SAMAYA x JULIETTE WILMANN & PIERRE IDRIS MEHDI
DEEP CALM IN THE IMMENSITY OF THE CHILEAN ANDES
Skiers Juliette and Pierre Idris spent the month of August 2024 in Chile, gliding between Andean peaks and the whims of the weather. From Portillo to Cajón del Maipo, they explored virgin slopes, savoring every moment of solitude and freedom. For Samaya, they share their immersion in the heart of the Andes and the memories etched into the snow.
Early August, Chile, 2024. A new chapter opens for them, guided by the desire to explore and ski the untouched faces of the Andes. Juliette arrived first, at the end of July, to coach a freeride ski camp for young Americans. Ten days of hard work and enthusiasm in the mountains before Pierre Idris joined her on August 13. From that moment on, the adventure began.
Their starting point? The heights of Chile, a country that, while familiar to Juliette, remains vast and mysterious. This is her fourth adventure here, but for Pierre Idris, it is a total discovery of the Chilean Andes. The goal is clear: to ski, to explore, and to soak in the immensity of these mountains.
From Portillo to Cajón del Maipo: the exploration begins
They began their journey near the Argentine border, in Portillo, a resort that served as their base. After one day on the slopes and another hiking, they decided to venture further, toward Cajón del Maipo. It was here, at the foot of the majestic San José volcano, that they spent six days. The weather was fickle, alternating between heavy snowfall and sporadic sunny days. Some couloirs were impassable due to the amount of snow, but that didn't discourage them. Sleeping in a tent under the stars was only possible for one night, as the weather played tricks on them. Yet, every day spent here was a lesson in discovery.
They began their journey near the Argentine border, in Portillo, a resort that served as their base. After one day on the slopes and another hiking, they decided to venture further, toward Cajón del Maipo. It was here, at the foot of the majestic San José volcano, that they spent six days. The weather was fickle, alternating between heavy snowfall and sporadic sunny days. Some couloirs were impassable due to the amount of snow, but that didn't discourage them. Sleeping in a tent under the stars was only possible for one night, as the weather played tricks on them. Yet, every day spent here was a lesson in discovery.
The Andes, an infinite playground
What struck Pierre Idris the most is the imposing geography of the Andes. In an instant, you go from the ocean to snowy peaks at 2,300 meters in just a few hours. They skied at over 4,000 meters, but the mountains rose even higher, culminating at over 7,000 meters. They seemed infinite, with long approaches and imposing faces. One of the couloirs measured 1,200 vertical meters. "A memorable descent that leaves you speechless," admits Pierre Idris.
What struck Pierre Idris the most is the imposing geography of the Andes. In an instant, you go from the ocean to snowy peaks at 2,300 meters in just a few hours. They skied at over 4,000 meters, but the mountains rose even higher, culminating at over 7,000 meters. They seemed infinite, with long approaches and imposing faces. One of the couloirs measured 1,200 vertical meters. "A memorable descent that leaves you speechless," admits Pierre Idris.
They moved constantly, each day being a new exploration. In Cajón del Maipo, they were alone. Not a soul on the horizon. They would park, spot a magnificent couloir from the village, and the next day, it was theirs. The solitude here is not heavy; it is synonymous with freedom and choice.
Conditions and the reality of a remote adventure
Chile offered them varied snow conditions. Days of perfect powder followed days of hard, sun-crusted snow. The altitude imposes its own rules: one day of good weather and the snow changes drastically. They had to constantly adapt. One day, they turned back due to impassable conditions; another, they tackled a couloir with temperamental snow.
Chile offered them varied snow conditions. Days of perfect powder followed days of hard, sun-crusted snow. The altitude imposes its own rules: one day of good weather and the snow changes drastically. They had to constantly adapt. One day, they turned back due to impassable conditions; another, they tackled a couloir with temperamental snow.
Being far from everything and everyone is part of the adventure. Rescue is rare, and risk-taking is calculated. "We listen to our instincts more; our senses are on alert," says Pierre Idris. Here, the mountain reminds them that every decision counts.
The next chapter
They left Chile with their minds full of images and ideas for the future. Perhaps they will return to explore Cajón del Maipo more deeply, setting up a base camp for total immersion. The Andes have won them over. "Over there, every summit, every face seems to cry out to be skied," summarizes Juliette.
They left Chile with their minds full of images and ideas for the future. Perhaps they will return to explore Cajón del Maipo more deeply, setting up a base camp for total immersion. The Andes have won them over. "Over there, every summit, every face seems to cry out to be skied," summarizes Juliette.
They are now preparing for a new expedition in Nepal. Chile was a perfect training ground to test their gear and sharpen their instincts. Nepal promises to be another adventure, with new challenges, but one certainty remains: the call of the mountain is irresistible.
In the meantime, they hold onto every turn, every ascent, and every breath taken in the crisp air of the Chilean Andes.
