If you’re itching to hop on the hill, but planned your winter months retreat far too late, do not worry! If you begin planning currently, you can take pleasure in a summertime break to a winter wonderland down south. The ski period in Chile ranges from June to October, attracting winter sports lovers from around the globe to its top-class hotels.
There are five ski centers near Santiago: Portillo, Valle Nevado, El Colorado, La Parva, and Lagunillas. All of them lie in the same location about 50 km (31 miles) from Santiago except Portillo, which is 164 km (102 miles) away, near to the border with Argentina. Find all necessary information about travel to Chilean ski resort below.
Farellones
The roadway to Farellones, the town at the base of the El Colorado, La Parva, as well as Valle Nevado inclines, winds narrow as well as high via the cordillera, complying with most of the Mapocho River Canyon deep right into the Andes. This is an outstanding field trip whatever the season, however snow chains are required in winter (they’re available for rental where the road starts) as well as the roadway obtains very crowded. Cautious driving is necessary any time of year. Access to the road is controlled by the cops in winter, as well as on weekends as well as public vacations. Drivers are enabled to direct until 2 pm, yet it’s ideal to begin the trip early in the early morning. Cars and trucks can start the return descent just after 4pm. Cozy garments are crucial, whatever the temperature in Santiago when you leave. Snow typically starts in June and lasts till September.
El Colorado
The center closest to Farellones, this provides excellent conditions, and also devices rental and courses can be prepared there. It has 19 lifts and 74 runs for newbies via to professionals. Both team and exclusive courses are readily available.
La Parva
Likewise near Farellones is the district of La Parva, located at 2,816 meters (9,239 ft), with a spectacular view down the valley towards Santiago. La Parva typically takes pleasure in snowy problems till well into October and you can ski as high as 3,630 meters (11,910 ft). See www.laparva.cl for more info.
Valle Nevado
The turn-off to Valle Nevado, 2 km (concerning 1 mile) prior to Farellones, takes you 10 km (6 miles) deep right into the hills. This modern ski facility very first opened in 1988 as well as today draws in both families and risk-taker heli-skiers. The hotel contains 3 luxury resorts and also 4 deluxe apartment buildings, offering solutions as varied as flicks, a nightclub, a French dining establishment, a gym, a pool room, a sauna, a whirlpool bath, as well as a sandwich shop. Stores market and also lease ski equipment and clothes, and there is a day-care center as well as a medical facility equipped for any kind of emergency. The highest point you can ski at is 3,670 meters (12,040 feet) over water level.
Lagunillas
Lagunillas is located 80km (50 miles) southeast of Santiago in the Cajón de Maipo. Run by Club Andino de Chile, this tiny resort supplies snowboarding and also snowboarding. For more information, check out www.skilagunillas.cl (in Spanish).
Winter sports in Chile is a costly activity, and rates of equipment as well as lodgings are similar to those in European and North American ski resorts.
