Pure fun

5 best ski resorts in Chile

Discover the main ski resorts in Chile for an unforgettable snow adventure with the whole family

By Diego Paiva

Exploring Chile’s ski resorts with family offers a unique and exciting experience for all ages. While many Brazilians dream of snow landscapes, proximity to Chile makes this dream an accessible reality. With various options spread throughout the country, finding the perfect resort can be challenging, especially for families with children.

While Argentinian resorts are popular among those seeking landscape variety in one destination, Chilean resorts stand out for their strategic location and advanced infrastructure, making them an ideal choice for families. Proximity to Brazil and ease of access make Chilean resorts a convenient option for travelers with children and teenagers.

Beyond logistical convenience, Chile’s ski resorts offer a complete experience for families seeking fun and adventure. With activity variety for all ages, from beginners to experienced skiers, there’s something for everyone to enjoy. The possibility of combining skiing with other Chilean tourist attractions, like deserts, lakes, and national parks, makes the trip even more exciting and enriching for travelers.

Chile’s geographical diversity, with its extension between the Pacific Ocean and the majestic Andes, provides impressive landscape variety for visitors to explore. Additionally, facilities and services at Chilean ski resorts are high quality, guaranteeing comfortable and safe stays for the whole family. By choosing to ski in Chile, families can enjoy a truly unforgettable winter experience, surrounded by natural beauty and the country’s warm hospitality.

1. Valle Nevado

Located just 56 km from Santiago, in the heart of the Andes Mountains, Valle Nevado stands out as Latin America’s largest ski center. With more than 9,300 hectares of skiable area and 37 km of slopes divided by difficulty levels, the resort offers guaranteed fun for all experience levels, from beginners to experts. Snow season generally runs from mid-June to early September, but exact dates may vary each year according to weather conditions.

Besides ski and snowboard slopes, Valle Nevado offers various other activities, such as gondola rides, heli-skiing, snow tubing, ski and snowboard lessons for children and adults, restaurants with international cuisine, shops, and spa services. If you seek a complete winter snow experience, Valle Nevado is the ideal destination. With its complete infrastructure, stunning landscapes, and activities for the whole family, the resort guarantees unforgettable moments for visitors.

2. Portillo

Founded in 1940, Portillo boasts the title of South America’s oldest ski resort. More than that, it’s a historical refuge that breathes tradition and coziness. Families return to the resort year after year to relive and create memories in a welcoming and familiar environment.

If you seek adrenaline, Portillo offers 30 slopes with different difficulty levels to challenge your skiing or snowboarding skills. For beginners, the ski school guarantees personalized and safe lessons with experienced instructors. And for adventurers, heli-skiing provides exciting descents on virgin terrain. But Portillo goes beyond snow. You can relax in the heated pool with mountain views, enjoy delicious fondue in the cozy restaurant, or explore snowshoe trails to appreciate nature in its purest state. At night, fun continues with live music, performances, and a contagious family atmosphere.

Laguna del Inca in front of the hotel is a breathtaking scene. Mountain silence and green water reflection mixing with sky blue create a unique mirage. In the hotel’s main restaurant, you can enjoy enchanting lagoon views while savoring delicious breakfast or relaxing after a day on the slopes.

3. La Parva

La Parva Ski Resort is a popular destination, especially among families. Located about 50 km northeast of Chilean capital Santiago, La Parva is part of three ski resorts in the region known as “3 Valleys,” which also includes El Colorado and Valle Nevado. Infrastructure at La Parva is excellent, with accommodation options, restaurants, and shops. The atmosphere is typical of a mountain town, where people focus on skiing and enjoying snow.

The resort offers 40 km of skiable terrain and 15 ski lifts. The ski school has 80 teachers specialized in different mountain sport modalities, offering classes in English, Spanish, or Portuguese. Besides skiing, visitors can explore surroundings with snowshoe tours. There’s also a night skiing option, with 18 light poles illuminating the Manzanito and Golondrina slopes.

La Parva is known for being lively and offering slopes suitable for skiers of all levels, making it especially indicated for families.

4. Corralco

Corralco is a ski resort surrounded by stunning landscapes with a welcoming atmosphere for families. The resort is situated 870 km south of Santiago and about 130 km from Temuco, capital of La Araucanía state. Visitors can get there by plane (there are four daily flights from Santiago) or bus. Once at the airport, you can take a transfer to the ski resort, rent a car, or use a van.

Ski season at Corralco runs from June to October, with seven meters of snow per year. Temperatures vary between 4°C and -8°C (39°F to 18°F) during winter. The resort has 29 ski slopes and 6 ski lifts. Of total slopes, 31% are for beginners, 14% are intermediate level, 17% are red slopes (for advanced skiers), and 38% are black (most difficult). There’s also a beginner school with prepared and patient instructors.

For families, Valle Corralco Hotel & Spa offers a children’s area with monitors and teachers specialized in recreation for children aged 2 to 6 years. Additionally, Snow Park has tubing rails and snow sleds for safe sliding.

Besides ski slopes, the region is known for millennial araucaria trees, Chile’s symbol trees. Corralco is within Malalcahuello National Reserve, an environmental protection area. In summary, Corralco is an excellent option for families wanting to enjoy skiing, nature, and unique moments in southern Chile.

5. Nevados de Chillán

Located 407 km south of capital Santiago, 194 km east of Concepción city, and 82 km from small Chillán, Nevados de Chillán is installed at the foot of three dormant volcanoes – Viejo, Nuevo, and Nevados – a beautiful native forest scenery. Its privileged location guarantees snow throughout winter and natural heating of waters that supply the entire complex, from apartments to pools and spa.

Considered one of South America’s best ski centers – elected for three consecutive years Chile’s Best Ski Resort and one of the 25 Best Worldwide Category by World Ski Awards, a worldwide award dedicated exclusively to the ski industry, Nevados de Chillán offers the possibility to enjoy all skiing adrenaline on its more than 35 km of slopes. Besides excellent snow quality, it has great mountain-style hotels offering the best spa services for aesthetics, relaxation and health, thermal water pools, bars and restaurants, nightclub, gym, and meeting rooms.

Regional volcanic activities offer thermal and relaxing pools where water reaches 99°F (37°C). Take advantage to recover energy at Garganta Del Diablo cafeteria, mandatory stop for those descending from Três Marias trail and offering privileged mountain views.

Whatever your choice, Chile will provide incredible and unforgettable experiences for the family to enjoy snow with safety, comfort, and unique landscapes!