Sunny days with perfect visibility followed the snowfalls, and we decided to see how the snow was on the northern (sunny) side of Osorno.
This side is wilder; you can't see the resort with a couple of lifts from here. You enter an incredible valley between Osorno and La Picada. And in clear weather, which we were lucky to have just yesterday, you can see almost all the volcanoes in the region: Tronador, Casa Blanca, Puyehue, Puntiagudo, and of course, Osorno and La Picada.
You can drive to this point by car:
📍https://maps.app.goo.gl/nZzhBMFsWFWkacF36
Further, there's a wide trail through the forest. It zigzags uphill, and somewhere around an hour later, you reach the valley itself. On May 14th, the snow hadn't started from the car yet, but we had to walk about 10 minutes on foot before encountering snow on the trail. Beyond that, there's already a good layer of snow on the trail, enough for skiing.
After the forest, you come out to the slopes of Osorno. Everything is clearly visible here, and you can visually choose a route and simply ascend. The volcano is interesting because it offers opportunities for skiing of various tastes and skill levels. There are wide sections with even coverage and a consistent moderate slope. In my opinion, it's more comfortable than any ski slope on ski resort, and most importantly, without people :) Closer to the summit, the slope becomes steeper. There are sections with rocks and stones, and there are steeper couloirs with interesting walls. So with more snow, you can find quite enjoyable lines.
Here's the route to the summit of Osorno on Fatmap:
https://fatmap.com/routeid/2677399/osorno-via-la-picada-north-face
It's possible to reach the summit of the volcano from this side. There's a glacier at the top, and the slope becomes steep. Therefore, for the ascent, glacier equipment will be needed: crampons, ice axes, and safety gear. In winter, the glacier is almost uniformly covered with snow, but this doesn't negate the dangers of crevasses.
Also, from the valley, there's access to the very beautiful mountain with aggressive contours, La Picada. It will be interesting to take a walk there.
This time, we simply skied down the slopes of Osorno, and my friend also practiced his cartography skills for the mountain guide course he's currently taking. The snow conditions are pleasant. Not powder, but soft, smooth concrete that softens in the sun by noon. And it results in good gliding without the scraping of skis on ice.
P.S.: Through the valley runs an easy trekking route - you can walk through it and reach Lake Todos Los Santos here:
https://maps.app.goo.gl/YaFRG41hmoqAWhdV7
If skiing downhill isn't your interest, you can take snowshoes and simply take a stroll through the picturesque valley.