Valle Nevado
14 km past curve 40 en route to Farellones
About
This is the area's newest ski resort, located at 2850 meters above sea level and a 60 km drive up from Santiago following Avenida Las Condes to the end, and later taking the "Camino a Farellones" (route to Farellones) past curve 40, onto another paved road for another 14 km. Valle Nevado has 31 km of skiiable terrain and 27 runs, the longest of which is 3km in length. It has 4 beginner slopes, 9 intermediate ones, 11 advanced, 3 expert runs and a large terrain park for snowboarders. Three hotels offer well-above-average accommodation for skiiers, at Hotel Valle Nevado (4.5 stars), Hotel Puerta del Sol (4 stars), and Hotel Tres Puntas. Recent renovations have updated all hotels and public areas, and a new gondola is planned for 2011. There are six restaurants at the resort, and the ski season runs from late June to early October, though dates vary from year to year along with weather conditions. Valle Nevado attracts an international crowd, with many Brazilians and more than a smattering of Americans present on the slopes at any given time. You can coordinate transportation from Santiago, (through your hotel), even just for day trips, with an early start a necessity to get up and skiing in the morning sun. If you must sleep in, you'll have to stay on-site. And don't forget your sunscreen!
