will work with you to create an experience that you can’t find anywhere else.
Going forward, I am going to go back to my roots and focus on truly adventurous experiences. I will offer guided experiences that are truly unique. As before, I will remain dedicated to small groups of people who have chosen to travel and ski together. I will not offer fixed itineraries for random people to join. I will work with you to create an experience that you can’t find anywhere else.
5. Coaching & Instruction
Ski touring and ski mountaineering are challenging activities. There’s a tremendous amount to learn in order to travel in the mountains comfortably, confidently and safely. Whether you are a total novice or heading for your guiding exams, I can set you up for success in the coming northern winter.
Ski touring and ski mountaineering are challenging activities. There’s a tremendous amount to learn in order to travel in the mountains comfortably, confidently and safely. Whether you are a total novice or heading for your guiding exams, I can set you up for success in the coming northern winter.
6. Mentoring, Collaboration & Partnerships
If you are a professional—guide, aspirant, athlete, writer, media producer, equipment company, etc.—and you are looking to come to Chile for a reason, a season or a lifetime, I am happy to help.
If you are a professional—guide, aspirant, athlete, writer, media producer, equipment company, etc.—and you are looking to come to Chile for a reason, a season or a lifetime, I am happy to help.