Santiago is one of the few capital cities where you can spend the morning in a city park and the afternoon on skis. About an hour’s drive east, a road with dozens of hairpin bends climbs into the Andes to Farellones, El Colorado, La Parva and Valle Nevado, a group of ski areas known together as the Three Valleys. El Colorado is the biggest and most varied of the trio, with wide intermediate runs, tree-free slopes above the town and views that stretch across the Mapocho valley to the Santiago skyline on a clear day. It is a popular choice for beginners and families because lessons are easy to arrange, and it also has plenty of terrain for confident skiers who want to explore. A full-day trip from the city usually bundles transport from your hotel, a lift ticket and often equipment or a lesson, which saves the stress of mountain driving on snowy roads. The ski season generally runs from around June to early October, with the best snow typically in July and August, though it depends on the winter. Outside that period, the area is closed to ski traffic, so this activity is firmly seasonal. If you are travelling in the northern summer, it can be one of the most unusual things to do in the city.
How it works
Transfers leave from central Santiago in the morning, and the ride up takes around an hour to an hour and a half, depending on traffic and road conditions. Tour formats differ: some include rental gear and lessons, others only transport and the lift pass, so read the inclusions carefully when you book.
What to expect
Base facilities include rental shops, cafes and restaurants, and lifts that take you to runs for all levels. Weekends can be busy, especially in July and August, with queues for lifts and parking. If the snow is thin early or late in the season, check conditions before you commit.
Making the most of it
Wear waterproof layers, bring goggles and sunscreen, and avoid driving yourself unless you are comfortable with snow chains and mountain roads. Weekday trips are quieter. If you do not ski, many visitors enjoy the scenery and a snow day in the nearby Farellones area instead.
What to expect
The experience
A full-day ski outing from Santiago, with transport up the mountain road, lift access and time on the slopes.
Best time
July and August for the deepest snow; June and September are quieter and cheaper but less reliable.
How long
Eight to ten hours door to door, with around one to one and a half hours of travel each way.
Tips
Check what is included, wear waterproof layers and check snow and road conditions on the morning.
Quick picks
- Best for
- Anyone visiting in the southern winter who wants to ski without changing hotels.
- Families
- A good choice for families with beginners, since lessons and gentle slopes are easy to arrange.
- Couples
- Pair it with a spa evening or a hot chocolate in Farellones for a cosy winter day.
- Pair with
- Valle Nevado for a different resort feel, or a thermal-spring day on another trip.
- Time needed
- A full day.
Good questions
When is the ski season near Santiago?+
It generally runs from around June to early October, with the best snow usually in July and August. It depends on each winter’s snowfall.
Is it suitable for beginners?+
Yes. El Colorado has gentler slopes and ski schools, and many trips include a lesson. Check the inclusions when you book.
Is equipment included?+
It varies. Some formats include rental gear, a lift pass and a lesson, others only transport and tickets. Read the details first.
How far is the resort from Santiago?+
About an hour to an hour and a half by road, along a steep mountain highway with many hairpin bends.
Can I visit outside winter?+
The ski area is closed in summer. Consider a Valle Nevado or Farellones scenic trip, or a hiking day in the Cajón del Maipo instead.
