As the icy wind hit my face, I headed down a ski slope for the first time in my life, in New Zealand. I will never forget that feeling, a mix of adrenaline and happiness. There were dozens of falls before I was actually able to ski, each one more bizarre than the last. Do you want to feel the same? You don’t even need to go that far. With the 2015 snow season approaching, we have put together a step-by-step guide for those who want to ski in the largest resort in Latin America: Valle Nevado, which is about an hour from Santiago, the capital of Chile. Let’s start with the basics, okay?
When to go?
Like other ski resorts around the world, Valle Nevado is open all year round. The point is that the damn snow, the ultimate dream of Brazilians and other tourists raised in a tropical climate, only appears in winter. In 2015, Valle Nevado’s snow season begins on June 26th and ends on September 25th.
You can also go there at other times of the year – I even advise you to do so if you are in Santiago, as the region is beautiful. But for skiing and snow sports, only during this season. Besides, the hotels at the ski resort are only open during the season.
Now, from a cost/benefit point of view, the best time is the first week of the snow season, when Valle Nevado usually offers discounts of up to 50% on accommodation, ski lessons and equipment.
See too: Is it worth traveling to Chile in the summer?
Important tip: Don’t make the mistake of traveling to Chile without travel insurance.
Understand the reason and find out how to get discounted insurance
Hotels? Like this?
Well, Valle Nevado has three hotels, which suit the most diverse audiences. Tres Puntas is a three-star hotel aimed at families and groups of friends, those people who want to have the skiing experience, but without spending so much on accommodation.
Puerta del Sol is a four-star hotel with views of the mountains or the ski slopes, depending on the room’s position. Accommodation at these two hotels includes breakfast and dinner. And the Valle Nevado hotel is the five-star hotel in the complex, guaranteeing luxury and full board.
In addition, there are also eight apartment buildings, an option for groups of friends and large families. You can see the prices and conditions of each hotel on the official website. Depending on the time of year, there is a minimum length of stay, which can vary between four and seven nights. Details here.
What if I don’t want to stay there?
Of course, you don’t need to stay at Valle Nevado. Due to its proximity to Santiago, many people prefer to stay in the city, going up the mountain for just one day to ski.
It’s cheaper, obviously, but these options have their problems: you’ll have less time to enjoy the beauty of the mountain ranges and you’ll have to pay for the ski day, the pass to use the Valle Nevado slopes and cable cars, which is already included for those who stays there. Therefore, only choose this option if the money really isn’t enough to spend a few nights at the station or if you don’t have time and prefer to dedicate yourself more to sightseeing in Santiago.
In addition to hotels, keep in mind that ski resorts are like theme parks: there you will also find restaurants, bars and all the necessary infrastructure to enjoy your trip.
See too: Where to stay in Santiago?
Valle Nevado in summer
I never skied. Is it quiet?
As I said at the beginning of the text, I took a few falls before I managed to get down the track for the first time. At the same time, I saw a bunch of seven-year-olds skiing like professionals (and humiliating me a little with each descent). In other words, it’s not complicated, but everyone who has never skied gets caught on their first attempt. Except the children.
You can book ski lessons, but it is not mandatory. Another alternative, if you are traveling with someone who knows how to ski, is to ask for their help. That’s what we did – Lu, who had already skied in the United States, was the class teacher when Naty and I skied for the first time, there in New Zealand.
The Schumacher accident in France may give the impression that skiing is dangerous. It is not. It’s all about not taking on a challenge beyond your capabilities. Valle Nevado, for example, has slopes for beginners, intermediates, advanced and experts. If you’ve never skied, don’t leave the beginner’s slope. And if you are not accompanied by someone who really knows how to ski, book a lesson and guarantee the help of a professional.
In addition to skiing, there are other options, such as snowboarding. You can also exercise the child in you and spend your time making snowmen and throwing snowballs at your friends. Everyone will know that you are Brazilian, but fun will be guaranteed. 🙂
Valle Nevado no winter (Photo: Jimmy Baikovicius, Creative Commons)
And the equipment?
Unless you plan to ski frequently, the solution is to rent. Don’t skimp there: in addition to skis, make sure you have all the necessary safety equipment (helmet, special glasses, gloves and your own clothing). You can rent this equipment at the ski resort itself.
People who climb the mountain just for a day, to save money, usually rent their equipment in the city, where it is cheaper, and take everything from there. Keep in mind, at least in the case of skis, that it is better to rent them at the station, after all, carrying all that stuff up the mountain, in the trunk of the car or on a bus, is very troublesome (testimony from those who have already been through this ). The case with clothes and other equipment is different – it may pay to take a look at the options in the city center.
If you choose to rent equipment in the city, read Luíza’s post, who did this when she skied in Chile with her family.
Do you want to ski? (Photo: Disclosure)
How to get to Valle Nevado?
The station is 60 kilometers from Santiago. To start with, look for cheap flights there – Gol and SkyAirline, a low cost company in Chile, usually offer the most competitive rates. Click here to search for discounted tickets even during the snow season.
Once in Santiago, you can rent a car or take a charter service. Several companies offer the service, whether from hotels in Santiago or from shops that rent ski equipment in the city center. Valle Nevado itself also has a transfer service (paid separately). Details here.
In addition to Valle Nevado, the region around the Chilean capital has two more ski resorts: Farellones and El Colorado. Luíza skied the last one, in 2012. Read her report here.
*The blogger traveled at the invitation of Valle Nevado.
