Valle Nevado Ski Resort
Expansive Andes ski resort offering vast alpine terrain, beginner lessons, and stunning mountain views. A premier South American winter destination.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Peak snow season
Valle Nevado Ski Resort
Best Time
Peak snow season
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Expansive Andes ski resort offering vast alpine terrain, beginner lessons, and stunning mountain views. A premier South American winter destination.
"Valle Nevado is a great choice for anyone who wants a first skiing experience and to enjoy the snow in Chile."
Book Weekdays to Avoid Crowds
Weekends mean long lines. Opt for weekdays for a smoother experience on the slopes.
Tire Chains Are Essential
Mandatory for mountain road access in winter. Be prepared or book a shuttle.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Expansive Ski Slopes
Entire resort
Vast alpine terrain above treeline with wide-open runs and few obstacles. Perfect for all skill levels.
Beginner Ski Lessons
Ski school area
Well-organized 2-hour lessons perfect for first-timers to grasp the basics of skiing.
Night Skiing & Dining
Selected slopes and restaurants
Experience the thrill of night laps followed by a cozy mountain dinner for a magical evening.
Stunning Andean Views
Various viewpoints
Breathtaking panoramic vistas of the snow-capped Andes mountains, especially on clear, sunny days.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Timing is Everything for Ski Conditions
Getting There: The Mountain Road
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
Book Weekdays to Avoid Crowds
Weekends mean long lines. Opt for weekdays for a smoother experience on the slopes.
Tire Chains Are Essential
Mandatory for mountain road access in winter. Be prepared or book a shuttle.
Consider Santiago Lodging
Mountain hotels can be pricey and limited. Staying in Santiago and taking a shuttle is an option.
Rent Gear in Advance
Ski equipment rental can be slow. Booking ahead or renting in Santiago might save time.
Tips
from all over the internet
Book Weekdays to Avoid Crowds
Weekends mean long lines. Opt for weekdays for a smoother experience on the slopes.
Tire Chains Are Essential
Mandatory for mountain road access in winter. Be prepared or book a shuttle.
Consider Santiago Lodging
Mountain hotels can be pricey and limited. Staying in Santiago and taking a shuttle is an option.
Rent Gear in Advance
Ski equipment rental can be slow. Booking ahead or renting in Santiago might save time.
Hot Chocolate Break
Warm up with a hot chocolate and chocolates after a day on the slopes.
Pack Your Own Drinks
Alcohol and spirits selection at resort bars can be limited and overpriced.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Valle Nevado is praised for its excellent ski conditions, well-organized beginner lessons, and breathtaking Andean scenery, making it a top choice for a first-time snow sports experience. However, some visitors have noted slow equipment rental processes, potentially unclear deposit requirements, and limited, overpriced dining options. Despite some drawbacks, the overall experience is often described as memorable and worthwhile for enjoying the snow in Chile.
"Great ski resort! Well priced tickets but long lines on weekends so I’d recommend going on the weekdays at all costs. The staff were so friendly and the runs were interesting with little jumps. I loved their ski park and going off route sometimes"
Ian Rundle
"Good snow conditions and grooming. The roads to and from the resort are not an easy route and the weather can make this drive difficult, plus you have to have tire chains in your vehicle to go up to the resort. The staff is very nice and most speak a variety of languages."
K C
"Our experience at Valle Nevado was very positive, especially since it was our first time skiing.
Highlights:
• We purchased the package with gondola + ski lesson + free time, and it was totally worth it.
• The feeling of learning how to ski for the first time was amazing.
• The 2-hour lesson, in groups of about 10 students per instructor, was well organized and perfect for beginners to learn the basics.
• The resort’s structure is good and offers an unforgettable experience for those who have never practiced snow sports.
Points to improve:
• The process of renting ski equipment inside the resort is slow. We faced a long line and it took over 60 minutes to get everything ready. On top of that, the rental area is heated, and since we were already wearing multiple layers of winter clothing, it became uncomfortably hot.
• Even though the package was paid in advance, we were required to leave a deposit of 100,000 CLP per person on a credit card. This was not clear before the purchase and can be a problem for travelers who are not prepared.
• The lesson is excellent for beginners, but if you already have some experience, it may not be as useful since it only covers the basics.
Summary:
Valle Nevado is a great choice for anyone who wants a first skiing experience and to enjoy the snow in Chile. The structure, lessons, and views are totally worth it, but the equipment rental process could be better organized, and the deposit requirement should be made clearer in advance."
Marcos Paulo Lasmar
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
The most common way is by car or shuttle. The drive is about 1.5-2 hours, but can be longer in bad weather. Tire chains are often required. Several companies offer shuttle services, like SkiTotal, which is a popular choice for many visitors.
The road is winding and steep, with many hairpin turns. Snow and ice can make it treacherous, especially during winter storms. It's recommended to have experience driving in such conditions or opt for a shuttle service.
Yes, tire chains are frequently mandatory for vehicles traveling to Valle Nevado during the ski season, especially when snow is present. Check local conditions and regulations before you go.
Several tour operators and shuttle services run from Santiago to Valle Nevado. These can be booked in advance and often include round-trip transportation, making it a convenient option.
While there isn't a direct public bus service, many private companies offer bus tours and shuttle services from Santiago and other nearby cities directly to the resort.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
Ticket prices vary depending on the season and day of the week. Weekday tickets are generally cheaper than weekend tickets. It's advisable to check the official Valle Nevado website for current prices and consider booking in advance.
Yes, booking your ski tickets and packages online in advance is highly recommended, especially if you plan to visit during peak season or on weekends. This can sometimes offer discounts and save you time.
The ski resort typically opens around 9:00 AM and closes around 5:00 PM. Night skiing may have extended hours on specific days. Always check the official website for the most up-to-date operating hours.
Yes, some packages or rentals may require a deposit, often taken on a credit card. This was a point of confusion for some visitors, so clarify this requirement when booking.
Children under a certain age (e.g., 4 years old) often ski for free. Check the resort's policies for age-specific discounts on lift tickets and lessons.
🎫 ⛷️ Onsite Experience
The prime ski season is from July to August, offering the best snow conditions. However, these months are also the busiest. For fewer crowds, consider visiting in June or September.
Absolutely! Valle Nevado offers excellent ski and snowboard lessons for beginners, often in small groups, making it a great place for your first time on the snow.
Valle Nevado boasts a vast ski area with wide-open alpine terrain above the treeline, suitable for all levels. It's one of the largest ski resorts in the Southern Hemisphere.
Yes, Valle Nevado offers night skiing on select dates, providing a unique experience to ski under the stars. This is often combined with dining options.
The resort has three main hotels: Hotel Tres Puntas, Hotel Puerta del Sol, and Hotel Valle Nevado. Booking in advance, especially for packages, can offer discounts.
🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining
While there are dining options available, some visitors note that the selection of alcohol and spirits can be limited and overpriced. Bringing your own preferred beverages is sometimes suggested.
Yes, the resort offers various dining establishments that are accessible to both skiers and non-skiers, providing a chance to enjoy the mountain atmosphere.
While specific menus can change, most resorts aim to cater to various dietary needs. It's advisable to check with individual restaurants upon arrival or contact the resort in advance.
As with most ski resorts, prices for food and drinks can be on the higher side. Packing some snacks or considering meal packages can help manage costs.
Many visitors enjoy the experience of dining with mountain views after a day of skiing. Some packages include half-board (breakfast and dinner), which can be a convenient option.
📸 📸 Photography
Anywhere with a view of the Andes! The summit areas, scenic overlooks, and even the ski slopes themselves offer incredible backdrops. Sunrise and sunset can be particularly magical.
While sunny days offer stunning mountain vistas, snowy days create a dramatic, atmospheric scene perfect for unique photography. The fresh snowfall transforms the landscape.
A wide-angle lens is great for capturing the vastness of the mountains. Consider a sturdy tripod for low-light conditions and a waterproof bag to protect your gear from snow.
Drone usage is often restricted at ski resorts for safety and privacy reasons. It's crucial to check the resort's specific regulations regarding drones before flying.
The 'golden hours' around sunrise and sunset offer the most dramatic lighting. Midday can be bright, but the expansive blue skies and snow-covered peaks are still spectacular.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
While on-site hotels are convenient, consider the potential costs. Booking packages in advance can help manage expenses. Be prepared for the equipment rental process, which can sometimes involve long waits, so arriving early or pre-booking is advisable.
🏂 Snowboarders and Skiers
+1For those looking to push their limits, the resort has a ski park with jumps and features.
Don't miss the opportunity for night skiing for a different perspective of the mountain. ✈️ International Travelers
+1When planning your trip, consider the ski season runs from June to October. Booking flights and accommodation well in advance is recommended, especially for peak months like July and August.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
Navigating the Mountain Roads
+1Tire chains are a critical piece of equipment during the winter months (typically May to September). They are often mandatory, and authorities may check for them at designated points. If you're not comfortable installing them yourself, many service stations along the route offer this assistance for a fee. For those who prefer not to drive, numerous shuttle services operate daily from Santiago, providing a convenient and safe alternative. Companies like SkiTotal are frequently recommended by travelers.
Be aware that weather can change rapidly in the mountains. Snowfall, fog, and ice can make driving conditions challenging. It's always best to check the road status and weather forecast before you depart.
Skiing and Snowboarding Experience
+1For those new to snow sports, beginner lessons are highly recommended. The resort offers well-organized lessons, often in small groups, that cover the fundamentals effectively. Many visitors have shared positive experiences, highlighting the value of these lessons for a first-time skiing or snowboarding adventure.
Beyond the marked trails, the backcountry terrain is not patrolled or avalanche-controlled, so it's essential for advanced riders to exercise caution and be properly equipped if venturing off-piste.
Night skiing is also available on select evenings, offering a unique perspective of the mountain under the stars, often paired with dining experiences. Accommodation and Dining
+1 Children under a certain age typically stay and ski for free, making it a potentially family-friendly option. However, some travelers suggest that staying in Santiago and using a shuttle service can be a more budget-friendly option, as on-mountain lodging and amenities can be expensive.
The equipment rental process within the resort can sometimes be slow, with long queues reported. Booking rentals in advance or considering renting in Santiago might save valuable time on the slopes.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit