Skiing in Chile

Chile has all you need for a great ski trip, with over 15 ski centres from Santiago to Patagonia, there plenty of options. The best time of year is July to mid September. Remember to check the dates of Chilean school holidays and Fiestas Patrias celebrations in September to plan your trip around the crowds. Fiestas Patrias in the week around the 18th September is a great time to share in the traditional celebrations, dancing the queca, and tasting the traditional dishes and beverages. All the school children dress up and you can find dancing and celebrations in every town and city. The only down side is that hotels, cabins and ski centres may be crowded as all of Chile is on holidays.

Ski centre Corralco on Volcano Lonquimay is the new kid on the block in terms of skiing in Chile. Previously the best known ski areas have been Valle Nevado and close by centres El Colorado and La Parva (combined ski tickets available). These are a short distance from Santiago; Portillo is also sought after, particularly for its backcountry terrain above the ski lifts and the famous Super C Couloir which is on many skiers/snowboarders To Do list.

To the south, the best known centre is Nevados de Chillan. The backcountry options are tremendous. For a day out one can start at the top of the volcanic crater and descend 1800m (3,300ft), ending at thermal baths.

Just 4-5 hours drive from Chillan is Corralco on Volcano Lonquimay, Sierra Nevada in Parque Conguillio and Los Arenales backcountry ski area near Malalcahuello. Corralco Ski Resort boasts 1775 hectares (4386 acres)of area for skiing, 15 of those hectares are within the area of ski lifts or tow bars, with 25km of ski runs. One of the best things about Corralco is the lack of crowds and the natural environment which is unmatched in other more developed centres. Mountain guides and excursions on snow mobiles are available. The adventurous ski from the top of the crater, which is one of the widest in Chile, down to the base of the ski field; you can also ski into the crater. From here there are 360 degree views of the snow-covered Andes and various volcanoes.

Malalcahuello still has a small rural town feel to it with the advantage of quality accommodation, quality restaurants and excellent skiing/snowboarding opportunities.

Within 1.5 hours drive from Malalcahuello is Las Araucarias ski centre on Volcano Llaima. Malalcahuello forms a great base to explore these three backcountry areas and two downhill ski centres.