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Ski season is upon us! In the southern hemisphere that is. The Chilean winter goes from approximately June through August, meaning the ski season never needs to come to an end. Resorts in South America, high up in the Andes Mountain range, offer fresh powder, extreme drops, and all the best terrain parks, runs, and amenities giving you and your crew the adventure of a lifetime.
1. Nevados de Chillan Ski Resort, Bio Bio Region
One of Chile’s top ski and snowboard sites, Nevados de Chillan, is calling your name. The resort sits outside the city of Chillan, in the central part of the country, making it easily accessible from anywhere. Nevados de Chillan Ski Resort houses six ski lifts and five chairlifts, as well as 28 slopes to glide your way down. The slopes range from beginner to expert level, with even amounts of each trail and the highest vertical drop being about 3,600 feet. Check out the snowpark while you’re there, too. The resort at Nevados de Chillan is also full of forests, ski houses, spas, hot springs, golf course, a gym and fitness center, and more.
2. El Colorado, Metropolitan Region
Skiers and snowboarders pack your bags for this unforgettable experience. El Colorado is located just outside of Chile’s capital city, Santiago, making it the ideal ski resort for those flying in from other countries. The resort offers dozens of trails across all levels, making the skiing suitable for anyone. Check out the park’s Sunset Park for the best terrain, too. El Colorado has on-site lodging, meaning you don’t have to travel far to get to the lift in the morning. Enjoy your own fully furnished ski cabin right on the mountain. Plus restaurants and cafes nearby? What more could you need?
3. Termas de Chillan, Bio Bio Region
Around the corner from Nevados de Chillan is another of the top ski resorts in Chile, Termas de Chillan. The resort and hotel give you access to all the best of skiing and snowboarding in Chile. Learn some new skills at the ski and snowboard schools, enjoy the Nordic and Alpine ski centers, send the little ones to the kids’ park, and be sure to check out the heli-skiing. Heli-Skiing is when, instead of riding a ski lift to the top, a helicopter drops you directly onto the slope. Think you can handle the adventure? At the end of the day, rest your head right on site at the Gran Hotel. The Gran Hotel offers cozy rooms and condos right on the mountainside.
4. Valle Nevado, Metropolitan Region
Another Chile ski resort with easy access to international airports, Valle Nevado has everything you need for the best ski trip. The resort features dozens of trails across all skill levels, as well as a ski and snowboard school, heli-skiing, and more. Check out the nearby hotels, too. From five star lodgings to private apartments, you’ll find any room you’re looking for at the Valle Nevado ski resort. The Hotel Valle Nevado is an exclusive resort that provides a ski pass valid your whole stay, full board, Apres-ski, an outdoor heated pool, daycare services, and a fitness center and spa. The apartments at Valle de Condores I & II, Valle del Sol, Valle de la Luna, El Plomo, and Tupungato offer fully furnished spaces with kitchens and more.
5. La Parva, Metropolitan Region
La Parva, located outside Santiago, is one of the top ski areas in the country. With acres of fresh powder to ski or snowboard down, ski schools run by professionals, mini ski schools for kids aged 6-12, transportation to and from the airport, and great deals on ski passes, the resort is perfect for a family-fun vacation. Plus, La Parva offers lodging and restaurants right on the mountain. Check out the Metropolitan Region’s listing of vacation rentals to find the perfect cozy ski lodge for you and the whole group.
6. Portillo Ski Center, Valparaiso Region
Portillo Ski Center, on the border with Argentina, is the ski resort of your dreams. The slopes have a vertical drop of over 2,500 feet, and the longest run goes for over one and a half miles. Dozens of trails at Portillo Ski Center range from beginner to expert level runs, with most falling somewhere between intermediate and advanced. There’s also the advanced off-piste terrain, which allows skiers to try out some wild skiing (weather permitting). Portillo Ski Center has plenty of activities if you need a break from the ski and snowboard. Check out the kids’ activities, races, welcome events, and more on the full events calendar.