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Testimonials
“Lucky is the only word that describes having Ian as our guide. If we didn’t have his support and expertise we would have been totally lost in Chile. He knew every mountain like the back of his hand no matter what the snow conditions. He is always able to find some fun powder and terrain even in overcast 60mph windy days. Another thing I was stoked on was Ian's knowledge of his native country. It was more than just a snowboarding experience. He took us to some insane spots in Santiago and a really cool sea port. We ate amazing food and drank a few too many Pisco Sours.
The moment I was really thanking god for having Ian as our guide was when one of our crew dislocated his shoulder. With our rudimentary Spanish we were unable to communicate with ski patrol and even tell them what was wrong. Ian stepped in and saved the day. He helped out with ski patrol and spent the rest of his day at the hospital making sure our friend was taken care of. I seriously don’t know what would have happened had he not been there with us.
Having Ian as a guide was epic on and off the mountain. I just wish I could have stayed for a month instead of a week. See ya next year!”
Jonathan ”Junior” Kantor
Oakley Sales Rep
“I dislocated my arm while hitting a big backcountry kicker in Chile. Ian was instrumental in helping me navigate the Chilean healthcare system. He was with me every step of the way. At the hospital Ian translated the doctor’s comments and helped keep me calm. I would have been in serious trouble had Ian not been our guide. He even helped me negotiate a cheaper bill! I highly recommend Steep and Deep when riding in Chile”
Greg Zolman
Stock Broker NYC
Steep-n-deep powder tours; truly the adventure of a lifetime! When I stepped off the plane I had no idea what to expect, the sea of Spanish speaking people was intimidating but as soon as I saw my guide, Ian, I immediately relaxed and knew I was destined for a good time. That first night we explored the city of Santiago, and I was blown away by the delicious food, sights of the city, and amazing Chilean culture.
Our first mountain stop was Termas de Chillan, and this is where I was left breathless. The pure beauty of the massive mountains was like nothing I had seen before. Many times as we were snowboarding I would take a moment, sit down in the snow and wonder at the beauty. Ian’s knowledge of the mountains backcountry was amazing and resulted in endless powder and phenomenal views.
As my ten days in Chile flew by my Spanish speaking abilities increased a tiny bit, but my love and appreciation for the Chilean culture and Steep-n-deep powder tours soared. I realized that I would have never been able to do this on my own. Being guided by a Native Chilean, fluent in both English and Spanish, is a remarkable advantage. Ian knows the land, the people, AND knows how to have a good time. He was kind and courteous, and always considered the groups ability level. In considering the groups ability level he seemed to know the perfect way to take you out of your comfort zone and show you how to push your limits.
All in all my steep-n-deep powder tour turned out to be the best ten days of my life. I would recommend this trip to anyone with an adventurous streak and as soon as I have another opportunity to get back to Chile, I’m taking it. Do yourself a favor, take a Steep-n-deep powder tour and have the time of your live; you owe it to yourself!!!
Kaitlyn Hummel
Asst. Manager Vertical Bliss
Killington VT
For over 15 years ive been trying to get to the southern hemisphere to shred in the summertime. Since I saw the movie riders on the storm with chris roach and terje ripping Valle Nevado. So finally in 2007 I made my decision to go. We knew the best way to go was with somebody who was local. That’s when I got in touch with steep and deep. Ian and his crew filled us in on everything we needed to know to start planning our trip. It took about 5 minutes of talking to him to be convinced.
While the spring snow was melting on the east coast we had our trip completely planned for the last two weeks of august. With a short flight to Miami it was a quick six hours to Santiago-where Steep and Deep met us on the other side of customs. Hotel and car arrangements were all arranged for us we didn’t have to do a thing. The first day we bounced around Santiago taken in many of the historic and scenic spots all while indulging in the local food and drink.
The next day we headed up to Valle Nevado. Skies were blue and there was 2 feet of fresh, couldn’t really get a better first day. For the next 2 weeks we ripped all local resorts and some backcountry as well as taking a break in the middle to go to vina del mar on the coast. Catching live shows and great nightlife on the coast. Back in the mountains for la chimanaya and some of the illest sunsets ive ever seen. Having my last café con piernes I hated leaving.
After traveling around the world , I have to say this was the best place ive been from the culture to the mountains and a great guided tour gave us the most unreal experience. If you have a passion for life and a love for the mountains you have to get steep and deep!
Brian Moellman
Manager 802 snowboard shop
Burlington VT
In 2007 after concluding my winter riding season in Killington Vermont I felt the desire to keep riding. I had heard from friends in Killington that a friend of there’s nick named Chile spent our summer months giving Skiing and Riding tours in Chile South America. After contacting Ian of Steep & Deep Powder Tours we arranged to meet in Santiago for two weeks late July and early August. Ian explained he was from New Jersey born in Chile and spoke both English and Spanish. He had been running the Tours for several years and used the Chilean winters to connect with his family there as well.
We started out using a hotel in Santiago as our hub the weather there was fall like so Ian and I walked and visited the sites and the history lesson began. I knew then I had made the right choice in choosing a guide. His passion and knowledge of his country and culture brought so much more to the experience. We stayed in the Mountains enjoying breath taking sites and beautiful snow. Our Hotel was at the base of El Colorado so getting on any of the three mountains was a few steps out the door. With Ian’s knowledge of the mountains we would ride in many areas laying first tracks admiring our work on the way up again for more. We enjoyed many a sunset from 13,000’ where the sky remained a powerful red/pink glow for hours changing the entire mountains to pink snow. We hiked up a peak to pick a traverse point over to El Colorado with Eagle’s above us 20’ away. We toured the North Country enjoying miles of beautiful vineyards and avocado fields. Spending a few days on the coast line staying in Vina del Mar a beautiful resort community on the Pacific, eating and enjoying awesome seafood and excellent wines at a fraction of what I was accustomed to spending. I was treated like family as we visited with Ian’s relatives and friends for lunch and dinner.
I came away from this trip with a new life time friend whose company I continue to enjoy, beautiful memories and quite the photo album. Ian’s ability as an expert rider/photographer is something to see, the camera keeps on going no matter what the terrain.
I would strongly recommend Step and Deep Power Tours and Ian Gil to anyone looking for a not so main stream Ski or Boarding experience of a life time. The bus ride up and down the mountain and the views alone are worth the trip. I found everything about the Andes to be god like, naturally preserved and timeless truly Heaven on Earth.
Tony Urbano
Owner of Earth Materials
From the stunning shores of Viña del Mar, to the port city of Valparaíso, all the way to Santiago and beyond into the boundless Andes, there is no sight in Chile that would fail to impress even the most experienced of travelers.
With the first day of riding providing us with over three feet of fresh and endless powder on El Colorado and Valle Nevado each day we rode, Chile is any snowboarder’s dream come true. Looking over the edge of Valle Nevado you get a feeling that cannot be matched by any mountain that I have ever ridden. Before you even reach the end of your first run, you will be able to realize why Ian has such a strong passion for both the sport and his country. His vast knowledge of both the past and the present of his country proves to be more than useful both on and off of the mountains. Navigating not only down the mountains, but through the endless grid of city streets and rustic countryside roads, Ian’s information and expertise will allow you to sit back and “enjoy the ride” while gaining insight on a new country and have nonstop fun while doing so. Not only will you learn about another culture, but Ian will actually encourage you to engage in the culture, including learning some of the language and using it with the natives, as well as pushing you just the right amount on the mountain to improve your skills and ability level while having fun.
Throughout the trip, we ate at restaurants and saw sights that people would not be able to discover from any AAA tour book. The nightlife was exciting, and each day revealed new, gorgeous sights to be seen. Being guided by Ian, a native Chilean, you are able to receive the true, traditional Chilean experience and have a kick ass time doing so. Having travelled to many places around the world, I can truly say that Chile has been by far my favorite trip to date, and I plan on using Steep-N-Deep for many more Chilean adventures in the future. From endless plates of seafood to free flowing Pisco Sours, breath-taking sights rich in Chilean culture and history, to the exhilarating nightlife…I challenge you to NOT have the time of your life…
Laura Kozel
UVM, college student
