Conguillio National Park in spring
Spring
Spring starts in mid September and finishes at the beginnning of December but with coming of climate change, August can have temperatures and weather suitable for cross-country skiing/splitboard or trekking with snowshoes in National Park Conguillío, although the daylight hours are still short.
Access
Conguillío National Park is usually closed to vehicular and pedestrian traffic in winter and when there is significant snow fall. It can be accessed vía Sierra Nevada mountain on foot from the back of the Thermal baths in Malalcahuello (Las Termas de Malalcahuello), or in coordination with the owners of cabins Chile Wild-Las Vertientes de Malalcahuello.
Another access point is the ski centre Las Araucarias 82km from Temuco vía Vilcun and Cherquenco or vía Curacautín. From the south, the access is vía Melipueco. The authorities in charge of the Park, CONAF, close the tracks for security reasons.
Security
It is recommended to hire a local guide who knows the area intimately, if you are not familiar the area. Local guides have the experience necessary to keep you safe and avoid unnecessary dangers.
Spring can be a dangerous time when avalanches occur and where crevasses may be hidden by a thin covering of snow. The tools necessary from a safety point of view, include an avalanche beacon, probe and a shovel. However, these may not be very useful if you have not advised the authorities (CONAF 56 452298114 – 452298149), and your family of the details of your route and expected time of arrival. Local guides and topographic maps of the National Park Conguillío can be obtained from the owners of cabins Chile Wild- Las Vertientes de Malalcahuello.
