When you land in Santiago, the first thing that catches your eye is the mountains.
The Andes rise imposingly at the edge of the city, and if you arrive in winter, you’ll probably be smiling in amazement: those white peaks you see from the plane… you can ski them the very same day.
As a local guide and skier since I was three years old (thanks to my mountain-loving family), I’m still impressed that less than two hours from a major capital city, you can be on powder snow, sipping a pisco sour with views of the Andes.
And if you’re the adventurous type, here’s something I’ve done on occasion: ski in the morning and surf in the Pacific in the afternoon. Yes, it’s true—you really can.
What makes Santiago so special for skiing?
Proximity:
The main ski resorts are just 60–90 minutes from downtown Santiago. Perfect for day trips or longer stays, and ideal to combine with urban tourism.
Variety of ski resorts:
There are options for every level and style: from families with kids learning to ski, to advanced riders looking for steep slopes or freeride terrain.
City and snow:
You can combine the mountains with culture, top museums, vineyards, great food, wine, and vibrant nightlife in Santiago.
Opposite season to the Northern Hemisphere:
Chile’s winter runs from June to September, making it perfect if you want to escape the summer heat up north.
Ski Resorts Near Santiago
Valle Nevado – 3,000 m above sea level
60 km from Santiago
This is the most modern ski resort in South America and part of the “Tres Valles” area together with La Parva and El Colorado.
It has 44 slopes, vast skiable terrain, and heliskiing for the most adventurous.
It’s also famous for ski-in/ski-out hotels, six restaurants with mountain views, and a lively après-ski scene.
Personal tip: On clear days with some scattered clouds, sunsets in Valle Nevado are unbelievable. Totally worth staying to watch them!
Where to stay:
3- to 5-star hotels: Hotel Valle Nevado, Hotel Tres Puntas, Hotel Puerta del Sol, or rental apartments.
El Colorado / Farellones – 2,500 m
36 km from Santiago
Easy access—ideal for day trips
This is the most accessible resort from the city and one of my personal favorites. Why? It has an amazing backcountry area with wide, less crowded runs and excellent snow quality after a storm.
It’s also perfect for families, beginners, and those seeking variety: more than 100 trails, snowparks, multiple restaurants, and in Farellones, an area for tubing, sledding, and snowshoeing.
Local tip: If you know where to look, El Colorado has some of the best fresh snow spots near Santiago.
Where to stay:
Various lodging options, including hotels, apart-hotels, and hostels in El Colorado and Farellones. The most popular include El Colorado Apart Hotel, El Alemán de Farellones, Hotel Farellones, La Cornisa Lodge, and Lodge Cordillera.
La Parva – 2,700 m
50 km from Santiago
Quieter, more residential atmosphere
This resort is beloved by locals—more relaxed, with spectacular views over the city.
It has 40 slopes, a family-friendly feel, more than four restaurants, and plenty of technical terrain for advanced riders.
The interesting thing is that most properties are private apartments, so it feels more like a mountain village than a resort.
Tip: From some slopes you can see the entire city of Santiago on clear days. It’s a unique contrast.
Where to stay:
There are no hotels in La Parva, but you’ll find a variety of apartments to rent for all tastes and budgets.
Portillo
165 km from Santiago, approx. 2 hours on the international road
Portillo is legendary. The oldest ski resort in South America, it has hosted World Championships. Located in front of Laguna del Inca, the scenery is postcard-perfect.
With 35 runs, heliskiing, challenging slopes, and an incredible hotel, it attracts skiers from all over the world.
There are beginner areas too, but if you love freeride terrain or classic mountain atmosphere, this is your place.
Guide tip: If you go for the day, go on a Sunday—less traffic, more time on the snow.
Where to stay:
Hotel Portillo, full board.
Which resort is best?
That depends on your preferences, travel style, and experience level.
When to go?
Ski season in Chile runs from June to September, depending on conditions.
July is ideal for snow but also high season due to school holidays.
August offers great snow and fewer crowds.
Some seasons extend into October, especially in years with heavy snowfall.
How to get there?
You can drive yourself or hire transport from Santiago. Roads are paved but have many curves (40 just to get to Farellones). On weekends or during peak season, there’s a one-way traffic system with specific hours for ascending/descending.
What to bring?
If you don’t have your own gear, don’t worry—all resorts offer full rentals (clothing, skis or snowboard, poles, helmet).
If you want to buy equipment, there are excellent shops in Santiago, including an entire mall dedicated to sports where you’ll find well-known brands and lots of options in one place: Mallsport, located in Las Condes.
IMPORTANT: Don’t forget sunscreen, UV-protection sunglasses, and the desire to have fun. The mountain sun burns strongly, even on cloudy days.
And if I want to combine city and snow?
Absolutely—if you have more time, there’s plenty to discover in Santiago and nearby. From historic neighborhoods and museums to coastal landscapes like Valparaíso and the central region.
Ready to ski in Chile?
At Ecordua, we’ve been sharing the mountains year-round with travelers from all over the world for years.
We can help you plan different experiences and tours so you can make the most of your trip—organizing your ski day(s) in Santiago according to your level, interests, and the kind of adventure you’d like to have.
Whether it’s your first time on the snow or you’re looking for epic off-piste lines, we can make it happen together.
See you on the mountain?
