Eleven Rio Palena Lodge Heli-Ski Pre-Arrival Guide

ELEVEN RIO PALENA LODGE P R E -A R R I VA L H E L I - S K I P L A N N I N G G U I D E

1

WELCOME We are thrilled that you have chosen Eleven® for your upcoming trip! Your Experience Team will be here every step of the way to design and customize your once-in-a-lifetime adventure. We are excited to share our home with you. We’ll introduce you to all of our favorite winter adventures. Whether you are exploring the area’s heli-ski terrain, soaking in the wood-fired hot tubs, or enjoying a book by the fire, there is never a dull moment. We are here to ensure that you are smiling at the end of every day, taking on new challenges, and savoring time with friends and family.

We believe that when you stay with us, Eleven becomes your home away from home. Come feel a sense of place in our remote region of Patagonia, and a warm connection with our local team. We look forward to meeting you and curating your next grand adventure.

- The Experience Team

2

33

TABLE OF CONTENTS ABOUT THE PROPERTY

page 6

Lodging Overview | A Day in the Life

ADVENTURE OVERVIEW

page 8

Heli-Ski Details | Activities Guide

FOOD AND DRINK

page 12

Rio Palena Lodge Culinary

WEATHER & PACKING TIPS

page 14

Geography and Climate |How to Pack

TRAVEL TIPS page 16 Airport Information

ABOUT THE LOCATION

page 18

Information about Chilean Culture | Puerto Varas Hotel and Restaurant Recommendations

NEED TO KNOW

page 22

Communication | Documentation Currency | Gratuities | Electricity Timezone | Eleven Contact Information

RIO PALENA LODGE CONTACT INFORMATION ELEVEN SALES TEAM

reservations@elevenexperience.com

+1 800.903.7761 (Toll-Free) | +1 970.237.5985 (International) EXPERIENCE TEAM ChileExperienceTeam@elevenexperience.com

ELEVENEXPERIENCE.COM

4

5

ABOUT THE PROPERTY

LODGING OVERVIEW RIO PALENA LODGE Rio Palena Lodge, hidden along the banks of the Palena River, is a Patagonian oasis outfitted with woodfired hot tubs, native stone fireplaces, and traditional interiors—the perfect place to kick back and relax after an action-packed day of adventure.

PROPERTY DETAILS • • • •

6

35-acre riverfront property 7 guests suites with private bathrooms Double and single occupancy rooms 3 wood-burning fireplaces inside the lodge with views of the Andes

• • • •

Wood-fired sauna and hot tubs River facing outdoor deck and patio with quincho for Patagonian Asados Gear drying room Capacity: 6 guests

ROOM DETAILS PALENA

TIGRE

Palena, situated on the second floor, is the crown jewel of Rio Palena Lodge. The only room with a living room, spacious private balcony, TV, and wet bar with snacks, Palena is an exquisitely appointed king ensuite with a steam shower and breathtaking views from a series of projecting windows, including ones framing the double sink vanity. Remote-controlled shades, extensive closets, and a fold-out couch offer an abundance of conveniences, while hard-wood ceilings and Chilean-made textiles create a quintessential Patagonian ambiance.

Tigre’s versatile layout can be configured with one king bed or two twin beds to accommodate guest preferences. Vivid red hues add an unmistakable exuberance to the room, while white-washed walls are nuanced by heavy wooden ceiling structures. Its location on the second floor gives guests impeccable river views, and an en suite bathroom with the same red flair ties Tigre together in both form and function.

AZUL Azul’s river views are arguably the most idyllic.

Located on the first floor, this king suite with a bathtub and steam shower receives an excellent amount of natural light that illuminates the culturally forward room design with a touch of the outdoors. Its personal balcony, largescale ensuite bathroom with a double sink, and insulation from any exterior noise makes it a truly serene hideout that envelops guests in Chile’s signature style.

ROSSELOT Rosselot’s angulated wooden ceiling, leather couch, and confident splashes of color make it a unique reprieve. A tailor-made headboard fashioned from Chilean rugs frames the king bed, while local cement tiles line the ensuite bathroom and steam shower. A comfortable sitting area is the perfect place to relax and take in the captivating river views from this second-floor suite. As is custom at Rio Palena Lodge, Rosselot’s decor is heavily influenced by indigenous Chilean crafts.

TRANQUILO

Tranquilo, capable of accommodating two twin beds or one king bed, features an en suite bathroom and river views from its second-floor position. Reclining in Tranquilo’s bed gives you a particular downriver vantage point, a coveted view of guests at Rio Palena Lodge. Navy textile accents and a medley of creative patterns accompany a beautifully crafted headboard representative of the region’s native motifs.

MORO

Moro features a richly layered queen bed and en suite bathroom. Located on the first floor, the windows open up to views of the beautiful Palena River. Along with locally sourced art, regional decor steeped in character gives guests an uninterrupted experience of Chile.

Understated elements of elegance touch the room’s traditional yet artistic design, and promise a well-deserved respite after a day spent exploring Patagonia’s wild landscapes.

CORRENTOSO Correntoso offers immaculate garden views from the first floor, and features a queen bed and en suite bathroom with traditionally inspired cement tiles. Its bold yellow headboard, which was locally made and dyed with seasonal vegetables, is a defining factor of this room’s aesthetic. Correntoso’s intimate space provides an inviting hideaway that welcomes guests for a delightful rest following an unforgettable day.

7

PATAGONIA HELI-SKIING Skiing in this wild region of the Andes is for the thrill seekers, the pioneers, and the diehard riders.

Waking up with a private helicopter on the front lawn, surrounded by 2.3 million acres of snow-covered peaks makes this an unmatched heliskiing experience. Access to the ski terrain is less than a 10-minute heli ride away, with additional room to explore in every direction. Skiing above treeline with views of the rivers and valleys below is an all-encompassing sensation that is not easily duplicated. You’ll average 2,000-foot runs, bagging eight laps on our best days.

During this time of year, the lodge is clear of snow, which makes your helicopter ride into the blanketed expanses much like a portal into another world. Our maritime climate can bring fierce storms and clear up in an instant, leaving behind fresh snow under bluebird days. After a jam-packed day of skiing and an in-field lunch, Rio Palena Lodge greets you with everything you crave after a big alpine adventure—hot tubs, tasty après, roaring fires, and finally, a richly layered bed with no comfort spared.

THE DETAILS • • • • • • •

810

Ability level: Advanced to expert skiers, with a minimum age of 14 Average run vertical: 2k ft - 2.5k ft Terrain: Unlimited, remote terrain Flight time from lodge to terrain: 10 minutes Snow conditions: Powder/corn High point: 8,000 ft Eleven provides all avalanche safety equipment, skis, and poles but guests are required to bring their own ski boots

A DAY IN THE LIFE ADVENTURE AND RELAX Skiing the virgin mountains of Chilean Patagonia is nothing short of a fairytale. This remote operation, doused in epic views and limitless terrain, is so off-grid that you’ll be amongst the first to experience it. Incredible days of heli-skiing with our exceptional guides are followed by restorative soaks in the hot tub, regionally authentic meals, and the warmth of our team’s Chilean culture. Blending the best of extreme skiing and the finest of Patagonian amenities, Rio Palena Lodge is an adventure of a lifetime.

911

ADVENTURE GUIDE ADDITIONAL ACTIVITIES Getting out to ski is always the plan, and thanks to our expansive range of zones, is nearly always possible. But on days when the weather makes flying unsafe, we don’t just sit around and twiddle our thumbs—we’re set and ready to take on all of the adventures that our wild area offers. Even though the mountains are covered in snow, the lodge’s location in a lower elevation valley sees dry conditions, allowing for a slate of water and trail activities during this time of year.

HIKING

Patagonia takes hiking to a whole new level. The vastness of the terrain, untouched diversity of flora and fauna, and sheer volume of nature’s features are thoroughly mind bending. The guides at Rio Palena Lodge know exactly how to match your ideal slice of it all to a point on the map—whether it be a laid-back stroll to a nearby waterfall or heli-hiking on a just-discovered glacier. Variety can include old-growth forest walks, view-laden bluff overlooks, lakeside picnics, granite ridge heli-hiking, ropesassisted glacier mountaineering, and riverside trekking leading to 360-degree views of the Andes.

Activity Duration: 1-3 hours. Travel Time: 0-30 minutes. Experience Level: All Abilities.

STAND UP PADDLEBOARDING

From swift rivers to calm lakes, enjoying the water of Patagonia by SUP is a favorite at Rio Palena Lodge. Navigate the home waters of the Palena where it joins the Tigre through a deep canyon filled with waterfalls, cliffs, and rainforests; or opt for a leisurely paddle on Lago Negro, where reeds and grassy waters frame a relaxing scene perfect for spotting wildlife. A variety of other beats feature views of sandstone cliffs, glacier-tipped peaks, and the option to add on fishing, hiking or whitewater rafting for a full day of adventure.

Activity Duration: ~2 hours. Travel Time: 0 minutes. Experience Level: All Abilities.

WHITEWATER RAFTING

Rio Palena Lodge is situated just an hour drive from the Futaleufú River, which ranks in the top 5 whitewater rafting destinations in the world. Guests will be fully outfitted in dry suits and life jackets, ready to take on sustained Class-4 rapids on every section. Your seasoned guides know the in’s and out’s of this aggressive water, so you can enjoy an adrenaline-pumping experience in safe hands.

Activity Duration: 4-5 Hours ; Travel Time: Dependent on location Experience Level: Advanced. Public whitewater rafting is included in your stay; private whitewater rafting is available at an additional cost.

BIKING

This easygoing bike ride meanders from our Palena Camp along the quaint old road to Tranquilo Valley. Feel time slow down as you weave through cattle and sheep on your way to striking views and turquoise waters. This biking activity stands alone perfectly as a laid-back way to experience the lodge’s surroundings, or can be tacked onto a paddle adventure in duckies departing from the lodge.

Activity Duration: 1-3 hours. Travel Time: 0-30 minutes. Experience Level: All Abilities.

INFLATABLE KAYAKING

Whether you depart directly from the lodge, paddle out from our riverfront outpost “Futa Camp,” or take on the Class-3 rapids of El Tigre, each of our kayaking adventures delivers an action-packed dose of fun for a wide range of experience levels. Float down tranquil stretches of the Palena, wind in and out of farms drenched in views of Mount Blanco, or navigate fast-paced rapids through sheer canyon walls and waterfalls, experiencing the best of Patagonia’s untamed waters!

Activity Duration: 1 – 6 hours. Travel Time: Dependent on location. Experience Level: All Abilities.

10

11

FOOD & DRINK

12

FOOD The length of Chile spans a diverse range of ecosystems, offering up an exceptional variety of fresh fruits, vegetables, and other nourishing produce. The extensive coast is also an abundant source of seafood like fresh tuna and salmon, shrimp, and oysters. Our meat, of course, is a standout, sourced 100% nationally from places like Osorno and Río Bueno in the south, including grass-fed Lomo Liso, Lomo Vetado, Entraña, Tomahawk, and regional lamb and deer. No meal is complete without wine—our local selection includes everything from the richest Cabernets to the crispest Sauvignon Blancs that perfectly complement your plate’s flavors. Chile is an agricultural anomaly that produces just about everything (like avocados as big as your hand!) and the chefs here at Rio Palena Lodge spare no detail in utilizing these delicious ingredients to create dishes rooted in the country’s distinct culinary traditions.

Three meals a day are included in your stay at Rio Palena Lodge. You will enjoy thoughtfully prepared, seasonally relevant dishes, served plated and family-style, and we are happy to cater to dietary preferences and restrictions.

ASADO ZONE Patagonia has a long history steeped in fire, flames, and embers, and Eleven’s Asado Zone has been curated to capture the best of Patagonia’s past and present. Guests are treated to a traditional, Chilean-style BBQ with meats cooked over an open fire while enjoying the smells of smoke, the sounds of the birds chirping, and the sights of the evening’s sunsets along the Rio Palena. As the sun disappears and the stars start to fill the night’s sky, guests enjoy gaucho games, music, dancing, pisco tastings, camaraderie, and tales of adventures under a canopy of trees.

DRINK PISCO SOUR: A Chilean Tradition If you want to start your meal, lunch or dinner, in traditional Chilean fashion, order a Pisco Sour; made with the grape brandy Pisco, fresh-squeezed lemon, sugar, an egg white and a dash of bitters.

Both Chile and Peru claim to be the birthplace of the legendary Pisco, but Peru was recently recognized by the European Commission as having patrimony—a triumph which many Peruvians celebrated with a, you guessed it, Pisco Sour. The Chileans, of course, have not slowed down their enjoyment of this unique beverage. The famous cocktail even has its own day: Pisco Sour day is celebrated on the first Saturday of February.

13

WEATHER AND HOW TO PACK GEOGRAPHY AND CLIMATE WEATHER CONDITIONS Springtime in Patagonia is marked by exquisite colors, pleasant weather, and stunning views. Particularly in the months of October, November, and December, the lodge is no longer snowy, but the mountains’ higher elevation is still blanketed in powder—a particularly ideal combination for skiers! Because the climate in our region can be unpredictable, we always advise you to come prepared for varied temperatures and wet conditions.

SUGGESTED PACKING LIST The following is a travel checklist to use as a guideline while preparing for your trip. Please speak with your Experience Team about additional packing questions.

TRAVEL LIST Passport Wallet with Chilean Pesos, cash, and cards Prescriptions and medication Cell phone International adapter Camera and charger Batteries for devices Personal toiletries

CLOTHING & GEAR LIST Ski jacket and pants Rain jacket and rain pants - Gore-tex recommended Puffy jacket Base layers for top and bottom Fleece or other mid-layer Gloves - ski gloves and thin gloves Socks - ski socks and hiking socks Comfy clothes for the lodge Bathing suit Muck boots Light hiking boots - Gore-tex recommended Athletic shoes Comfy shoes for the lodge - sandals, clogs, slip-ons Hat or visor for sun protection

14

EQUIPMENT LIST Ski Boots - ski boots must be brought by the guest as the lodge does not provide them or are there rentals available Helmet Goggles (High and low-light lenses) Polarized sunglasses and croakies Water bottle Backpack

WHAT ELEVEN PROVIDES •

Skis, poles, and avalanche safety gear for heli-skiing

•

All equipment needed for other adventures

•

Buff

•

Communal suncreen

•

Bug spray

•

Lip Balm

•

Premium bath amentities

15 17

TRAVEL TIPS

16

RECOMMENDED TRAVEL INSIGHTS From the moment your booking is confirmed, your Eleven Team is available to make your travel arrangements smooth and easy! We strongly suggest planning your air travel as soon as possible to secure best fares and ensure availability.

Please review the information below to prepare for your upcoming trip. Your Experience Team will reach out 90 day prior to your stay to kick off this process.

INTERNATIONAL AIR TRAVEL For international flights into Chile, guests must book their own travel to Santiago. LATAM Airlines is an airline based in Santiago, Chile, and has direct flights to Santiago from the U.S. and many European cities. American, Delta, and United also offer direct and connecting flights to Santiago from many locations within the U.S. including New York, Miami, Los Angeles, Dallas, Atlanta, and Houston.

Things to consider before booking your international travel: • Most flights are overnight so be sure to depart at least one day before check-in.

• We highly recommend that all group members coordinate similar arrival times in Santiago.

• All groups are required to book a private charter to Palena. The charter flight from Puerto Montt for Palena is included in your stay.

• Charters fit up to 8 people with limited luggage. For groups above 6, we recommend 2 charters.

• One round trip airport pickup per group is included in the stay. If the group must take two charters, both pickups are included.

• Charter departure times are between 7:00 am and 6:00 pm.

NEXT STEPS 1.

2.

3.

4.

Send your draft itinerary to your Experience Planner for them to review and suggest any changes.

Book international flights.

Book domestic flights to Puerto Montt.

Send booking confirmations to Experience Planner.

• After this, your Experience Planner will book all taxis, applicable hotels, charter flights, and lodge shuttles.

17

ABOUT CHILE CHILEAN CULTURE Travel in Chile is a unique offering of unspoiled natural beauty and a sense of cultural charisma. The landscape is a blend of stunning contrasts; snow-white salt plains, ancient glaciers, the driest desert on Earth, active volcanoes, and a myriad of lush forests, emerald lakes, and pristine rivers that serpentine through the Andes Mountains as they journey towards the Pacific Ocean.

Chile’s population is made up of a distinct blend of primarily European and indigineous peoples. The indigineous influence, especially that of the largest group, the Mapuche, is integral to the fabric of Chile, while European influence has also shaped much of Chilean culture. On the economic front, Chile has achieved more economic prosperity than most countries in Latin America, in part due to their incredibly rich land and ocean resources, and in part due to systematic economic advances following an era of dictatorships.

The majority of Chileans are Roman Catholics, around 60%, with about 15% Christian Protestant, making it one of the nations in Latin America with the greatest Protestant influence. Around 25% of Chileans are religiously non-affiliated or state that religion is not important in their lives — again one of the highest percentages in Latin America.

Spanish is the official language, and Chileans champion a thoroughly unique iteration woven with one-ofa-kind colloquialisms and faster-than-light pronunciation. Their rich traditions rooted in language, land, cuisine, and customs are punctuated by the quintessential warmth of hospitality, family, and passion for their country’s past, present, and future.

18

19 19

NEED TO KNOW

CURRENCY EXCHANGE

ENTRY REQUIREMENTS

The Chilean peso (CLP) is the official currency of Chile.

The exchange rate does fluctuate, so please check the exchange rate before your depart for your trip. Don’t change USD or euro before arriving in Chile. You can exchange at the airport, at most hotels, at banks (ATMs available in Santiago and other cities), and exchange houses. Exchanges houses (Casa de Cambio) usually give the best rates.

U.S. and British citizens entering Chile must have a valid passport. There is no reciprocity fee. U.S. and British citizens traveling to Chile for recreation, tourism, business, or academic conferences do not need to obtain a visa prior to their arrival in Chile. Citizens from other countries, please inquire. Upon arrival in Chile, customs will give you a small piece of paper that says PDI. Make sure to save that document for the duration of your stay, as you will be asked to hand it back to customs upon departure. We recommend that all travelers make copies of their passports and keep them separately.

CASH AND CREDIT CARDS You will need Chilean pesos (cash) to pay for taxis and incidentals around Santiago and other cities and towns as foreign currency is not accepted in many of these places. It’s always good to have 50 to 100 USD in Chilean pesos. Credit cards are widely accepted in hotels, shops and restaurants. Depending on your credit card, this is the way to get the best exchange rate. It is best to use MasterCard or Visa. AMEX is less widely accepted.

20

Entry requirements are constantly evolving due to COVID regulations. Your Experience Team will be able to provide the most up-to-date information.

LOCAL LANGUAGE Spanish is the official language of Chile. English is widely spoken in resort areas and in Santiago at international chain hotels. All Eleven hosts and guides in Santiago and Puerto Varas speak English. At the lodge, all hospitality staff and guides speak English.

COMMUNICATION SERVICES If you have cell service in the U.S. with Verizon or AT&T you can sign up for a plan specifically for Chile for about 40 USD per month. This should cover your trip for cell and internet/email service wherever there is coverage. Santiago and most cities and towns have good coverage. At the lodge, there is cell service and internet available, but weather conditions can interfere with both at times. When the internet is working there is Wi-Fi in the lodge. The lodge has a telephone for use in emergencies. The nearby town of Palena has cell and internet service.

ELECTRICAL CURRENT Throughout Chile the power sockets are of type C and L. The standard voltage is 220 V and the standard frequency is 50 Hz. U.S. guests will require a voltage converter for 110 volt devices. Electrical sockets have two or three holes and accept round (European) plugs. You will need an adapter for your U.S. plugs. We have adapters at the lodge, but not converters. Please bring them for devices not already equipped. Most laptop computers and cell phones have chargers with converters, so for those you only need the adapter.

GRATUITIES AND TIPPING Tipping the Eleven staff, guides, and representatives is always optional, but if you decide you would like to, here are a few standard courtesies. Tips for all members of the guide and hospitality team can be paid on your final invoice during checkout. Please ask your Experience Manager or Lodge Manager if you have any questions.

Tips to drivers in Santiago and Puerto Montt should be paid directly to the driver.

General Tipping Guidelines: Taxis in Santiago: No tip or small change. Airport transfer drivers in Santiago and Puerto Montt: 10–20 USD per way. Porters: 1 USD per bag. Restaurants: 10% of bill. For lodge staff: We suggest 275-375 USD per guest, per week to be left with the lodge manager. Guides: We suggest 100 USD per guide/per day split with your partner, paid directly to your guide.

LOCAL TIMEZONE Santiago, Chile is on Chile Standard Time which is U.S. Eastern Time +1 hour. Chile does change to and from daylight savings time with the U.S.

SPECIAL REQUESTS Please be sure to fill out the pre-trip questionnaire, which you have received separately via email, and other correspondence. Most importantly we need to know if you have any food allergies, physical limitations, or medical needs that the lodge manager and staff should know about ahead of your arrival.

Please share any special requests such as: favorite food, wine, or alcohol; if you are celebrating a birthday or anniversary; or anything else that could make your trip more enjoyable. We do everything possible to meet all special requests.

DEPOSIT AND CANCELLATION POLICY Please refer to our website for updated information regarding our deposit and cancellation policy: https://elevenexperience.com/cancellation-policies

TRIP INSURANCE The purchase of trip cancellation insurance is required.

The Eleven Team can help you arrange trip cancellation insurance prior to your trip. Please ask your sales representative for more information.

ELEVEN CONTACT INFORMATION ELEVEN HEADQUARTERS +1 800.903.7761 (Toll-Free) +1 970.237.5985 (International) reservations@elevenexperience.com

21

NEXT STEPS Your Experience Manager will continue to work with you to customize your dream itinerary and will be available for any pre-arrival questions.

They will be onsite throughout your stay should you need anything at all.

We are thrilled that you have decided to stay with us at Rio Palena Lodge! Please do not hesitate to contact us if you have any questions.

We are looking forward to hosting you and making your trip to Chile an unforgettable experience.

CALL US: +1 800.903.7761 (Toll-Free) +1 970.237.5985 (International) EMAIL US: ELEVEN SALES TEAM reservations@elevenexperience.com

EXPERIENCE TEAM

ChileExperienceTeam@elevenexperience.com

22