Chasing the Andes Sun My Ski Journey to La Parva, Chile
There's something about packing your things, waking up in Santiago on a cold winter morning, and watching the city go behind you as the Andes rise in the distance. The ascent feels like a journey between planets, even though the route to La Parva is only 45 minutes long.
The skyline of Chile's capital vanishes behind a veil of smoke and gold as the switchbacks get tighter and the air gets thinner. All of a sudden, everything gets sharper. You know you're approaching one of the most picturesque ski communities in South America when the snow glistens on the hills and the wind increases.
Arriving Above the Clouds
The world was silent by the time I arrived at La Parva Ski Resort, which was situated well above Valle Nevado and Farellones. The settlement is situated on a sun-drenched plateau at an elevation of around 2,700 meters, encircled by wide bowls and white ridgelines that appear to go on forever.
Compared to its larger neighbors, La Parva feels unique. It's more intimate, more local, and smaller. Skiers sip pisco sours on terraces overlooking the far-off cityscape of Santiago, while families stroll along the winding walkways between chalets. One ski turn at a time, this resort entices you in without shouting for your attention.
The First Run
Everything stops for a second before the initial plunge, including the elevators' noise and your heartbeat. I recall being struck by the sheer size of the Andes as I stood atop the Las Aguilas chair, skis pointing down at the basin.
Shaped by the brilliant Chilean sun and the night breeze, the snow was solid yet forgiving. There was simply the rhythm of edges cutting into snow as I dipped in, making wide circles. It was more than simply skiing; it was a burst of clarity that combined freedom, altitude, and solitude.
The mountain widens into a succession of effort-rewarding basins further up. You may reach unexplored powder stashes, where the snow is thicker, the lines are steeper, and every turn feels earned, by making the short trek above the lifts. It's the type of landscape that makes you remember why you came: to experience the sensation of being little underneath something lovely.
A Night in the Mountains
La Parva transforms as the lifts cease to revolve. Soft floodlights illuminate the slopes, and if you're lucky, you can enjoy night skiing, where you can do turns as the lights of Santiago sparkle far below.
I later saw the peaks disappear into the night while staying in one of the comfortable mountain hotels. Everything about the evening seemed earned, including the flavor of Chilean red wine, the warmth of the fireplace, and the laughing of the locals. A fresh covering of powder was promised for the morning as snowflakes started to fall outside once more.
Why La Parva Feels Different
Chile's more ostentatious resorts, such Valle Nevado with its opulent hotels and Portillo with its renowned lake vistas, lack the peaceful genuineness of La Parva. The mountain hums with silence instead of noise, and local skiers go there to get away.
Skiing here is about finding rhythm in the Andes wind and stopping mid-run to observe the rolling clouds beneath your skis, not about showcasing your spins.
It's the type of location that ambushes you. You feel as though you've found a hidden gem of Chilean winter after coming here for a few runs.
Final Thoughts
La Parva is more than simply a ski destination; it's an experience you take home. It's the silence before a morning run, the Andes' twilight hue, and the subdued joy of earning every opportunity. La Parva reminds you why we travel for experiences like this, whether you're chasing powder lines, enjoying wine with locals, or just watching the sun set against snow-covered peaks.
This little mountain community above Santiago distinguishes out for its character in a world full of well-known names and bustling slopes. It's skiing at its most basic: wind, snow, and the ability to simply be.
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