The 6 best ski resorts in Chile 

Keep the snow party going throughout summer with a trip down to Chile. This country is the stuff of legends, nestled between the gigantic Andes Mountains (the world’s longest mountain range) and over 4,000 miles of gnarly Pacific coastline. Once in the Southern Hemisphere, you’ll discover wild Chilean peaks alongside active volcanoes, plunging valleys, majestic rivers, and plenty of pow. Oh, and epic ski resorts that open in June and regularly receive over 30 feet of snow per year! Yew! 

Yep, Chile is a real gem. But, surprisingly, it’s still relatively under wraps. That might have something to do with Chile only having 17 ski resorts. Pretty bonkers compared to Japan’s 450+, right? So, it’s perfect for soaking up those authentic Chilean vibes and a slower pace of life … all without the crowds. Plus, fewer riders means you’ll pretty much have the pow – and mountain – to yourself. Oh, and those insane Andean sunsets, delicious wine, and Pisco Sours, of course. Honestly, Chile might be heaven on earth. 

But which are the best ski resorts in Chile? No sweat – we’ve smooth-talked our contacts and deep-dived to find the six top spots. But, before you book those flights, how about browsing our fresh fits and new ski bibs and ski jackets? There’s nothing better for slashing Chilean pow and ripping active volcanoes!

Top 6 ski resorts in Chile

La Parva

Does your crew like advanced terrain and off-piste riding? La Parva is paradise. You’ll fill your expert boots in the Santiago area (Santiago is Chile’s biggest metropolitan city) and discover La Parva’s unique features, such as the Valle de Fabres (Zona de Freeskiing). You’ll also have plenty of awesome hike-to terrain above the resort. Oh, and of course, you can see what you’re made of on La Chimenea, the iconic narrow couloir with a super steep 50-degree entrance. It’s visible from the village, so have a friend film your descent from a bar if they don’t fancy attempting it themselves. Just make sure their phone’s zoom is pretty decent …

Or, how about trying McConkey’s Bowl, named in tribute to the legendary Shane McConkey? We don’t think there’s any better way to honor the GOAT than by ‘yewing!’ down this infamously steep bowl. McConkey’s is also one of the most visible lines in Chile’s Tres Valles (Three Valleys), made up of La Parva, El Colorado (including Farellones), and Valle Nevado. So, buy the multi-resort lift ticket and access 7,000 acres of hella fun trails and in-bounds riding. 

Intermediates, in particular, will find their groove in La Parva. That’s all thanks to 63% of the trails marked as Blue or Red. And the village? You’ll feel you’re the only one here with its chilled, cozy, and somewhat exclusive vibes. Another La Parva perk is that 99% of its accommodation is ski-in, ski-out. Just be warned that La Parva can get pricey. However, if you’re on more of a budget, stay in nearby El Colorado and Farellones, and make the trip over to La Parva’s slopes. Some Farellones accommodation even offers free morning transfers to La Parva – and you can easily shred back to Farellones village once the lifts stop spinning.

Top tip: Take a break – La Parva style! You’ll discover loads of lodges to refuel and sample the local goodness, such as a delicious bowl of Ajiaco (meat soup) or a foamy Pisco Sour. Or how about catching rays and gawking at sunsets on one of La Parva’s iconic terraces? Our top pick is El Montañes – the views are out of this world!

Nevados de Chillán

How does ripping an active stratovolcano sound? And what about a soak in the natural hot springs (termas) after? Sounds pretty perfect, right? If so, aim for Nevados de Chillán. This ski resort lies at the base of the Volcán Chillán (Chillán Viejo and Chillán Nuevo). And it’s one of the few places you can lay tracks while the mountain spouts steam! 

In our eyes, Chillán (locals speak) is a powder playground that’s hard to beat. After all, it receives a bonkers 33 feet of snow annually! Check out its incredible backcountry and side country touring options alongside some of the best tree riding we’ve ever seen. And explore Volcán Chillán’s peaks and some of South America’s top off-piste areas, including Los Nevados, the Pirigallo chutes, and the Shangri-La route. However, if groomers are more your thing, you’re in for a treat with terrain that’s ideal for beginners, intermediates, and advanced riders. Plus, how does ripping South America’s longest slope sound? Yes, set your sights on the Las Tres Marias trail, extending for a whopping eight miles! Complete that, and you’ve 100% earned your hot springs time – especially if you can do it without stopping!

As for accommodation, stay at one of Nevados de Chillán’s on-mountain hotels – all with ski-in, ski-out access. Alternatively, bask in true Chilean vibes in Las Trancas, a town about‌ a 20-minute drive away with cute cabins, condos, and lodges. You’ll also find epic dining and nightlife here. Our faves are Café & Bar de Montaña Petit Club (their signature cocktails and sushi are unreal!) and Pizzas and Beers del Valle Las Trancas (keep an eye out for their awesome live music nights!).

Top tip: Bathe in natural hot springs, only accessible on skis! It’s on the Aguas Calientes route, a 4.5-mile round trip, starting at the Otto lift (South America’s longest chairlift). We recommend taking a guide, though, as it’s a lengthy adventure with multiple river crossings. So, it’s best to go with someone who knows what’s what.

Ski Portillo

Looking for knock-your-ski-socks-off scenery alongside the best pow riding in Chile? Take a bite out of Ski Portillo. Yep, this epic spot is arguably Chile’s most famous ski resort, with some of the most extreme terrain imaginable. Legends including Stein Eriksen, Jean-Claude Killy, Chris Davenport, Ingrid Backstrom, and Shane McConkey have left their mark here. Oh, and Warren Miller listed it as one of the top ski resorts in the world. So, it must be awesome, right? However, that doesn’t mean it’s mobbed. Instead, you’ll find zero lift lines, thanks to Portillo enforcing a limit on the number of single-day lift tickets. Yew! 

Ski Portillo mainly caters to those searching for steeps and deeps alongside pros training for championships, such as the World Cup. That doesn’t mean you can’t bring the family, though. Beginners and intermediates have some terrain to play on here. And we think it’s fair to say Ski Portillo hosts Chile’s best ski school (with group lessons in English). Just prep the kids and yourself for Portillo’s unique ‘va et vient’ lifts. These are button-style ‘slingshot’ lifts taking four to five riders at a time. Once you’ve conquered those, it’s time for the truly daunting stuff Portillo’s famous for. This includes the Super C Couloir, one of the world’s most iconic backcountry lines. Beware – it’s a challenging climb and requires bootpacking 3,000 vertical feet. However, you’re rewarded with amazing views. And your jaw will hang open at the sight of Aconcagua, the world’s largest mountain outside the Himalayas. Then, there’s only one thing to do: experience a 4,331 feet/1,320 meter descent – and one of the most incredible lines of your life. 

And for downtime after high-altitude adventures? You’ll chill out with pros and other riders in Hotel Portillo. There’s no ski village here but this famous yellow hotel has everything you need, including bars, restaurants, a cinema, and an outdoor pool and jacuzzis with first-class views. Plus, the pool is where the après happens! Soak up the Alpenglow at sunset – and the Chilean wine on offer – as you relax in the hot tub. Or swap heat for Wim Hof-style cold as you plunge into the turquoise Laguna del Inca Lake. It’s pro rider Sierra Quitiquit’s favorite form of après …

Top tip: Check out Hotel Ski Portillo’s secret tunnels! Apparently, the place is loaded with underground paths and dumbwaiters that weave throughout the hotel. Ask a long-term employee where they are, or have the legendary Chris Davenport show you the way on his Camp of the Superstars.

Valle Nevado 

Sometimes, you want somewhere that’s got everything – a ski resort with incredible riding conditions, a modern infrastructure, and a bustling base so you can turn up and forget your worries. Oh, and insane views. If that’s on your wish list, aim for Valle Nevado, Chile’s biggest – and highest – ski resort. It sits at an ear-popping 12,041 feet/3,670 meters above sea level, surrounded by dizzying 19,685 feet/6,000 meter jagged peaks. Plus, it’s only 35 miles from Santiago. 

Lynsey Dyer is a massive fan of this purpose-built resort. And the US, Canadian, Italian, Norwegian, and Russian ski teams use Valle Nevado as their summer training ground. It’s suited, booted, and ready for international riders with its wide range of amenities, activities, and multilingual staff. And the riding? Just epic. Yep, you’ll have a massive 7,000 acres to cruise and charge above the treeline. That’s all thanks to Valle Nevado being part of Chile’s Tres Valles (Three Valleys). Just buy one multi-resort lift ticket and access La Parva and El Colorado (and Farellones), too. However, Valle Nevado is still mega in its own right, with 2,300 acres to play with, full of plenty of treeless, wide-open groomers for beginners and intermediates – and super short lift lines. Plus, you’ll find tons of off-piste, including steep bowls, chutes, and so many gullies you’ll feel you’ve found nature’s premiere terrain park. 

If you want to try a manmade terrain park, though, Valle Nevado is the place to hit. It’s home to South America’s only FIS-approved snow park, meaning it's perfect for advanced freestylers looking to catch air off mega kickers, boxes, rails, and the quarter pipe. And, when it’s time to call it a day, there’s nothing better than après-ing in the resort’s outdoor heated pool, surrounded by one of Valle Nevado’s stunning sunsets. Honestly, the pink, purple, and orange hues will blow your mind. Well, that’s if the gnarly descents haven’t already done the job!

Top tip: Mix your whiteouts with wine! For one week every August, Valle Nevado hosts the Chile Wine Festival, featuring wineries from all over the country alongside tastings, seminars, and live music on an outdoor deck as part of the Grand Wine Festival night. Some hotels offer free access to the Wine Festival. However, get in there quick, as this popular August week sells out fast!

El Colorado

Beginners and intermediates in your crew? Or want to try Chile with the fam? Aim for El Colorado. Yep, this ski resort has everything going for it – and it’s incredibly epic for first-timers and families, with over 50% of its runs marked Green. It’s also the closest ski resort to Santiago and has one of the lowest lift ticket prices in the whole of Chile’s Tres Valles (Three Valleys). And, because it’s part of the Tres Valles, it’s connected to nearby Valle Nevado and La Parva. You can access Farellones, too, El Colorado’s second ski area, which is especially awesome for beginners and tubing. 

Okay, if we’re nit-picking, El Colorado’s infrastructure is a touch slow. And it can get crowded, especially as it’s a hotspot for locals. Shred midweek, though, and you should have most of the groomers to yourself. However, if off-piste is where you get your kicks, you’ll rate El Colorado highly. That’s because it’s home to Santa Teresa (also known as Santa Teresita and Santa Tere). This is a gnarly, out-of-bounds, expert zone that most riders would kill to experience with its dreamy, long descents and acres of pow fields, couloirs, and cliffs. Don’t forget to head to Cono Este for deep pow turns, too. Perfection is an understatement. 

And when it’s time to swap pow for pitchers? You can’t go wrong with a trip to nearby Farellones. This is where you’ll find some of the best après-ski bars and restaurants in the Tres Valles. Our fave spots are El Alemán de Farellones (try the mechado la summit) and Hotel Chalet Valluga (go for the Baby Back ribs as they smoke their meats onsite!). You can also stay in Farellones – which has more accommodation options. Then, use the tow lifts in the morning to connect to El Colorado’s main ski area. Easy!

Top tip: Fly through El Colorado’s terrain park, said to be the best in South America and the largest in Chile. You’ll have over 40 features for all abilities to play with. But don’t memorize the features for next year. Every winter, a specialist flies out from Andorra to add, refine, and make the park bigger and better than before.

Corralco

Few places offer excellent beginner terrain, decent intermediate trails, insane backcountry routes, hot springs, and the chance to shred a volcano. But that’s where the Spanish-owned Corralco shines. It offers all that and more, including Chile’s longest ski season that runs until late October (and into November if you’re taking the backcountry routes!). 

Corralco is more off the beaten track than other Santiago ski resorts. So it’s the perfect choice if you want to escape the capital’s hustle and bustle. Instead, rock up and ride over 4,440 acres on the sides of the Lonquimay volcano surrounded by peace and quiet – and the Malalcahuello-Nalcas National Reserve. Local families rate the child and beginner-friendly slopes while backcountry powderhounds can reap all the rewards on a pow day. Try a little traversing and you’ll unlock tons of rad features, all thanks to the volcano’s lava flows. Or how about cruising a crater? Many advanced riders ascend to the ‘peak’ (the volcano’s crater), at 9,400 feet/2,865 meters. That’s 1,526 feet/465 meters higher than the top lift! And, after shredding your legs off, there’s nothing like treating yourself to some R&R in the local hot springs. 

When it’s time to hit the hay, most riders do so in the luxury Valle Corralco Hotel & Spa. And if you want to switch up riding for other activities, the hotel delivers. How about horseback riding, kayaking, trail running, or watching a movie in the hotel’s cinema? This hotel is quite pricey, though. So, if your purse strings don’t stretch that far, you’ll need a car to access more budget-friendly accommodation options outside the resort. Our fave is Mountain Lodge Posada del Rio, Malalcahuello, about a 15-minute drive from Corralco ski resort.

Top tip: Head to Corralco from early August, when you’re guaranteed more bluebird days. That’s because storms tend to descend throughout June and July, so things can get gnarly up top. However, with storms comes the white stuff!

Wrapping up

Okay, we’re dialed in for Chile this year. Anyone else fancy a trip? What more could you need than shed loads of pow, lofty peaks, active volcanoes, stunning sunsets, natural hot springs, incredible wine, off-the-beaten-path ski resorts, and iconic lines to write home about? And speaking about writing home, how about showcasing your achievements in our Dope Snow Community Facebook Group? It’s full of fellow riders and a passionate crew who’ll hype you up, provide tips when asked for, and let you know about upcoming Dope drops! It’s pretty close to heaven – but we think Chile just nabs the top spot!

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