Skiing in the Central Andes: World-Class Snow Just Outside Santiago
- Jul 27
- 3 min read
There's something that surprises almost everyone who arrives in Santiago for the first time in winter: in less than an hour and a half from the city center, you can be skiing in the heart of the Andes Mountains, with views that anywhere else in the world would take a full day of travel to reach.
Santiago is, quite literally, one of the few capital cities on the planet where you can have coffee downtown in the morning and be skiing down a run at over 3,000 meters that same afternoon.
The closest ski resorts
Just over an hour from the city lies the Farellones circuit, home to three distinct ski resorts, each with its own personality:
El Colorado: the largest of the three, with slopes for every skill level and a family-friendly atmosphere. Ideal if it's someone's first time on skis.
La Parva: smaller and with the feel of a mountain village, popular with those looking for a more relaxed experience without giving up great snow or great views.
Valle Nevado: the most modern of the three, with longer runs and some of the best high-altitude views of the cordillera. It's also the gateway to the largest off-piste ski circuit in South America.
A bit further out, about two hours from Santiago, is Portillo — a place that isn't just a ski resort, but a legend. Founded in 1949 on the shores of Laguna del Inca, it has hosted Olympic champions and ski teams from around the world. There are places where you ski, and places you experience. Portillo is one of the latter.
For the true enthusiasts: heli-skiing and snowmobile excursions
For those who already know the mountains well and are looking for something different, the Central Andes also offer more extreme experiences. Heli-skiing grants access by helicopter to untouched slopes, far from any groomed run or other skiers — an experience reserved for experienced skiers and snowboarders chasing pristine lines and the feeling of being the first to carve down a completely blank canvas of snow.
For the more adventurous, there are also snowmobile excursions, exploring valleys and ravines that can't be seen from any road or ski slope, with mountain landscapes that shift with every turn.
Both go well beyond a typical day of skiing, designed for those already looking for something out of the ordinary.
Never skied before?
You don't need to know how to ski to enjoy the cordillera in winter. Many of our travelers opt for snowshoeing instead, a much more relaxed way to explore landscapes that only exist a few months a year, with no prior experience required. After the hike, nothing beats a mountain picnic with Chilean wine and a few bites, with the Andes as your only witness.
When to go
Ski season in the Central Andes generally runs from June to September/October, depending on the year. We recommend booking in advance during July, which tends to be the busiest month.
How we do it
At Santiago Around, we organize the entire outing: private transport from your hotel, choosing the resort based on the day's conditions, equipment, lift tickets, lunch, and snacks. Whether it's your first time in the snow or you're already a skier, we make sure the only job for the day is to enjoy it.
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