To a North America skier, a Chilean ski trip is otherworldly. Ski resorts are set excessive within the Andes, above treeline and surrounded by dramatic ridge traces the place condors hover and sunsets splash vibrant hues in opposition to snowfields. When you’re contemplating a Chilean ski trip, learn this information evaluating two of essentially the most iconic ski resorts: Valle Nevado and Portillo.
Valle Nevado Ski Resort
Situated within the coronary heart of the Andes and a mere two hours from Santiago, Valle Nevado is the most important winter resort within the southern hemisphere and one of the trendy in Chile. This resort is a part of the Tres Valles (Three Valleys) ski space, which additionally contains El Colorado and La Parva. Collectively, they provide an intensive community of slopes with one thing for everybody, from newcomers to specialists. The views are unimaginable – snowboarding right here means searching over the huge expanse of the Andes, generally even catching glimpses of Santiago far under when it’s clear.
Valle Nevado’s iconic silhouette | Picture: Nils Schlenbusch, Valle Nevado
Summer time stoke at Valle Nevado | Picture: Nils Schlenbusch, Valle Nevado
On the slopes
Valle Nevado’s large raise system connects the resort to La Parva and El Colorado, and one raise ticket accesses all three resorts’ mixed 7,000 acres.
Don’t concern the dimensions; many of the terrain is right for intermediate-to-advanced skiers who love groomed cruisers. For these searching for a extra excessive off-piste expertise, Valle Nevado provides guided backcountry excursions and heli-skiing.
50 lifts, 100 trails and seven,000 acres make up Valle Nevado’s Three Valleys ski space | Picture: Morten, Valle Nevado
Valle Nevado debuted South America’s first gondola in 2013 | Picture: Morten, Valle Nevado
The place to remain
There are three lodging properties to select from, all providing ski in, ski out lodging: the deluxe, four-star Resort Valle Nevado; the enduring Resort Puerta del Sol and the budget-friendly Resort Tres Puntas.
Resort Puerta del Sol at Valle Nevado | Picture: Will Wissman, Valle Nevado
Resort Valle Nevado | Picture: Valle Nevado
The resort vibe
Valle Nevado is the bigger of the 2 resorts, providing a wide selection of lodging and eating choices. The resort has a number of worldwide and native delicacies eating places, and quite a lot of lodging choices starting from budget-friendly to luxurious. The energetic après-ski scene attracts a youthful crowd, making it a fantastic place to socialize after a day on the slopes.
Après ski
After a day on the slopes, everybody heads to the new tub and Valle Nevado’s large Jacuzzi options an overhead volleyball internet that sometimes turns skiers into “spikers” after a couple of Pisco Sours. For individuals who get pleasure from socializing and making new associates, Valle Nevado provides loads of alternatives.
There are various sunny decks at Valle Nevado, supreme for apres ski | Picture: Valle Nevado
Valle Nevado’s notorious sizzling tub | Picture: Will Wissman, Valle Nevado
Portillo Ski Resort
When you’re in search of a extra intimate and historic expertise, Portillo is your reply. This iconic resort has been welcoming skiers because the Forties and has a singular, old-world allure. It’s well-known for its vivid yellow resort, which stands out in opposition to the snowy backdrop. In distinction to Valle Nevado, Portillo is extra secluded, located roughly two hours northeast of Santiago. Whereas the journey is barely longer, the highway to Portillo is a scenic one, winding by way of the beautiful Andes. This resort’s distant location ensures a extra unique and tranquil expertise, supreme for these searching for peace and an escape from the crowds.
The enduring Resort Portillo and the Lake of the Incas | Picture: Frank Shine, Ski Portillo
Portillo is dwelling to essentially the most spectacular sunsets | Picture: Diego Munita, Ski Portillo
On the slopes
The terrain right here is numerous, with all the things from mild newbie slopes to heart-pounding steeps. Portillo is rather more compact than Valle Nevado however nonetheless appeals to all ranges of skiers. Nonetheless, the resort’s actual attraction is to skilled skiers who can trip the va-et-vient (slingshot) lifts to entry powder-filled bowls or traverse off-piste to untracked snowfields. Excessive skiers flock to Portillo for the enduring hike-to terrain, just like the Tremendous C Couloir.
Plentiful powder is simply off-piste! | Picture: Roger Van Rijn, Ski Portillo
Portillo’s groomed runs host Olympic coaching camps every summer time. Right here proprietor Henry Purcell takes a spin on the corduroy. | Picture: Jonathan Selkowitz, Ski Portillo
The place to remain
Overlooking the ski slopes and the Lake of the Incas, the famed Resort Portillo is famend for its distinctive service, social ambiance and historic allure. At full capability, the resort accommodates 450 visitors and has a 1:1 staff-to-guest ratio, indicating the high-level of service you may anticipate.
Life at Portillo revolves across the resort with 4 meals a day served within the grand eating room, actions every afternoon in the lounge and après ski on the energetic sizzling tub.
A lately renovated room at Resort Portillo | Picture: Monten Andersen, Ski Portillo
It’s simple to see why life at Ski Portillo revolves across the pool and sizzling tub. | Picture: Adam Clark, Ski Portillo
The resort vibe
With its single, iconic yellow resort that exudes a comfortable, lodge-like ambiance, Portillo is unique and tranquil. Whereas the eating choices are fewer, the standard is phenomenal, with an emphasis on conventional Chilean delicacies. The smaller dimension of Portillo fosters a way of group, making it simpler to bond with fellow skiers, riders and employees.
Après ski
Much like Valle Nevado, Portillo’s après ski contains hot-tubbing, however children have the run of the home within the indoor recreation room and sport court docket.
Tio Bob’s is heaven on earth | Picture: Diego Munita, Ski Portillo
Chilean wine pairs completely with Andean views. | Picture: Diego Munita, Ski Portillo
Selecting Your Splendid Ski Vacation spot
Each Valle Nevado and Portillo supply distinctive snowboarding experiences, every with its distinctive allure. Valle Nevado’s accessibility, numerous terrain, and energetic social scene make it excellent for these searching for comfort and selection. Then again, Portillo’s difficult slopes, historic ambiance, and secluded serenity cater to superior skiers in search of a extra intimate and unique expertise.
Whether or not you’re drawn to the colourful vitality of Valle Nevado or the tranquil attract of Portillo, each resorts promise unforgettable snowboarding adventures. Prepared to increase your ski season? Uncover the great thing about Chile’s Andes and discover the proper slopes to your subsequent escapade.
When you nonetheless have questions on which Chilean resort is best for you, communicate with a South America Journey Knowledgeable at 800-610-8911 or request a personalized quote to see pricing choices right this moment.
