Ski Resorts in Santiago, Chile: Your Complete Guide
World-class skiing is easily accessible from the capital if you're travelling to Chile from June to September. Actually, with a number of them only 60 to 90 minutes from the city centre, the ski slopes around Santiago are among the easiest to get to in South America.
The top ski resorts in Santiago, Chile, will be covered in this guide, along with neighbouring locations like Portillo and insider information on ski trips, snowboard stores, and ski rentals from the city.
The 3 Valleys: Ski Resorts Near Santiago, Chile
Some of the best skiing in Chile can be found just outside the city at the Tres Valles (Three Valleys) ski resorts: Valle Nevado, La Parva, and El Colorado/Farellones. The largest is Valle Nevado, which was established in the 1980s and boasts over 900 hectares of land, breathtaking Andean vistas, and a number of hotels, pubs, and restaurants that are ideal for both quick visits and lengthy ski vacations. La Parva, one of the area's oldest ski resorts and a favourite of Santiago's elite, is located a few kilometres before Valle Nevado.
It has 15 lifts, a 4 km run, and an alive, fashionable ambiance. The area closest to the capital is El Colorado/Farellones, which is frequently disregarded but is renowned for its great sidecountry snow that can be accessed by lift, easy access for day trips, and the family-friendly village of Farellones that provides lodging, tubing, and off-slope activities. When combined, these three resorts make Santiago one of South America's top starting points for skiing.
Ski Rentals in Santiago, Chile
It's surprising that there aren't many ski rentals available in Santiago, even though it's close to world-class slopes. There aren't many good rental stores in the city, in contrast to ski destinations like Denver.
The most rental alternatives are found in Avenida Las Condes and Camino a Farellones.
Limitations: There are not many options for powder skis or ski touring gear, and the selection is frequently out of date.
It is advised that experienced snowboarders and skiers carry their own equipment to Chile. Although it incurs additional fees, checking skis during a flight ensures you have the necessary gear.
If you have to rent, you might want to wait until you get to Valle Nevado, La Parva, or Portillo, as they all have better rental equipment than the majority of the city's stores.
Best Ski Shops in Santiago
In Santiago and in need of last-minute ski equipment? Go to Avenida Las Condes 13451, Mall Sport. Skiers and snowboarders should visit this outdoor and action-sports shopping centre.
Top Shops:
Patagonia, Salomon, The North Face, and Helly Hansen flagship stores; Andesgear and Zolkan for high-end outdoor gear; and 7veinte for snowboard necessities.
Pro Tip:
Go when stores are cutting prices, which is in mid- to late August. Prices for ski apparel, Gore-Tex gloves, and Smartwool socks are frequently lower than those in the United States.
Ski Tours Including Santiago
A trip to Santiago doesn’t have to be limited to day trips at local ski resorts. Many Chile ski tour packages include guided safaris that combine the Tres Valles resorts with cultural overnights in Santiago.
These tours typically include:
- Professional ski guides and coaches
- Transportation between resorts
- Ski days in Valle Nevado, La Parva, El Colorado, and Portillo
- City excursions, dining, and nightlife experiences
Conclusion: Why Santiago is the Perfect Base for Skiing in Chile
Santiago is one of the greatest starting points for a South American ski vacation, with top-notch resorts less than two hours away. Every level of skier will find something to enjoy, whether they are carving the well-maintained slopes of Valle Nevado, exploring the sidecountry at El Colorado, or taking in the renowned terrain at Portillo.
Plan ahead, bring your own equipment if you're experienced, or rent directly from the resorts for higher-quality equipment. Remember to visit Santiago's ski shops at Mall Sport for apparel, equipment, and even mid-season sales.
Santiago serves as the starting point for some of the best skiing in Chile and South America, making it more than simply a place to visit; it's the starting point for day trips and multi-resort ski tours.
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