Valle Nevado is South America’s Premier Ski Destination 

Sponsored by Valle Nevado  

While the North America ski season has come to a close by June, it’s just about to get started in South America at Valle Nevado. Located 90 minutes from Santiago, Chile, Valle Nevado is considered the Southern Hemisphere’s premier ski destination, home to more than 2,200 acres of ski terrain, plus another 50,000 acres of heliskiing terrain. Valle Nevado is high-altitude skiing at its best, with its base at nearly 10,000 feet (9,925 feet) and summit at 12,038 feet. There’s nothing like it. Read on for our guide to Valle Nevado. 

Skiing and Riding At Valle Nevado  

Valle Nevado boasts the deepest and highest quality snow in Chile, thanks in part to its southern orientation and high altitude at nearly 10,000 feet. The ski season kicks off just around the time that summer officially begins in North America, with lifts starting to spin in late June and continuing until late September or early October. Valle Nevado has 14 lifts and more than 40 named runs, all above treeline, across its 2,200 acres of terrain.   

Valle Nevado’s terrain has something for everyone. Beginners and intermediates can enjoy immaculate wide-open groomers, while more advanced skiers and riders can hit the gullies, dramatic couloirs, and off-piste terrain. Freestyle skiers and snowboarders will find a first-class terrain park at Valle Nevado—one of the best in Latin America—designed to challenge and inspire all levels of riders. It includes a beginner zone with rollers, cambers, and small boxes; an intermediate section featuring a mix of boxes and jumps; and an advanced area with technical elements like rails, kinked boxes, and a quarter pipe. Valle Nevado is also a great place to learn or progress your skills, as it’s home to South America’s top ski school with more than 150 certified, bilingual instructors.  

But it’s Valle Nevado’s heliskiing that’s the real showstopper. Valle Nevado Heliski accesses 50,000 acres of untouched powder and unparalleled terrain in the dramatic Central Andes, where some peaks reach 20,000 feet high. Full-day excursions, hosted by expert local guides, include four to six helicopter drops. Skiers will surpass an astounding 5,000-6,000 feet of vertical drop on a single run as they rip down steeps through fresh powder. Half-day options are also available, which include two to three drops.   

After the lifts stop spinning, the action shifts to Valle Nevado’s cozy hotel restaurants and bars. Here, guests can enjoy an elevated après-ski experience, pairing a Pisco Sour or their favorite drink with panoramic views of the snow-covered Andes. Valle Nevado’s restaurants may challenge how you think of ski resort dining with options like La Fourchette, a French fine dining experience with an extensive wine selection, and Sur, which brings the unique flavors of Chile to a beautiful ski resort setting. Cap off your day with dancing or a game of pool at Pub Tres Puntas.  

Multi-Resort Pass Benefits  

Valle Nevado is on a few of the top multi-resort passes. Mountain Capital Partners, which manages the Power Pass, became the majority owner of Valle Nevado in 2023. Valle Nevado, and neighboring La Parva are both on the Power Pass, with pass holders receiving 10 free interconnected days, as well as 10%-15% off accommodations. Additionally, kids 12 and under ski free with the Power Kids Pass.  

Ikon Pass holders can enjoy 7 days with no blackouts and 10% off lodging, while those on the Ikon Base Pass also receive 10% off lodging and 5 days with no blackouts. Those who ski or ride on The Mountain Collective Pass receive two free days and 15% off lodging. One important thing to note is that booking accommodations at Valle Nevado is much more unique than what travelers may be used to in North America. That’s because your Valle Nevado hotel booking includes lodging, lift tickets, and breakfast and dinner.  

Plan Your Trip  

• Direct flights. There are direct flights to Santiago, Chile from multiple U.S. cities, including Miami, Orlando, Atlanta, New York City, and Los Angeles.  

• Getting there. It’s approximately a 90-minute drive to Valle Nevado from Santiago depending on traffic and conditions. Car rentals and taxi service are available from Arturo Merino Benitez International Airport (SCL) in Santiago, though many travelers take a shuttle. CTS Turismo and Ski Total are among the recommended shuttle providers.   

• Explore Santiago. Often, travelers will tack on a day or two in Santiago either before or after skiing at Valle Nevado. The capital and largest city in Chile, Santiago is rich in culture and boasts a fantastic art, food, and drink scene.  

• Where to stay. Hotel Valle Nevado, Hotel Puerta del Sol, and Hotel Tres Puntas are the three main hotels at Valle Nevado. Hotel Valle Nevado and Hotel Puerta del Sol are just steps from the slopes, while Hotel Tres Puntas is just a short walk, making Valle Nevado a true ski-in, ski-out experience. Start planning your trip.