You’re in Santiago de Chile, and you love the mountains and adrenaline, don’t you? Then you can’t miss out on a great day of extreme sports at one of the most beautiful ski resorts in South America. Impressive landscapes, winter sports, and a dose of nature are guaranteed on the Tour to Farellones and Valle Nevado.
Below, you will find everything about this excursion and the best options to enjoy the best of the Andes Mountains.
Valle Nevado Ski Resort, the foolproof answer to where to ski in Chile
Valle Nevado is one of the most beautiful ski resorts in Chile, and one of the largest and most modern in South America. It was founded in 1988 by a group of French entrepreneurs, and it follows the style of European Alpine ski resorts.
The property has some 900 hectares of skiable terrain. Likewise, it offers varied terrain for all skill levels: from beginners to advanced skiers and freeride experts.
Valle Nevado is known for its excellent infrastructure for extreme sports, especially for snowboarding and freestyle. In the complex, you will find a halfpipe and a snowpark, ideal places for those looking to practice stunts and jumps. In fact, since 2003, Valle Nevado has been the host of several Snowboard World Cup competitions, which demonstrates the quality and international level of its facilities.
Valle Nevado and Los Tres Valles: the largest ski complex in South America
In addition to everything it offers on its own, today Valle Nevado has a plus that makes it even more attractive: it is part of Los Tres Valles, the largest ski circuit in South America, along with La Parva and El Colorado. The three stations are located right next to each other in the mountains, joined by slopes and ski lifts.
Since Valle Nevado and La Parva passed into the hands of the same investment group, both centers operate under a single pass, without the need to buy separate tickets. With a single forfait, you can ski on more than 1,700 hectares spread across some 87 slopes and 30 lifts.
El Colorado, for its part, continues to operate under its own administration, but it is still interconnected by slopes. Some hotel packages in Valle Nevado include additional passes to also cross over there.
In round numbers, between the three stations, they exceed a hundred kilometers of slopes at more than 3,000 meters of altitude. If you are going to ski for several days, it is worth planning at least one day to explore beyond Valle Nevado.
How to get to Valle Nevado
The distance from Valle Nevado to Santiago de Chile is just 46 kilometers, so the visit is very accessible from the capital. The trip by car takes between 1 hour and 15 minutes and 2 hours. The road is Route G-21 towards Farellones, which after the famous "40-Curve Road" forks onto Route G-251, the one that goes up directly to Valle Nevado.
A couple of things to keep in mind if you are going to drive up on your own:
- Chains are mandatory on the road during the snow season, and the Carabineros (police) check for them at different points along the way. If you don't have them, in Farellones there are "cadeneros" who will put them on for an additional cost.
- On high-season weekends, the road has restricted schedules. The ascent is usually enabled only in the morning and the descent only in the afternoon, so it is advisable to plan the time for going and coming back in advance.
- If you prefer not to drive, there are private shuttles and transfers that leave from Santiago (like the Tangol tour). There is also the option of arriving by helicopter in just 15 minutes.
- An extra tip: Valle Nevado is at a considerable altitude (the base is around 3,000 meters and the slopes go up to 3,670). If you come from lower areas, take it easy the first day, hydrate well, and avoid alcohol until you adapt a bit to the altitude.
Where to stay in Valle Nevado
If you want to ski for more than one day without going up and down the mountain every day, Valle Nevado has three of its own hotels at the base of the resort, in addition to condo-style apartments for those who prefer more independence. The offer includes several restaurants, a spa with a fitness center, and bars with live music, so it also functions as a snow plan for those who do not ski.
The most economical alternative is to book accommodation in Santiago and go up for the day, although by staying on the mountain you gain extra hours on the slopes before those who come up from the city arrive.
Prices and passes to visit Valle Nevado
Valle Nevado offers different types of passes: for a full day, half day, or by the season, with special categories for children (Power Kids, up to 12 years old) and seniors (Super Senior, from 75 years old). Since Valle Nevado and La Parva now share a pass, with the same forfait you can ski in both centers on the same day.
The prices change each season according to the exchange rate and demand, so it is advisable to check the updated rates on the official site before traveling. Equipment rental (skis, board, snow clothing) is booked separately from the pass, and can be booked both in Santiago and at the resort itself.
Farellones, the ideal stop after a day in Valle Nevado
Tangol invites you to get to know the Chilean high mountains in a fun and comfortable way. On one of its full-day tours, you can join an accessible plan to practice winter sports or to spend days of tranquility among the landscapes. Below, we tell you everything this tour includes:
- Pick up at your accommodation and transfer from Santiago to Valle Nevado: The tour starts early, with pick up at your hotel in Santiago between 5:00 and 5:30 in the morning. This is an excellent way to make the most of the day, as it will take you straight to the heart of the Andes Mountains.
- Equipment Stop: Before going up to the heights, a brief stop is made at an equipment rental shop, where you can rent appropriate snow clothing, such as gloves, boots, and sleds.
- The 40-Curve Road: One of the most exciting moments of this tour is the journey through the famous 40-Curve Road, a winding route that offers panoramic views of the Andes Mountains. Here you can stop to take spectacular photos of the mountain landscape and, if you are lucky, spot local fauna such as vizcachas, foxes, pumas, and the majestic Andean condor.
- Visit to Valle Nevado: The main attraction of this tour is the Valle Nevado Ski Center. Once there, you will have time to explore the facilities. If you are a fan of winter sports, you can enjoy the ski and snowboard slopes. If you have never practiced these sports, you can take classes with professional instructors. You can also take the opportunity to contemplate the snowy landscapes, have something tasty and hot in its cafeteria, and enjoy the surroundings.
- Visit to Farellones: On the return, the tour will take you to the picturesque town of Farellones, located in the heart of the mountain. There you will walk through its streets, visit some of its shops, and enjoy the local cafeterias.
What is the best date to go to Valle Nevado?
Mid-June is when the ski season begins in Valle Nevado, and it usually extends until September or early October, depending on snow conditions. Therefore, the months of July and August are the most recommended to enjoy the best snow and winter activities. However, it is important to check the state of the roads and access to Valle Nevado, as snowfall can cause temporary closures.
Do I need a car with chains to go to Valle Nevado?
If you go up in your own vehicle, yes, chains are mandatory during the snow season and there are controls on the road. If you prefer to avoid the hassle, the simplest option is to hire a transfer or a tour that takes you there and back.
What is the Tres Valles pass?
It is the combined access to the slopes of Valle Nevado, La Parva, and El Colorado, which together form the largest ski domain in South America. Valle Nevado and La Parva already share the same forfait; for El Colorado, an additional pass may be required depending on the type of package.
Is Valle Nevado suitable for beginners?
Yes, it has slopes for all levels and a ski school with instructors, as well as specific areas for those who are just starting out, separated from the more technical freeride and freestyle slopes.
Is there a risk of altitude sickness in Valle Nevado?
It is possible, since the resort is at almost 3,000 meters of altitude and the slopes go even higher. Symptoms are usually mild (headache, tiredness), but it is advisable to hydrate well, avoid alcohol the first day, and take it easy if you notice any discomfort.