Christian has made notable first ascents of big walls in Patagonia including The Dream (VII 5.10 A4+) on the East Face of Cerro Escudo in Torres del Paine National Park and numerous first ascents in the Sierra Nevada, California.
With three friends he did the first (and only) ascent of twenty of Steck and Roper’s "Fifty Classic Climbs of North America” in a single twenty-day enchainment.

As a guide, Santelices has led numerous expeditions to Patagonia, Aconcogua, Peru's Cordillera Blanca, the Alps of Switzerland, Italy and France, South Africa, the Pyranees of Spain, the Atlas Mountains in Morocco, Fiji, Alaska, and México. He has been featured skiing and climbing in numerous film, television and print articles, including two Warren Miller films (Journey and Impact).

Accomplishments:
Fully Certified AMGA/UIAGM Mountain Guide
BA in Anthropology, University of California at Berkeley
MA in Environment and Community, Antioch University, Seattle
Avalanche 3 Certification

Sponsors: Marmot, Keen Footwear, Mountain Athlete, Tram Bar