Red, Hot Chile: Hit the Slopes at Valle Nevado

You can arrive in Santiago on the overnight Qantas flight from Sydney and be on the slopes at Valle Nevado in the afternoon. The southern hemisphere’s premier ski destination is just 90 minutes from Chile’s capital and the 2024 season is looking tip top after it began two weeks early thanks to a fresh powder dump of four feet in early June.

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This is one of South America’s largest ski resorts with almost a thousand hectares of skiable terrain for all skill levels. There are 14 chairlifts serving 800km of runs. Then, if you’re looking to take adventure to the next level, there is Valle Nevado’s heliski operation that takes some of the best skiers and athletes in the world to 1500m of vertical drop in a single run and some of the best terrain anywhere in South America. 

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If you’re not quite at that level yet – indeed, you might only have strapped on the planks a couple of times before – there’s still plenty of skiing to be done. There’s a ski and snowboard school with 120 qualified instructors who can take you from snow-plough stops to slaloming down the bunny slopes in no time at all. They’ll also be able to pass on tips for those who are more experienced. 

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You better get in quick, though, because 2024 is expected to be a busy season, with plenty of visitors from Brazil, Argentina, the US and Europe booking into the resort’s three hotels. 

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If you’re after high-end digs with ski-in/ski-out access, Hotel Valle Nevado is where you want to be. Each of the 52 rooms and suites has an outdoor terrace with incredible views over the Andes.

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Perhaps you’ve seen images of the incredible round pool, surrounded by snow and filled with relaxing skiers at the end of the day. That’s part of Hotel Puerta del Sol, a more laidback option for families and groups of friends. It has 120 rooms – some with balconies, others with views. There’s also a kids’ zone, cinema and library, plus it’s just 20m from the slopes. 

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If you don’t want to blow hefty portions of your savings on accommodation, the Hotel Tres Puntas is a great option. It’s more affordable and has bunk rooms if you’re keen to travel with your ski buds. The rate includes half board, plus there’s plenty to do at night here too. Still, it’s only a two-minute walk from the slopes, so you’re not sacrificing any convenience either. 

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The facilities in each of the hotels, including the heated pool, cinema and the spa and fitness centre in Hotel Valle Nevado, are available to guests staying in the others, so no one misses out. 

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But, of course, a ski holiday isn’t all about skiing and the mountain resort has a variety of restaurants and bars to explore day and night. Bajo Zero is right on the slopes, serving up pizzas, sandwiches, beers and pisco sours all day long. There’s a nightly buffet at Mirador Del Plomo, exquisite French cuisine at La Fourchette and late-night dancing and pool-playing at Pub Tres Puntas. The newest arrival at Valle Nevado’s Plaza La Góndola is El Montañes, with its grill, pizza and tapas.  

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When the winter season ends in October, Valle Nevado changes its colours and attracts hikers, horse riders and mountain bikers drawn by the rugged landscape of the Andes Mountains. There’s even the chance to see Andean condors, the world’s largest flying birds, gliding on the thermal updrafts.

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