faqs  


When is the Chilean winter season?

The snow season in Chile is during the Northern Hemisphere’s summer. That’s the beauty of S.I.C. Tours. Get out of the heat and into the powder. Typically, Chile’s snow season begins mid June and finishes mid October. During epic seasons, riders can enjoy powder conditions until November. The best conditions can generally be found July through mid September, with the famous Santa Rosa storm striking late August or early September.

What are the conditions like in Chile?
The mountains of Chile are part of the Andes Mountain Chain. Generally speaking, giant storms come from the west, traveling thousands of miles across the Pacific Ocean to dump huge amounts of snow, sometimes meters deep, in short bursts across the Andes. In between storm systems, Chile is often blessed with bluebird skies and this is when we can really enjoy the dry Chilean powder.

What abilities are S.I.C. Tours’ trips for?
We can assure you that riders of all levels will be happy in Chile.  The mountains we take our guests to will satisfy everyone from the noobs looking for easy cruisers to the back-country powder hounds in search of the steepest chutes.

Are there VISA requirements to enter Chile?

When arriving by air, there is a one-time reciprocity fee for US, Canadian, and Australian passport holders to enter Chile.US citizens must pay a reciprocity fee of $100 (cash or credit card accepted), valid for the life of the passport (i.e. come visit Chile again). The Chilean government charges this fee in response to one charged by the US for Chileans entering the US. Canadians pay a $55 entry fee, payable in cash or credit card, also good for the life of the passport; and Australians $30US, payable in cash and valid for 90 days. There is no fee for EU or New Zealand residents. All guests must have valid passports and S.I.C. Tours also suggests that you have a photocopy of your passport at all times.

What are the travel arrangements within Chile?
S.I.C. Tours handles all traveling within Chile.  A professional driver will be waiting for you in the airport upon your arrival and will transport you and your group between the S.I.C. Crib and the mountain with the best conditions each day. We can also drive your group to artisan markets, museums, and other attractions if so desired. We’ll even drop you off at the airport before your departure.

Is there Internet access?
Internet cafes are cheap, normally very fast, and can be found in most places we visit.

 

 

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What is the best way to convert currency?
We recommend using the widely available ATM machines to obtain cash in the local currency, the Chilean Peso. Travelers’ checks are sometimes difficult to exchange so are not suggested to use as a primary source of obtaining money. Major credit cards can also be used at many places but it is always good to have pesos. If you elect to use a money exchange office (Casa de Cambio), we recommend carrying only $20 bills, as larger denominations may be a problem.

What do we do if Mother Nature does not cooperate?
In extremely rare circumstances, sometimes there are days when riding is simply not worth it. Huge storms or strong winds may cause poor visibility or force ski patrol to close the lifts. S.I.C Tours’ guides will try to organize alternate activities for these unusual days. We can take our guests to artisan markets, national parks, wine vineyards, and maybe even beaches! We can be flexible when the weather is not cooperating. We will cover the extra expenses occurred by these activities although we don’t refund the cost of lift tickets.

What is not included in the price of the tour?
Flight to Chile
Most meals
Alcohol/partying
Gratuities to Guides & Drivers

Can we rent boards and/or other equipment in Chile?
There are shops at each resort that rent snowboards, boots, and bindings but we recommend bringing your own equipment, as it will surely be more comfortable. Chances are, the latest demo gear won’t be available in Chile but performance rentals are.

Is vegetarian food available in Chile?
Although meat (and some of the most delicious meat in the world, at that) is the staple of many South American countries’ diets, most of the restaurants we visit have fish and vegetarian options available. Many fruits and vegetable are also found in Chile. Don’t forget to try some of Chile’s famous seafood empanadas as well.

Your session dates don’t work for me. Can you customize a tour for my group?
We would love to make a custom tour for you and your group. Let us know if you have something in mind and we’ll use our Chilean connections to create a spectacular, once in a lifetime adventure (unless you decide to come back next year of course). 

Can I stay longer after the tour has ended?
Of course you can. Let us know for how long you plan on staying and we’ll help you find the best way to experience Chile. We enjoy many other activities outside of snowboarding, including traveling, hiking, and surfing. We can book hotels/hostels, bus travel, etc for you anywhere in Chile, and even in other South American countries.