Skiing in Chile
Skiing — When It's Summer in Europe
Chile has first-class ski resorts, with the great advantage that their season runs from June to September — when it's summer in Europe. Chilean powder snow, Andean panoramas, and sunshine make Chilean ski resorts a hidden gem for winter sports enthusiasts.
The Best Ski Resorts
- Valle Nevado: 60 km east of Santiago at 3,000–3,670 m. Chile's largest ski resort with 40+ slopes and excellent powder snow. Day pass from 45,000 CLP. Accessible by shuttle bus from Santiago (2h)
- Portillo: 160 km north of Santiago, right on the Argentine border. Legendary ski resort at Lago del Inca — the 1966 World Ski Championships were held here. Smaller, exclusive, breathtaking location
- Ski Pucón: On the Villarrica Volcano. Small but unique: Skiing on an active volcano! View over Lago Villarrica. Day pass from 35,000 CLP
- Centro de Ski Volcán Osorno: On the Osorno Volcano near Puerto Varas. Small facility, but the view over Lago Llanquihue is unbeatable
- Corralco: On the Lonquimay Volcano in the Araucanía region. Less known, excellent powder snow, Araucaria forests at the edge of the slopes
Practicalities
- Season: Mid-June to late September (depending on snow conditions)
- Equipment: Rental available at all ski resorts. Good quality, moderate prices
- Access: Valle Nevado and La Parva by shuttle bus from Santiago (Skitotal, from 20,000 CLP return). Portillo only by car
- Prices: Day pass 35,000–55,000 CLP (€35–55) — significantly cheaper than the Alps
💡 Tipp
The trick for skiing in Chile: Come on Mondays and Tuesdays — on weekends, the Santiaguinos come in droves. And: If you're going to Portillo, book the classic Hotel Portillo — an Art Deco gem by the yellow mountain lake, established in 1949 and one of the most iconic ski hotels in the world.