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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La Parva

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Fabres closed, only good for ski on tracks 

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La Parva, located in Chile&rsquo;s Andes Mountains, is a high-altitude ski resort that delivers a powerful blend of breathtaking views, quality snow, and sophisticated alpine charm. Positioned just above Santiago in the Valle Nevado region, it sits at a base elevation of 2,653 meters and stretches to a summit height of 3,573 meters. Skiers and riders can explore 324 hectares (800 acres) of skiable terrain, with 40 trails and 15 lifts servicing everything from gentle beginner slopes to technical steeps. The resort averages 43 in of snowfall annually and supplements coverage with snowmaking.
La Parva appeals to skiers looking for a well-balanced mountain. With 20% beginner and 20% intermediate runs, it&rsquo;s a welcoming destination for new and progressing skiers, while the 43% advanced and 18% expert terrain draws those craving a challenge. For families, the pedestrian-friendly village layout, ski-in/ski-out lodging, and dedicated learning areas offer comfort and convenience. The atmosphere is more laid-back than some of its neighboring resorts, creating an ideal setting for extended stays, group outings, or scenic alpine escapes.
What sets La Parva apart is its local energy. Unlike resorts with a purely international clientele, La Parva is also a favorite among Chileans, which lends it an authentic mountain culture. Its vast high-altitude setting allows for expansive views of the Andes and the Santiago skyline on clear days. Visitors come for the wide-open groomers, freestyle parks, and access to off-piste descents that feel like natural extensions of the trail map. With its unique balance of accessibility, varied terrain, and modern infrastructure, La Parva is a compelling destination for skiers seeking more than just snow.

Getting to La Parva is refreshingly straightforward. The resort is located just 50 kilometers (31 miles) from Santiago, Chile&rsquo;s capital city. The nearest airport is Arturo Merino Ben&iacute;tez International Airport (SCL), which receives numerous international flights daily. From there, travelers can reach La Parva in about 90 minutes via private shuttle, car rental, or pre-arranged resort transportation. Several companies offer door-to-door shuttle services during the ski season, making travel easy whether you&rsquo;re staying in Santiago or heading directly to the mountain.
For those driving, the route winds up a scenic and narrow mountain pass with hairpin turns&mdash;an experience in itself. While the road is well-maintained, it&rsquo;s one-way during certain times of day (up in the morning, down in the afternoon), so plan accordingly. Parking is available near the base area, and ski-in/ski-out access from many of the accommodations eliminates the need for daily travel. Ride-sharing options and vanpools are also common among local skiers, especially on weekends. For added thrill and convenience, snowcat transfers to backcountry areas are occasionally available for guided excursions.

La Parva offers a range of accommodations clustered around its mid-mountain village, where most lodging provides direct or easy ski-in/ski-out access. Options include cozy alpine apartments for families, larger chalets for groups, and premium units with expansive terraces overlooking the slopes or the Santiago valley. The village is intimate and walkable, so no matter where you stay, you're always close to the lifts, ski school, and restaurants. Whether you're seeking a quiet mountain retreat or a home base for active days on the slopes, La Parva&rsquo;s lodging scene delivers comfort, scenery, and ski-side convenience.

La Parva&rsquo;s terrain is as visually stunning as it is diverse. Its 40 kilometers of skiable trails are smartly laid out across ridgelines and bowls, making navigation intuitive even for first-timers. Beginners can enjoy gentle slopes near the base and progress to wider cruisers mid-mountain. The resort&rsquo;s layout gives novice skiers confidence and clear runs, while maintaining separation from steeper trails&mdash;helping families and learners feel secure and supported.
Intermediate skiers have access to flowing trails that arc along the resort&rsquo;s upper ridges, offering long runs with big Andean views. The ""Manzanito"" and ""La Golondrina"" zones are crowd favorites, allowing room to carve while soaking in the massive terrain below. Terrain here is fast, open, and rewarding&mdash;especially on sunny days after a fresh snowfall, when the groomers feel like velvet.
Advanced and expert skiers get the full payoff at La Parva. Roughly 61% of the terrain is rated advanced or expert, including steeps, couloirs, and natural chutes. Runs like ""Fabres"" and ""McConkey"" offer heart-racing descents, while the ""Mar&iacute;a"" bowl features challenging lines with variable conditions. The vertical drop of 921 meters (3,021 feet) creates enough room for serious legs-on-fire laps from top to bottom, especially when tackling the 2-kilometer-long ""Barros Negros"" run.
La Parva also shines for its sidecountry and backcountry access. A short traverse from the top lifts leads to untouched powder zones above the main resort. On storm days, experienced riders head toward the &ldquo;La Chimenea&rdquo; area, which offers dramatic drops and deep stashes not visible from groomed trails. Guides are recommended here due to the variable snowpack and avalanche risk.
Freestyle skiers and snowboarders will find two terrain parks to explore. These include medium- to large-sized features like tabletops, boxes, and rails, with the layout evolving throughout the season. Freestyle zones are visible from lifts, which gives the area a lively, energetic vibe during peak hours.
Families and mixed-ability groups will appreciate the thoughtful design of the mountain. Base-area lifts connect to gentle learning zones, while upper lifts unlock high-elevation challenges. There's a distinct rhythm to La Parva&rsquo;s terrain&mdash;whether you're chasing fresh lines or just cruising the corduroy, the resort offers something for every skier and rider.

For the best powder experience at La Parva, locals know to start the morning on the ""La Chimenea"" face after a snowfall. It holds snow well thanks to its shaded exposure and sees fewer tracks early in the day. By mid-morning, cross into the ""Santa Teresa"" sector where soft turns linger longer, especially in the sheltered gullies that curve toward Valle Nevado.
If you're chasing the best panoramic views, time your ride up the &Aacute;guilas lift around 4 p.m. on a clear day. From the top, you&rsquo;ll catch an unforgettable view of the Santiago skyline glowing beneath the Andes. It&rsquo;s a prime photo op&mdash;locals call it the &ldquo;Condor Balcony&rdquo;&mdash;and worth pausing for even if you&rsquo;re chasing final turns.
Looking to escape the crowd? Try skiing the back half of the ""Tiza"" run just before noon. While most skiers gravitate toward central trails, this hidden section stays quieter longer and links back into high-speed groomers mid-mountain. It&rsquo;s a great mix of solitude and smooth terrain.
Apr&egrave;s-ski is low-key but rewarding. A favorite among season pass holders is a tucked-away terrace near the lift base known informally as ""La Piedra Lounge."" Bring a thermos or grab a drink nearby, and enjoy the late sun with your boots off. On weekends, local musicians sometimes play unplugged sets&mdash;pure mountain atmosphere.
If you&rsquo;re visiting with kids, don&rsquo;t miss the family snow area beside the beginners' slope. It often has spontaneous snowman contests or sled races hosted by local instructors. There are no formal tubing lanes, but the gentle gradient and safety fencing make it ideal for snow play and learning balance.
For photographers, sunrise sessions near the lower lifts are worth the early wakeup. The sun rises from behind the Andes, lighting the peaks in deep orange and casting long shadows over the trails&mdash;perfect for wide shots or ski action portraits. It&rsquo;s also one of the quietest times on the hill.
Midweek is prime time if you're seeking tranquility. Avoid weekends and Chilean holidays when city-dwellers flock to the slopes. Tuesdays and Wednesdays offer open runs and zero wait times at the lifts. Locals love this window for relaxed, crowd-free skiing and first tracks if snow rolled in the night before.
Looking to splurge? Arrange for a snowcat ride to the &ldquo;Laguna&rdquo; area on a bluebird day. It&rsquo;s a high-alpine zone with breathtaking scenery and advanced terrain. The views here go beyond the resort boundaries, opening up a wild, remote-feeling landscape that makes you feel like you're skiing above the clouds.
One tip few visitors know: the restaurant at the top of the &ldquo;Las &Aacute;guilas&rdquo; lift serves one of the best mountain breakfasts&mdash;if you time your first chair right, you can snag fresh-baked empanadas and strong coffee with a view of the sunrise over the Andes. It's a local ritual on clear days.
Finally, pack layers. Even on sunny days, the high-altitude air gets cold quickly, especially after 3 p.m. Local skiers often stash a neck warmer and spare gloves in their backpacks or lockers. It&rsquo;s a small move that makes the apr&egrave;s hour far more enjoyable when the wind picks up.

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La Parva Ski Resort

CHILE / LA PARVA

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