You are in: / Chile / Skiing in Chile

Skiing in Chile

If you are mad about skiing then once the snow runs out in the European Alps ‘those in the know’ head down to Chile for more of the action. There are two main ski resorts just outside of Santiago - only a ninety minute to two hours drive away from the centre. The resort with lots going on is Valle Nevado right in the heart of the Andes and boasting 23,000 acres of skiing terrain. Valle Nevado was built by the French and inspired by some of the more modern European resorts. It is at the highest altitude sitting at 3,500m and the ski lifts are exceptional. Portillo is the other main option from Santiago with a bit more of a history. With just one hotel in Portillo it is an established favourite of many and people return year after year to meet up with friends.

The main ski season in Chile runs from June to October. Outside of these months, both resorts act as a lovely day trip from Santiago for those who love hiking in the mountains and just getting some fresh mountain air.

Further afield are the Termas de Chillan. This resort is about 375 miles south of Santiago and has the added benefit of hot springs and beautiful pine trees - the Valle Nevado and Portillo resorts are completely treeless. Your choice of resort may depend on your steering and how much you hanker after Alpine scenery.

You could easily combine skiing in Chile with a visit to the Atacama Desert and move on to Peru perhaps? Between June and September is the perfect time to head to the Sacred Valley and see Machu Picchu or venture into the Amazon jungle….Do call us for more itinerary suggestions.

Valle Nevado is the highest of Chile’s ski resorts at 3,500m and just 37 miles away from Santiago. It has long been a front runner in South American skiing due to its unbeatable location. Skiing amidst the breathtaking scenery of the Andes is a feeling second to none. It is not a large resort, in European terms, with just 3 hotels, seven restaurants, cinema, ski school and cinema. Last year it was host once more to the World Cup of Snowboarding. More…

Portillo is the oldest ski area in South America and holds an important place in skiing history. The Portillo ski and resort experience is unique. There is only one hotel; the Grand Hotel Portillo and there is no neighbouring town so Portillo is a totally self-contained resort nestled in the magnificent Andean peaks. More…

Termas de Chillan Ski & Spa Resort lies south of Santiago (a flight away to Concepcion). The resort is near to 2 active volcanoes (!) and is the favourite of all the South American ski resorts for many. It tends to get the most snow of the three main resorts in Chile and has the longest run in South America at 13 kms. More…

Experience the Andes and combine skiing with the Atacama Desert. More…

IMAGINE LATIN AMERICA
16 Bromells Road
Clapham Common
LONDON
SW4 0BG

t: 0207 622 1116
f: enquiry form
e: email us
n: sign up for our newsletter

To see our favourite 'Pure Chile' itinerary click here

We are ATOL protected. Our ATOL number is 6607