Climbing Huayna Potosi
On the normal route is straightforward. bring glacier travel kit rope, slings, harness, karabiners or special devices for crevass rescue, crampons and one ice axe. most people rope up on the glacier and better safe than sorry, but the hundreds of climbers each year make a very clear path around the obvious crevasses. a steeper section at about 5600m may require rope and rappelling experience, as do the last part of the climb to the top. the french route requires more skills and two technical ice axes.
Skiing or snowboarding Huayna Potosi
Is quite doable but the glacier may be icy on the lower sections. memorize the obvious crevasses on the way up and keep close to the path. skis are available in la paz, but is of poor quality, ask around in tourist agencies.
The making of hot chocolate or equally hot Tomato Soup is an essential activity for those hours after 4PM when the sun is obscured by the mountain. Stock up on ingredients in La Paz and practice the procedure carefully before setting out.