A curated selection of the most extraordinary destinations to discover Chilean winter on skis in the Andes.
It's difficult to find a country as intrinsically linked to mountains as Chile. Spanning over 4,000 kilometers, the Andes mountain range traverses its territory of volcanoes, glacial lagoons, ancient forests, and some of the highest peaks in the Southern Hemisphere. From Santiago, one only needs to look up to understand this.
Skiing arrived in the country in the early 20th century with European immigrants, and since then, it has become part of the identity of numerous Chilean regions. Today, its mountains offer a wide variety of experiences: from historic ski resorts with over seven decades of history to snow-covered volcanoes, natural hot springs, and abundant powder.
This is our selection of six destinations to discover Chile on skis.
PORTILLO

The great classic of Chilean winter
Since 1949, Portillo has been a leading ski destination in South America. Situated at the foot of the Laguna del Inca, its distinctive yellow hotel has become one of the most recognizable images of the Chilean mountains, welcoming skiers from around the world and numerous national teams who train here during the European summer.
Perhaps part of its charm lies precisely in what hasn't changed. Life in Portillo revolves around the hotel and a mountain that remains the main protagonist.
PORTILLO IN BRIEF
- Valparaíso Region, two hours from Santiago.
- Altitude: between 2,548 and 3,332 meters.
- Ideal for: intermediate and advanced skiers.
- Where to stay: Hotel Portillo.
SKI ARPA

Pure powder
Ski Arpa offers an unusual experience. There are no lifts or major tourist infrastructure here. Access to the mountains is by snowcat, and the number of daily skiers is very limited.
Located deep in the Andes mountains, Ski Arpa has become a favorite destination for those seeking untouched snow, extensive off-piste descents, and a more unhurried relationship with the mountain.
SKI ARPA IN BRIEF
- Less than two hours from Santiago.
- Experience: Cat skiing.
- Ideal for: advanced skiers and powder enthusiasts.
- Our recommendation: combine it with a few days in Santiago or Portillo.
LA PARVA

The Chilean alpine lifestyle
Poised above Santiago, La Parva has for decades been the winter retreat for many Chilean families. Its residential character and its connection with Valle Nevado and El Colorado make it one of the gateways to the country's largest ski domain.
Beyond skiing, La Parva offers an opportunity to discover how Chileans experience the mountains: long lunches in the sun, afternoons stretching after the last descent, and a daily connection with the mountain range that is hard to find in other destinations.
LA PARVA IN BRIEF
- Farellones, just over an hour from Santiago.
- Ideal for: families and mountain lifestyle enthusiasts.
- Don't miss: the views over the mountain range at the end of the day.
CORRALCO

Amidst volcanoes and monkey puzzle trees
Located on the slopes of the Lonquimay volcano and surrounded by the Malalcahuello National Reserve, Corralco offers one of the most unique landscapes of the Chilean winter. Its slopes wind through forests of araucaria trees, ancient trees considered one of the country's great natural symbols.
Far from the pace of major ski resorts, Corralco invites visitors to stay a few days longer than planned and discover a different way of experiencing the mountains.
CORRALCO IN BRIEF
- La Araucanía Region.
- Ideal for: families and nature lovers.
- Where to stay: Corralco Mountain & Ski Resort.
NEVADOS DE CHILLÁN

Snow and thermal waters
Few destinations combine skiing and wellness like Nevados de Chillán. Situated on one of Chile's most active volcanic complexes, it also hosts some of the country's best-known thermal springs.
Its long slopes, local gastronomy, and the possibility of combining a day of skiing with a spa afternoon make this destination one of the most complete in the Chilean winter.
NEVADOS DE CHILLÁN IN BRIEF
- Ñuble Region.
- Ideal for: couples and slow luxury enthusiasts.
- Essential: enjoy its natural hot springs after a day on the mountain.
VALLE NEVADO

The gateway to the Andes
Located over 3,000 meters above sea level and just over an hour from Santiago, Valle Nevado is one of South America's most renowned ski resorts. Its snow conditions, accessibility, and connection with La Parva and El Colorado make it an excellent choice for first-time visitors to Chile.
Its proximity to the capital also allows for combining city and mountain in a single trip, discovering two of the great protagonists of the Chilean landscape: the Andes and its vineyards.
VALLE NEVADO IN BRIEF
- Metropolitan Region of Santiago.
- Maximum altitude: 3,670 meters.
- Ideal for: a first ski trip to Chile.
- Our recommendation: book at least four days to explore the area.
Chile is one of those places that invites you to return. Perhaps it's due to the immensity of its mountain range or the many ways it offers to explore it. The Chilean winter proposes a journey that goes far beyond skiing.
See you on the mountain.







