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El Colorado

© El Colorado

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Felix Rioux

Local chilean kids watch as LJ Strenio enjoys one of La Parva's magical sunsets from a different perpsective.

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El Colorado, Chile sits high in the Andes, just 36 miles east of Santiago, and offers an exhilarating alpine escape for skiers of all levels. As part of the Tres Valles ski region, this resort stands out for its high elevation, consistent snowfall, and breathtaking panoramic views. The ski area spans a vast 1,300 hectares, with 98 trails served by 16 lifts, providing a wide array of options for every type of skier&mdash;from the casual cruiser to the seasoned expert. Perched at a base elevation of 2,430 meters and rising to 3,333 meters at the summit, the resort boasts a dramatic vertical drop of 903 meters.
Snow reliability is one of El Colorado&rsquo;s strongest assets. With a lengthy winter season and snowmaking capabilities supplementing natural snowfall, visitors can expect excellent coverage across its 50 km of skiable terrain. The trail mix is thoughtfully balanced, with dedicated beginner zones, rolling intermediate runs, and technical slopes for advanced and expert skiers. Families especially appreciate the designated learning areas and accessible services, while thrill-seekers can head to the park zones or explore steeper lines across the mountain&rsquo;s conic shape, which allows skiers to navigate almost 360 degrees around the peak.
What makes El Colorado particularly inviting is its blend of approachable terrain and authentic Andean charm. It offers ski-in/ski-out access from many lodgings and a cozy village atmosphere that&rsquo;s both relaxed and lively. Whether you&rsquo;re chasing views of the Santiago skyline from the upper lifts, gliding down a five-kilometer-long descent, or enjoying the warm hospitality of Chilean mountain culture, El Colorado delivers a uniquely memorable experience that keeps visitors coming back year after year.

Reaching El Colorado is refreshingly simple. The closest major airport is Santiago&rsquo;s Arturo Merino Ben&iacute;tez International Airport (SCL), which serves as the main gateway for international travelers. From the airport or city center, visitors can either rent a car or book private transfers, with the drive to the resort taking roughly 1.5 hours. Several transportation companies offer pre-arranged shuttle services that cater to skiers, including options for solo travelers or groups with gear. During peak season, shared vans and minibuses are common and reliable, especially when booked in advance.
For those driving, the route from Santiago involves a scenic yet winding mountain road with 40 sharp switchbacks&mdash;chains are required on snowy days. Parking at the resort is free in designated areas, and there are options for both day-trippers and overnight guests. Once at the resort, everything is within walking or skiable distance, and accommodations often provide direct access to the slopes. While El Colorado doesn&rsquo;t offer gondola connections to neighboring resorts, its ski passes can include access to the interconnected ski areas of La Parva and Valle Nevado, enhancing the overall mountain experience.

Lodging near El Colorado caters to a range of visitor preferences&mdash;from compact condos ideal for small groups to slope-side chalets perfect for families. The central village area offers convenient ski-in/ski-out stays, while nearby Farellones provides additional options just minutes down the road. Accommodations here range from rustic and cozy to modern and luxurious, with many offering full kitchens, panoramic balconies, and shared common areas. Families will appreciate the ease of accessing ski schools and rental shops directly from their doorstep, while couples and groups can find secluded spots with fire-lit lounges or hot tubs overlooking the mountains.

El Colorado's terrain is shaped like an inverted cone, creating a natural amphitheater that offers nearly 360-degree skiing around the mountain. This unique layout provides outstanding visibility and allows skiers to easily explore all aspects of the resort from a central summit. With 50 km of marked runs and terrain extending over 1,300 hectares, there's an impressive variety of trails for all skill levels. The mountain's wide-open character, coupled with high-altitude snowfields, means consistent snow coverage and a sense of space that encourages exploration.
Beginners can start their day at the base area, where magic carpets and gentle green trails like El Puma offer the ideal environment for first turns. Ski schools operate near the base, and several beginner runs remain accessible throughout the day thanks to their location on the resort&rsquo;s sunniest slopes. Once ready, progressing skiers can ride the Cururo lift to access rolling blues like El Zorro and Panoramica&mdash;perfect for practicing turns with a view.
Intermediate skiers will love traversing the mountain&rsquo;s interconnected mid-level trails, which cut across natural ridgelines and open bowls. The longest runs here stretch for up to 5 km, offering extended rides with uninterrupted flow. The T&oacute;rtolas chairlift grants access to well-groomed blue and red trails ideal for carving, while the Andes Express quad whisks skiers up to steeper options with higher elevation vistas.
Advanced and expert riders can explore the steeper pitches off lifts like C&oacute;ndor and Cornisa, where technical terrain and deep powder lines reward those who seek a challenge. Natural halfpipes, cliffs, and chutes emerge after storms, especially along the backside of the mountain. On a powder day, the southwest-facing slopes fill with deep stashes that hold snow well into the afternoon.
For freestyle enthusiasts, El Colorado features two snow parks designed to suit varying levels of progression. With up to 40 park rails, boxes, and jumps, the parks are professionally maintained and attract a vibrant community of freestyle skiers and snowboarders. Terrain park access is centralized and easy to reach from the main village, making lap sessions efficient and fun.
El Colorado&rsquo;s diverse terrain also encourages adventure beyond the marked trails. When conditions allow, riders can venture into natural back bowls and wide gullies that offer a more remote feel without the need for technical gear. Ski patrols are active and attentive, helping ensure safety while giving space for experienced skiers to roam freely. Whether you're carving corduroy, floating through powder, or chasing views from ridge to ridge, the terrain at El Colorado offers something new around every turn.

If you're eyeing fresh powder, skip the morning rush and head straight for the C&oacute;ndor lift. This area holds snow longer than the front side and offers sneaky tree stashes just beyond the marked trail edges. Early risers who make this move often score untouched turns even on busy days. Another insider trick? On clear days after a snowfall, hike 10 minutes past the upper lifts toward the ridge between El Colorado and Valle Nevado for untracked powder and unbeatable panoramic views of the Andes.
Weekdays offer the best experience with fewer crowds&mdash;especially Tuesdays and Thursdays. Locals know that weekends can get busy, so if you&rsquo;re locked into Saturday skiing, plan to arrive early and park near the lower village for quicker slope access. Alternatively, ski during the midday lull when many take long lunch breaks, leaving trails surprisingly empty between 12:30 and 2 p.m.
Families or those looking to relax between runs should grab a hot chocolate from the terrace caf&eacute; near the central plaza. It&rsquo;s got sun all afternoon and a perfect view of the main slopes. This is also a great meetup spot if you're splitting off from a group. For a break from skiing, snow tubing and sledding are available just a short walk from the village center&mdash;an underappreciated option for both kids and grown-ups needing a thrill.
For the best sunset turns, plan to ski the west-facing runs off Cornisa after 3 p.m. As the sun dips, the snow stays soft longer here, and the lighting turns the slopes gold. Photographers and casual visitors alike should bring a camera&mdash;the alpenglow on these ridgelines is a sight to remember.
Looking for hidden views? Ride the El Ping&uuml;ino lift and pause at the top before descending. A small, unmarked viewpoint just behind the lift station offers stunning vistas over Farellones and the valley beyond&mdash;few take the time to look, but those who do often sit and take it all in for a moment of quiet awe.
Apr&egrave;s-ski in El Colorado is low-key but rewarding. For a relaxed vibe, head to the terrace at the mid-mountain lodge and order an empanada and a local craft beer. It&rsquo;s usually quieter than the base area and has heaters and live music on select weekends. Want something even more local? A tiny slopeside kiosk called &ldquo;El Churro Stop&rdquo; serves warm churros with dulce de leche near the Puma lift&mdash;ask a local and they&rsquo;ll point the way.
Avoid the lunchtime chaos by skiing down to the lesser-known Panor&aacute;mica restaurant around 11:45 a.m. You'll beat the rush and enjoy faster service and mountain views. This is also one of the best spots to refuel before lapping the terrain park or tackling expert lines in the afternoon.
Planning a day trip from Santiago? Bring an extra layer&mdash;it may be sunny in the city, but the mountain weather can change fast. Keep a pair of dry socks in your backpack or locker; with changing temps and deep snow, dry feet can make or break your day.
Finally, one of the smartest moves you can make is skiing El Colorado the day after a big snowstorm hits Valle Nevado. While many rush to the more famous neighbor, El Colorado tends to be overlooked&mdash;meaning you&rsquo;ll often find fresh snow and shorter lift lines, all while enjoying a view of Santiago in the distance.

South America

El Colorado Ski Resort

CHILE / EL COLORADO

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