Valle Nevado Ski Resort

Valle Nevado, nestled high in the Chilean Andes just 90 minutes from Santiago, is South America's largest ski resort, offering a dynamic alpine escape for winter enthusiasts. Spanning 890 hectares (2,200 acres) of skiable terrain, the resort sits at an elevation of 3,000 meters at the base, rising to a summit of 3,670 meters. This high-altitude positioning helps ensure consistent conditions across the season, with an average annual snowfall of 54 inches. Valle Nevado features 44 trails served by 17 lifts, blending modern infrastructure with natural mountain beauty to create a seamless experience on the snow.

The mountain offers a thoughtfully balanced mix of terrain: 14% beginner, 25% intermediate, 41% advanced, and 20% expert. With wide groomers, challenging steeps, and backcountry-style off-piste routes, skiers and snowboarders of all levels can find their zone. The resort’s two-kilometer-long trail delivers a smooth, scenic descent that's ideal for cruising and building confidence. Advanced skiers can seek out open bowls and the steeper chutes that give the mountain its thrilling edge, while families will appreciate the accessible base area, ski school programs, and snowmaking that guarantees reliable coverage.

What makes Valle Nevado especially appealing is its combination of modern lift systems, ski-in/ski-out lodging, and breathtaking vistas of the Andes stretching as far as the eye can see. Visitors are drawn not only by the terrain but also by the relaxed, uncrowded vibe, and the opportunity to ski during the Northern Hemisphere’s summer. Add in high-end dining, vibrant après-ski spots, and warm Chilean hospitality, and it's clear why Valle Nevado stands out as a premier ski destination in South America.

Getting to Valle Nevado is refreshingly straightforward for an international resort. The closest major hub is Arturo Merino Benítez International Airport (SCL) in Santiago, which receives flights from around the world. From the airport, Valle Nevado is about 90 minutes away by car. Visitors can book direct transfer services, which often include luggage handling and experienced mountain drivers accustomed to the winding road. While public buses don’t go directly to the resort, several private shuttle companies offer daily departures from Santiago during ski season, and shared rides are a popular budget-friendly option.

If you're renting a car, the scenic drive climbs steadily from the city into the mountains via the well-paved G-21 road. Be prepared for 60 switchbacks as you ascend into the Andes—snow chains are sometimes required depending on conditions. Parking at the resort is available, but limited, so advanced reservations or arriving early is advised. Valle Nevado is fully ski-in/ski-out, which means once you're there, no further transportation is needed to access the slopes—simply step out of your lodging and onto the mountain.

Valle Nevado’s terrain offers a compelling mix for skiers and snowboarders across the spectrum. At 40 kilometers of skiable trails and 890 hectares of accessible mountain, the resort is known for its wide-open feel. Unlike the tight tree-lined runs of some North American mountains, Valle Nevado’s high-altitude setting means wide, unobstructed slopes with massive sightlines. The terrain spreads outward and upward from the central base, served efficiently by a modern lift system that includes high-speed quads and gondolas.

Beginners are well supported with clearly marked green trails near the base and excellent ski school zones. The learning terrain is broad and gentle, allowing new skiers to gain confidence in a low-pressure environment. Once comfortable, progression to longer, cruisy blue trails is seamless, offering beautiful mountain views without steep pitches. Families will especially appreciate how easy it is to regroup and navigate the mountain thanks to the hub-and-spoke trail layout.

Intermediate skiers can enjoy some of the resort’s most scenic runs, including long blue groomers that span ridgelines and drop gradually through bowls and open faces. The width of the trails here means less crowding and more freedom to carve. For those seeking a sense of movement and rhythm, the two-kilometer-long run connecting multiple segments of the mountain is a highlight.

Advanced terrain is where Valle Nevado truly shines. With 41% of the trails classified as advanced and 20% as expert, there’s no shortage of challenge. Black and double-black runs spill down steep faces, ridge drops, and natural bowls. Areas like La Garganta and El Colorado offer steep verticals and natural features that appeal to thrill-seekers, especially on powder days.

Off-piste access is another standout feature. Because of its location and elevation, the resort often holds snow well into the day and is less affected by freeze-thaw cycles. Adventurous skiers will appreciate the lift-accessible sidecountry, which opens up even more lines and backdrops without the need for hiking or skinning. Guides are available for those who want to explore safely beyond the ropes.

Freestyle skiers and riders can hit Valle Nevado’s terrain park, which features rails and jump lines designed to match intermediate and advanced skill levels. Though smaller than parks at some North American resorts, it’s maintained regularly and offers a fun break from traditional runs. Combined with scenic ridgelines, wind lips, and natural terrain features, the mountain becomes a playground for creative riding.

If you're aiming to catch fresh tracks, the terrain skier’s left of the Andes Express lift holds onto powder well into midday. The sun doesn’t hit this aspect as early, preserving dry, soft snow longer than other faces. Locals often lap this zone early, especially after a storm. For steep powder lines with minimal traverse, head toward the lower bowls below La Cornisa—less traveled, wide, and thrilling.

Want to escape the mid-morning rush? Ride to the top of Mirador and take the backside trail toward the Sol sector. Most skiers stick to the main front face, so this area tends to stay quieter even during weekends. The scenery opens up into the expansive Valle de Inca, offering a blend of serenity and surprising snow stashes when conditions are right.

Timing your visit around mid-August gives you the best chance for deep snow and bluebird days. July can be busy due to Chilean winter holidays, and early September brings spring-like snow. But that mid-season window is magic: fewer crowds, prime coverage, and long daylight hours for making the most of every lift ride.

Après-ski at Valle Lounge hits the sweet spot between social and scenic. Grab a pisco sour, settle into a slope-side lounger, and watch the sunset light up the Andes in pastel hues. If you're staying overnight, keep an eye out for occasional stargazing nights—high-altitude skies here are incredibly clear, and constellation spotting is part of the charm.

If you’re an intermediate skier looking for a quiet, flowing run, try El Puma just before lunch. Most people head to the restaurants, and this scenic blue trail remains calm. You’ll cruise along a high ridge with open views and minimal traffic—perfect for those Instagram-worthy carving shots.

To maximize your day, start with first tracks on the Condor lift. It opens early and gives access to long, groomed vertical that feels endless. Ride it down to the Sol or Prado sector mid-morning before heading back toward the main village for lunch. Locals swear by this flow for both snow quality and efficiency.

Families can benefit from enrolling in half-day ski school for the kids while adults explore further afield. The mountain’s layout makes it easy to meet back up at the base without confusion. Plus, many of the beginner lifts are enclosed or gently graded, easing the nerves of first-timers.

Off the slopes, consider booking a day pass to the wellness spa—perfect for a post-ski steam and sauna session. You’ll be glad you did after a full day navigating the altitude and vertical drop. Massages, warm pools, and panoramic windows help you recover while staying immersed in the mountain vibe.

For a unique twist, keep an eye on the resort’s event calendar. Occasional snow bar pop-ups and mountaintop DJ sessions happen with little fanfare but are always a hit. These are the kinds of surprises that keep visitors coming back—low-key, high-elevation fun you won’t find anywhere else.

Lastly, always take time to simply stand still at the summit. The view is pure Andes drama—massive peaks rolling into infinity. The silence up there, broken only by the wind or a carving turn, is part of what makes Valle Nevado not just a ski trip, but a high-altitude experience you’ll want to repeat.