As a US-based ski traveler, I’ve long come to appreciate snapping out of a hot North American summer, for a cool blast of snowy winter down in Chile.
State of the Backcountry 2017: Greenland and Spring in the Sierra Nevada
Last summer I had the opportunity to visit Valle Nevado for a few day and my only regret was being short on time. Valle has a little bit of everything for everybody when it comes to South America shred trips. Check out their website for more details on making your dream trip to Chile a reality.
*In the meantime, here are 5 reasons you should make the trip this summer:
Access
You can leave the U.S. at night before and land in Santiago, Chile the next morning. After a short 1.5 hour drive, you can be on snow at Valle Nevado.
With 7k+ acres of lift serviced terrain, a heli-ski option with 5k foot ramps and my choice-backcountry access that spills in every direction outside the ski area boundaries, Valle’s access is as good as it gets for a ski trip to the Southern Hemisphere.
Terrain
There’s plenty of activities and fun to be had off the hill, but skiing has got to be a central theme to make this thing work, right?
You have from late June to late September to make a trip to Valle happen, with August being the most visited month. Snow has already been falling in Chile this May, and beyond having the most modern lift system in the country, the backcountry terrain is stacked.
I could ski tour in the Inca Valley for weeks and never get bored, and burning groomers are fun too when you have all the options of the interconnected lift ticket. It took me a while to get to Valle, but I can assure you after one visit you’ll be hooked too.
Deals
Valle Nevado starts their season on June 23rd this year, and they’re offering several discounts to help you enjoy a visit this summer: 10-15% off packages when you book using a Mastercard, 15% off packages when you fly with Delta, and if you have a Mountain Collective Pass you can get 15% off hotel packages or 2 free lift tickets.
Festivals
Who doesn’t like good food and wine– especially in Chile?
From August 4-11th this year Valle Nevado will be hosting their Gastronomy festival and from August 18-24th, they’ll host their annual Chilean wine festival. Valle is offering many packages for visits this summer, and more events are planned. Check out their website for the latest updates.
Full Experience
A variety of tasty, affordable food options all the way to high-end dining, après ski socials, amazing skiing, and a stunning location– Valle has all the quintessential things you’re looking for in a ski trip to Chile.
You can make it work as a ski bum, or go the luxury route with some of the best food and lodging options in the southern hemisphere. Valle makes it easy to have a stellar experience without all the hassles that often come with global ski journeys, and the travel from the U.S. is about as straightforward as it gets. Just fly to Santiago, hop on a shuttle, and you’re there!
