Of all the ski areas in Chile’s Tres Valles area, Valle Nevado offers the most varied and largest skiable terrain as well as the most developed base area. It's a purpose-built resort designed to cater to international guests with English speaking staff. Whether you stay at the base of the mountain or make a day visit from one of the linked neighboring resorts La Parva or El Colorado, Valle Nevado deserves a spot on your Chilean skiing itinerary.
Comodoro Arturo Merino Benitez International Airport
Valle Nevado (2 hours)
Valle Nevado is great for beginners as their green slopes are fairly flat so first-timers won't have to worry about any steep slopes that might make them lose control. The lower sections of the resort have flattest slopes but our top trail for beginners is Camino Bajo off the Mirador lift. It's a nice and long trail that is also quite flat.
Intermediates will be spoilt for choice with the diversity of blue terrain here including fantastic groomed runs. Start off on Camino Alto, a long trail that has a few incline changes so you could be going quite fast one minute and then naturally slow down the next. Next trail worth trying is Polka. Though it's only a short trail, it serves up quite a challenge for intermediates. Those looking to take it to the next level should attempt Diablada off the Mirador lift. It's rated as an advanced run but we think it can be achieved by a well experienced intermediate skier or snowboarder.
Valle Nevado offers up a fair few black trails though it's off-piste terrain is where you'll want to head. On the piste, the Momia trail is one of our favorites here because it starts off real steep and deep. Access the run from the fast Andes Express lift, it's easy to get to unlike some of the other black trails further back. For the best off-piste terrain, make your way to the backside by the Tres Puntas lift (the highest in Valle Nevado) or Valle del Inca lift. There are certain sections that don't see the sun and the altitude here is quite high, keeping the snow in a great condition. The gullies at Valle Nevado are also a noteworthy mention! If that's not enough then check out the heli-skiing terrain nearby!
The best snow can be found off-piste in the terrain around the Tres Puntas lift or Valle del Inca. Here you'll find sections of the mountain which doesn't see the sun and where the high altitude also keeps the snow in good condition. Our top tip however is to wait a few days after snowfall to let the snow compact.
The Gondola and Prado lift are generally the busiest lifts on the mountain as they serve beginner and intermediate runs on the lower sections of the mountain. The base of the Andes Express base can get crowded too, so advanced and intermediates should head towards the backside and upper sections of the mountain to avoid the masses.
Valle Nevado offers a wide range of events throughout July and August. From live music at the weeklong Valle Nevado Festival to fashion shows at Fun Week, there's plenty of for non-skiers to enjoy. There are even interactive activities such as cooking lessons during Foodie's Week or just enjoy a wine or two during Wine Week.
Valle Nevado is a purpose-built resort with all the facilities and amenities that make it a great family-friendly destination. All lodging at the base is ski-in/ski-out or a very short walk to the lifts so getting on the slopes is easy!
