Why You Should Head to Chile This Summer to Ski Valle Nevado

Sponsored by Valle Nevado  

As the snow recedes from the mountains and the North America winter ski season winds down, many skiers and riders reluctantly put away their gear. But instead of hanging up your gear for the summer, follow the winter south to where the ski season is just beginning. Tucked deep in the heart of the Chilean Andes, Valle Nevado offers the ultimate escape from the summer heat. With its high-altitude peaks, legendary powder, and vibrant ski culture, Valle Nevado is the premier destination for those chasing an endless winter. Let our guide help you plan the ultimate Chilean ski adventure to Valle Nevado. 

Ski And Ride The Deepest And Highest Quality Snow In Chile 

Perched at a base elevation of 9,925 feet, Valle Nevado is renowned for having the highest and most reliable snowpack in Chile. Valle Nevado’s orientation and high altitude ensure that the resort remains caked in dry, high-quality powder throughout the Southern Hemisphere’s winter. Awaiting skiers and riders are 14 lifts and more than 47 named runs, all above treeline, across more than 2,200 acres of terrain.   

Valle Nevado has something for everyone. Beginners and intermediates can enjoy immaculate wide-open groomers, while more advanced skiers and riders can hit 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. 

Valle Nevado’s headlining experience, however, is its heliskiing operation. Valle Nevado Heliski accesses 50,000 hectares of untouched powder and unparalleled terrain in the dramatic Central Andes, where some peaks reach 20,000 feet. Full-day excursions, hosted by expert local guides, feature several 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. 

Enjoy The Fully Interconnected Ski Experience Of Valle Nevado And La Parva 

Guests staying at Valle Nevado-owned hotels and new Aconcagua Ski Residences will have access to the Valle Nevado–La Parva interconnected ticket, allowing them to ski and ride both resorts as part of a single mountain experience. The offering significantly expands the terrain, linking the two areas into one of the largest ski domains in the central Andes, with more than 4,000 skiable acres, 87 trails, and 30 lifts. 

Be Among The First to Experience The Aconcagua Ski Residences 

The 2026 Valle Nevado ski season will see the debut of the Aconcagua Ski Residences. These 39 fully equipped, apartment-style residences, which can accommodate 2-7 guests, are designed for travelers seeking additional space, privacy, and flexibility. They blend the comfort of a private living space with the services and amenities of a full-service mountain resort, including daily breakfast, 24-hour concierge service, shuttle transportation within the resort, access to the heated pool and fitness center at Valle Nevado’s hotels, and slopeside access. Take advantage of Aconcagua Ski Residences’ early booking promotion, which includes 7 nights for the price of 5 and 4 nights for the price of 3 (valid through April 30, 2026). 

Plan Your Trip 

• Early Booking Deals: Save up to 50% when booking before March 31. Packages include lodging, lift tickets, breakfast, and dinner.  Full promotion details and terms are available on Valle Nevado’s website. 

• Multi-resort pass benefits. Valle Nevado is on a few of the top multi-resort passes, including the Power Pass, Mountain Collective, and Ikon Pass. Each pass comes with its own perks available at Valle Nevado, including lodging discounts. Additionally, kids 12 and under ski free with the Power Kids Pass. 

• Direct flights. There are direct flights to Santiago, Chile from multiple U.S. cities, including Miami, Houston, Dallas, 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. In addition to the new Aconcagua Ski Residences, there are several hotels at Valle Nevado. Hotel Valle Nevado and Hotel Puerta del Sol are just steps from the slopes, while Hotel Tres Puntas is a short walk. They combine to make Valle Nevado a true ski-in, ski-out experience. Start planning your trip.