Antisana // Skiing on the Equator

We started our trip to South America with a hike up Rucu Pichincha a peak that towers over Quito, the Capital of Ecuador. This peak, considered a day hike, has an elevation of 3,942m (15,696ft) nearly higher than any peak we’ve climbed in the past. However, it’s just a warm up and acclimatization for some taller peaks in our future. First on the list is Antisana an 18,875ft (5,753 m) volcano with a 4.7 star rating on google. Unfortunately, it did get a number of 1 star ratings with one reviewer saying “Nothing at all. Bad.” But we didn’t let these poor reviews dissuade us. With the help of our guide Andrés we found ourselves at the foot of the 4th highest volcano in Ecuador the day after hiking Rucu Pichincha. Getting there was not easy. Navigating the confusing streets of Quito and its suburbs is no small task. The paper work, permit process and guarded park gates made us happy to have Andrés around. Hiring a guide is a new thing for us. Turns out they can make things much easier. Also, we weren’t sure if climbing some of these mountains was even possible without a guide. It seems the rules on this matter are constantly changing. Just last year skiers were turned away on Cotopaxi by park rangers, but you can find videos online of people skiing Antisana without local assistance. Even people at our ski shop here told us they had been turned around from skiing Ecuadorian volcanoes for not having a Guide. Do some research but if you’re looking for a guide and you’re a fan of the Suzuki Samurai contact Andrés one of only 3 or 4 ski guides in Ecuador [phone] [e-mail]
And if you’re interested in adventures in Ecuador, South America and abroad contact
Elisa Barba
/ elisondra
Kuntur Adventure
/ kunturadventure
www.kunturadven...
Here’s my own review of Antisana “Sun was too bright on the summit. 4 stars."

[@pedrocesar5045]

The crevasse jump was absolutely insane

[@altaris2000]

As a noob skier, that was terrifying, and awesome at the same time.

[@ohiovetoutdoors]

Dude no kidding!

[@samk9714]

Ya! WTF.

[@Amperland]

silly to take the risk imo (typing this from my couch)

[@danread1997]

I literally said 'ohhh shit' haha!! Have these guys ever fallen into one? Also how tf do they afford all these crazy trips?

[@sjldfilms5126]

I speak for myself when I say I truly look forward to your videos. Also, I speak for myself when I request, once in a while, you post uncut video and allow a long video format to happen. You are all amazing. Glad to see that the GOAT is back! Cristoff you ROCK!! You all do!!

[@cnuila]

🙌🙏

[@TheArnie25]

I second that, longer video! Excellent work too!

[@TG-kq1tw]

Agreed - welcome back Christof!!! Just say no to the full-time overlanding community... :)

[@saltydog6241]

@@cnuila Glad to see you back in action, Christof!

[@saltydog6241]

What a killer video. The scenery and your editing are top notch. Skimming over those mini crevasse openings was crazy to see.

[@Tumbaqueno93]

So cool, I met your guide Andrés when I was 12 years old, he was the climbing coach at mi middle school. Great guy quite the formative leader.

[@jessespad]

I've been watching for years and I still think it's crazy this channel doesn't have a millions subs. It has to be because of all the competition in the genre.

[@lucasmayes]

It doesn’t even have a hundred thousand which is insane

[@ozsnowbum]

Noone cares about ski touring. Tiny niche

[@ianstoyan]

It may be mediocre and amateur, but these adventures are so far in excess of what 99% of outdoorsmen strive to that it's not many people's cup of tea. People who don't love what Danny & Co. do would rather watch People Are Awesome videos, etc. for their thrill.

[@TreasuredHeights]

Even in Colorado there are only about 3000 people who regularly ski tour, in NY state about a few hundred, in New England a few thousand. So compared with 6 million lift skiers nationally thats tiny. I'd Guess Utah has the most of all states but I don't have any idea what that'd be.

[@bensutton522]

Totally agree. I love Cody and he ‘s a high end Mf but you go on some amazing trips and as a poor amateur I love what Danny and his boys get up to.

[@GoingONwithCharlesPowell]

Mediocre Amateur has this incredible documentary film style...It truly is masterful. The fact they are putting in all the time to create these videos that we viewers easily enjoy in many ways downplays the level of their objectives. These journeys are highly advanced. Wanna share the love for doing a thankless job to live out these passions as friends. Over here taking notes and making actionable steps to get higher in the mountains! TY gents...seriously

[@100SeriesLC]

Missed me some Christoff. Even cooler to see the old school Toyota hat and knowing now he is a fellow Land Cruiser dude 💪

[@cnuila]

🙌👊

[@rickyism1576]

Nearly 19,000 feet in elevation in a foreign country debating whether or not to get a guide? Stay safe out there guys. Loved the video as always.

[@melvino8806]

Lol seriously, I sometimes get lost hiking on my local mountain range that I've done a 100 times.

[@mettflow2648]

pretty chill skitour actually

[@shaddring]

By far the best channel on KZbin. Every adventure leaves me wanting more.

[@davidstepro7486]

couldn't agree more

[@justinmh12]

Religious sabbatical, nice. Say it like it is man! A Mission!!! Good on ya Cristof.

[@cnuila]

The Best Two Years!!!

[@softride12]

Thanks to Mediocre Amateurs I got to climb an Ecuadorian mountain and then ski down. Awesome video! Thanks for the adventure!

[@gmckemie4281]

It was great to see the return of Christof. He definitely did not have any qualms jumping into the deep end. That was the best demonstration of skiing MA has ever put on line. Learned that small drones can fly at 18k feet. Best adventure channel out there. Thank you, Danny, for putting this one out. It sounded like you left a lung on the mountain.

[@MacawAviculture]

This video reveals some of the most beautiful and yet most terrifying terrain I have seen; the crevasses were both stunning and horrific. Seeing them in person would plant the seeds of nightmares forever! Thank you for sharing another adventure with us! Gomez, my large Greenwing Macaw, sat on my arm and watched this video, hopefully the bites he gave me from his fear of seeing those monster crevasses will heal soon!

[@papajon62]

Welcome back, Christoph!

[@guillaumerioux2008]

Hi ! I wanted to let you know that you guys inspired me to go mountaineering. I am from Eastern Canada (Québec) and I just came back from my first mountaineering expedition in Peru. I did Nevado Yanapaccha (5 460m) with a guide and no one else. While I struggled in altitude, I thought of you guys and it gave me motivation to continue ... especially the first days of acclimatisation whilst I puked on my way down. I hope this channel never dies. It's awesome ! I hope that just like the MA team, I will continue on pushing my limits further. Thank you guys.

[@cnuila]

Way to get out there!!!

[@A-Aa-ron]

Sounds like you’re every bit as mediocre as any of us, which is all anyone can ask for! Nice work. - Aaron

[@rodneyutley5787]

Just an amazing backdrop of the crevasses when plummeting back to civilization !

[@ZonDog]

Great to see Danny and Cristoff in another adventure! Bet skiing down was a blast!

[@nickel0eye]

don't forget Aaron!

[@ZonDog]

@@nickel0eye Sorry I won't.

[@benc.8103]

Welcome back Christof, so exciting to see a new episode and to have Christof too what nice surprise. Aaron always good to see you as well. Get well Danny annoy the Birthday climbs.

[@cnuila]

Thanks! Good to be back at it.

[@williameerdmans8629]

The wait is over! Been checking my subs everyday for a Mediocre upload 🙏

[@AleksandarGospic]

Finally a new MA video and what a blockbuster 👏👏 Amazing scenery 😍😍 and finally Christophe is back 💥💥💥

[@nickradner5325]

I got so excited watching this one in preparation for Chimbo, that I made my son run laps around the house. He's crying now. Thank you guys. I love you.

[@bonniedoran4329]

I love you guys. Thank you for sharing.

[@sodakdirtfarmer2030]

Welcome back Christof! I greatly enjoy all of your guys' adventures. Last March, I got to visit the great state of Utah for the 1st time and had my own Mediocre Amateur adventure. I hiked all over Canyonlands National Park and Arches National Park. Loved it! I am going to try skiing for the 1st time in CO. in about a month. In the summer, I plan on hiking my 1st 14er' (Mt. Elbert) and do some hiking/biking up in Glacier National Park. Thanks for the outdoor adventure inspiration!

[@cnuila]

Go get 'em!!!

[@BearPlane747]

How'd it go?

[@nothankyou90]

Christof!! Glad to see him return and take it easy on the first one back lol seriously stepping it up guys. That was incredible.

[@cnuila]

I planned a nice bikepacking trip but it got vetoed 😂

[@nothankyou90]

@@cnuila Should have fat biked to the top 😂

[@Vo2maxProductions]

That was awesome Danny! Unreal landscape. Thanks for taking us along on this epic mountain adventure!

[@boxmat182ify]

Absoloutly incredible video. The volcano sticking out from the clouds, the snow bridges and crevaces were absoloutly stunning. I love ya work guys. Only thing missing is The Blizz!

[@alex_prizzi]

I almost spit my coffee out whith Aaron's "6 inches from my face" check-in Leaving in the character moments like that, is one of the many things I love about your vids.

[@SomeDudeSomewhereOverThere]

I love your content guys. Seriously, top 3 channels for me on here. Your channel is the reason I took up skiing, so I can do that instead of hike down. Looking forward to the next one!

[@gygantor360]

That terrain gives me the heebie-jeebies. Stunning and terrifying. Danny the cinematography is amazing, thank you. Green with envy what you guys do.

[@rodneyutley5787]

Maybe a reason why the first three hours were in the dark!

[@dieselpowerolson3075]

Great work boys. Enjoy every moment.

[@shillwaffer2105]

Never clicked on anything so fast! You guys are really killing it out there. The best youtube content I've ever seen by a mile

[@jasonshehane]

Great cinematography as alway Danny. Ecuador was one of my all time favs. No skiing, just cramponed up and down. That ski decent looks terrifying over those crevasses. Too bad Cotopaxi was shut down due to eruption. I made the summit last year and it was spectacular. Good luck on Chimbo, it's a beast! Really looking forward to that video.

[@monodeepkar245]

My heart skipped a bit each time the skis jumped over the crevasses! You guys are the best.

[@OhhBabyATriple]

Wow- the most unique ski tour I've ever seen. So much about skiing in Ecuador seems wrong!

[@paulmelde919]

MA just keeps raising the bar, luv it! Also, Nice to see Christof back in action, too. He is much too young to retire from MA. Plus he needs to keep going to justify all his super cool gear😂

[@cnuila]

#truth

[@markjones3425]

you said it all....Very Fun!........caution the tail skier on a few of those final crevasse crossings...ALWAYS give them a lot of respect, some of those final bridges were mighty thin/spooky...Great adventure...lucky guide to have you as clients! Next peak CHIMBORAZOoooooo

[@fifamasters2]

Man I never comment on videos, but, these are just top notch quality and really the only channel I look forward to see. Keep it up guys

[@isaacschnitzer9849]

Your videos are so incredible thanks for taking us on your adventures!

[@pepe.sanchez]

Man.. really want this channel to take off so more remote adventures can happen. This was great!

[@desviz]

SO! 500 Metric Tons of BURLY on this MA Adventure! Hope there is more jet-setting in the future and welcome back Christof! Life's better now that MA's back.

[@ChewieTomatoes1]

The most underrated adventure channel on KZbin. I watch this, Cody Townsend, and Nikolai Schirmer. Side note: do the stewardesses know how much of a BA their pilot Christof is? 😂

[@steveilg6134]

Michael C. Width is worth a try for you …

[@bhe317]

Christof is back!

[@cnuila]

🙌

[@dakotajensen8323]

Nice work! We made the first ski decent of the NW face of Antisana on Dec 6th, 2022. Led by Pablo Puruncajas, who skinned to the summit!

[@sharondavis8003]

WOW 😮. Beautiful but scary. Great video skiing out of the clouds 😊. 🙋🏼‍♀️👍🏻

[@byelick]

That was awesome! We summitted Cotopaxi and Chimborazo in February. This makes me want to go back to Ecuador and do Antisana and a few others.

[@feelinghealingfrequences7179]

beautiful episode!!!

[@thorstenreitz7302]

I hear "It's the return of Christof" and I click "Like" :)

[@cnuila]

😁

[@rylanschadegg1407]

So sick to see some Wasatch dudes out there ripping some gnarly other stuff! Wish you guys could hit Cotopaxi, I Got to do that last year, but I've yet to check off these two. Nice work dudes!

[@YoshiV819]

WOW! Looking forward to Chimborazo. I'm very early in my back country education but your videos are such a motivation to try more things. My end goal was Mt Sneffels, found it on the map before I even started watching channels like this and realized it's doable for a true mediocre amateur. I'm a flat lander in Ohio so altitude is foreign to me though I spent two weeks in Ouray and Moab in the fall to get some time up higher. My goal in 2023 is Mt Mansfield in Vermont as a first summit. You guys put Teewinot and Whitney on my radar, those videos are just jaw dropping. I literally watch them both every week when I need a moment of zen, I mean it's better than slapping a coworker!

[@tjfirhfjejUTH24]

rocking the skimoco hat down there badass

[@pagewhite61]

Oh my gosh!!! That was spectacular! I’m so happy to see Christof back! Fantastic job filming Danny, just outstanding. Thank you so much.

[@rshawcda]

Gentlemen, based on my limited ventures to the 15-20k zone, you did quite well at altitude. Kudos - most mortals would have difficulty pulling this off after one acclimation sortie, particularly with Danny switching to a respiratory impediment from the occasional GI one to once again up the ante. And of course, Aaron cruises. Christof, I'm very happy to see you back in the saddle and accomplishing a worthy goal. As an old ER Doc and fellow collector (hip and spine) of unplanned hardware - while knowing you had a significant injury mechanism - you may wish to consider a screening bone scan to rule out a contributing bone density issue if you haven't already done so. Having spent my career alongside Orthopods (several SLC ones, even), they aren't always clued in to this potential contributing factor for individuals possessing your degree of manliness. Meanwhile Lads, I look forward to the next chapter of mediocrity!

[@dinglesdingler1211]

Came for the skintrack, left with medical advice. Great channel!

[@cnuila]

Good advice, thanks!

[@Velvetnos]

That shot at 14:08, just WOW!

[@45coopaloop]

You guys are so awesome! I'm so glad to see Kristoff back and so glad you all made it to the summit with no issues :) Stoked to see you guys summit your next peak together, you're all very inspirational!!

[@brandonyonke]

Welcome back Cristof! You guys are killin' it per usual.

[@cnuila]

🙏🙌

[@sarahk7523]

Great video! And yes a guide is REQUIRED by law in Ecuador after multiple people have died on Chimborazo in multiple incidents (most recent 2020). Avoid death, paperwork and awkward negotiations with Park Service police...

[@natef95]

Cheers to Christof, really glad to see you back!

[@cnuila]

thanks!

[@wiseonly52]

Ecuador is such an incredible, diversed country. Truly looking forward to my trip to it next year

[@devin6300]

I love your videos!! One of my favorite channels to watch

[@KevinSmith-wr1sy]

Sweet adventure. To be honest I watch you guys for the gear show!

[@diegoyubero]

Vamos!! Qué pasada de vídeo!! Incredible shooting guys! 👏🏼👏🏼👏🏼🙌🏼🙌🏼🙌🏼 I started to follow your channel because I love your light-equipped way of climbing mountains.

[@chrishall6364]

Greatly enjoyed watching this video! Having recently discovered this channel, I’m enjoying watching the previous videos and being awestruck each time!

[@lindsaynewell6319]

Climbed it in 2016 and outside of Denali it’s the most stunning crevasse filled landscape I’ve experienced. The descent views across to Cotopaxi when it was erupting (and closed) were spectacular. Can’t wait for the rest of your South American adventure.

[@misswoltzen]

So pretty, the skiing looked challenging. Really enjoyed the video. Welcome back Christof, you were missed.

[@stephenclark15]

welcome back Cristoff!!!

[@cnuila]

thank you!

[@b5454]

Happy Birthday Danny

[@FC-uo6dh]

Amazing adventure! The drone footage of you skiing was awesome!

[@arjunski]

King Cristoff is back let's gooooooo!

[@cnuila]

😅

[@rainerburgdorfer4017]

Beautiful skiing. You were wise to hire the guide(s). Great video.

[@keylarodriguez7541]

Simply amazing! The sunrise, the view from the top and the skying and jumping the crevasse hole crazy. You guys rock!!

[@risajackson564]

I am so relieved that you film yourselves getting back to base camp alive. Great to see everyone! Where is Chase?

[@erictriplett33]

NOW we're getting the New Year started right! Awesome adventure from the best channel on YT!

[@RM-wq7xd]

Love your guys adventures, really inspiring. I have been watching for a few years now and really enjoy your content! Thank you!!

[@ConquerYou]

You guys are seriously my heros!

[@gumotx]

I had to watch this more than once to fully appreciate the spectacle! Thanks. I really like your music during the downhill ski. Fits perfectly! Happy trails!

[@shivanikataria5585]

Had been waiting for your videos.. crazy good and so worth it! Great to see you back with a bang Christoff. Danny, happy birthday! Hope you've recovered from your cough. You all rock :)

[@michaelb1761]

You have all certainly put in the time and effort to be able to go on these amazing adventures. Thanks for the additional effort of recording them to share with those of us who haven't been to these places and probably never will.

[@ave14401]

its interesting to hear yall slur your words at the top of the mountain. im definitely nowhere near as fit as yall, but ive been in an unpressurized plane at 18000 feet and i could literally feel my brain melting as we ascended lol. seriously though, this goes to show no matter how fit you are your body cannot function at those altitudes for very long. glad yall are ok, and hope you guys made it up chimborazo safe. this is crazy awesome stuff as always

[@maxpatch67]

I just found your channel and I’m your newest subscriber! Great videos!!!

[@ItaiGanor]

amazing! the best youtube channel around! those jumping over the crevasse was craaazzyyy! happy to see that Christof is back !

[@brighamblake9085]

It is so great to see Christof back

[@MichalOlender]

Great accomplishment guys, it's beautiful there!

[@Desertquartz79]

You guys killed it. Wow so beautiful. The snow looked amazing to ski !!

[@runthesummit]

Stunning footage, what an amazing ski descent!

[@chanelking4203]

Saw this trip on your instagram stories and have been so excited to watch! Thank you for everything yall do its amazing to see

[@kevin3434343434]

What a crazy mountain! That jump over the crevasse!!

[@PhatPat6069]

People ask me if I need oxygen climbing Colorado 14ers and you all casually walk up an 18er no problem! I can't imagine this being anyone's first outing after an injury...so extra kudos to Christof!Amazing video as always

[@cnuila]

I need all the extra kudos I can get!

[@williampacey9194]

Beautiful video, I flinched a little when you went over a crack in the snow that had a blue color. 😮

[@thomastandy8840]

Another awesome vid. I had a go climbing Cotopaxi in 2007 and remember getting altitude sickness. Great views though

[@ithinkthereforeitalk935]

Bro, hi! Amazing to see that you keep on climbing them mountains!

[@Mark_Jacobson81]

Serious looking peak right there, 10/10 lads. Good to see Kristof out and about after his injury.

[@Anduin5]

Awesome video! Always inspiring to see where you guys end up. Good that you got a guide, I felt the same way with the permit bureaucracy thing for a trek in Nepal and was also glad I ended up finding one.

[@Jim-be8sj]

Fantastic photography up high. Great looking scenery, nicely captured.

[@jscab7140]

I did not know that you can go up to the summit with the skies. That hole video is awesome !

[@whenopportunitycomes8718]

I see a new episode - first I click Like and then I start watching. That's my rule. Great to see Christoff ✌️

[@cnuila]

🙌

[@BlickBoogie]

Leave me alone Mom! Mediocre Amateur just droped and Christof is back

[@pinetree2473]

Memories! Did a guided trip to Ecuador in '96. Acclimatized in Quito doing Rucu Pichincha also. Summited Cayambe, Cotopaxi and Chimborazo. Was on Cotopaxi summit Christmas day at 9AM! -- Back when I used to be in reasonable shape.

[@teleroel]

Altitude near the equator can feel different than further up north (or south). The air is a bit denser. A guide once told me it can feel like you are 500 meters lower than you actually are. But still impressive stuff with not much acclimatization!

[@elmachomen]

Wow... truly amazing video, you guys really inspire us to get out there and enjoy nature!

[@electricaltimelapsetest5713]

Whoa look at those clouds .... epic!!!!!

[@cooperkern4112]

Awesome Video! Would love to hear from the guides on the next one but I know the language barrier/camera might be an issue. So beautiful