Chile’s Corralco an Off-Piste Wonderland

Most international skiers who head to Chile choose to ski at better-known resorts such as Portillo, Termas de Chillan and Valle Nevado, due to their size and easy planning and all-inclusive packages. Yet Corralco, a smaller resort south of Santiago, offers a quieter ambiance, open bowl skiing mixed with tree skiing through a forest of ancient monkey puzzle trees, breathtaking views of seven snowcapped volcanoes, lots of off-piste terrain, and a definitive Chilean experience that you don’t often find at the big three resorts. All you need is a 4x4 rental vehicle, a good map, previous reservations and a sense of adventure.

Corralco is located 770km (440 miles) south of Santiago on the south side of the Lonquimay Volcano, and can be reached by a train/shuttle combo or rental vehicle. Though the resort covers just 495 acres, there are more than 2,471 acres of backcountry skiing and snowboarding – this is, in fact, the ideal resort for backcountry access given that they offer cross-country and Alpine touring, including rentals and guided excursions, and an Ecotrack vehicle that like a Snowcat carries skiers and snowboarders up high to Crater Navidad for powdery descents. Corralco has recently announced plans to expand in 2008 with a major hotel at their base and more chairlifts, but for now there is just one comfortable and attractive lodge with 8 rooms and a good restaurant. Tickets cost $28 for adults, and an extra $18 for a ride up to the top in their Ecotrack; packages that include lodging, half-board and lift tickets are priced from $301 - $388 per person for 3 nights, 4 days. About a half-hour from the resort is the Malalcahuello hot springs resort, which is perfect for a good soak after a long day on the slopes. Alternatively, you can lodge at this more luxurious resort and head up to the ski center in your rental vehicle (www.malalcahuello.cl).

For more information about Corralco, see their website at www.corralco.com, or call (011-562) 202-9325.