Chile — The North American ski season is wrapping up, which means that South America’s is just about to begin. Snow has begun falling at ski resorts like Valle Nevado, meaning that their ski season, which is projected to begin on June 20th, isn’t far away.
The ski resort is known for its endless terrain, quality snow, and the best heli-skiing on the continent. You may be wondering what else you can do on a trip outside of skiing or riding. To help people get ready for their trip to Chile, we’ve compiled a list of things you can do off the slopes at Valle Nevado, along with a travel guide to the starting point for most tourists on a trip to Valle Nevado: Santiago, Chile.
What to Do at Valle Nevado: Outside of lift-serviced skiing, the Chilean ski resort has various fun activities to do. It has various shops from international vendors, amenities across its lodging properties, and a lively culinary and bar scene.
There are many shops at the ski resort. At the base village, some of the best shops include the Valle Nevado Store (perfect for grabbing gifts to commemorate your trip to Valle Nevado), Ski Shop (featuring gear from brands like Patagonia), Burton, Rockford & Columbia, Havanna (coffee and chocolate shop), Kühl, and Kivül – DC.
After your day on the slopes, there are numerous amenities guests at Valle Nevado’s hotels can enjoy. Some of the amenities include a spa, heated pool, hot tub, fitness center, and a cinema.
For dining options after the slopes close, there’s La Fourchette, Monte Bianco, Sur, and Miradoe del Plomo. La Fourchette features French cuisine with a wide array of wines. Monte Bianco has Italian cuisine, specializing in pasta. Sur is their Chilean restaurant, which has an à la carte menu. Miradoe del Plomo is Nevado’s buffet dining space, with various cuisine options such as grilled meats and pastas.
For apres, there’s also a lively bar scene. The apres bars include Bar Puerta del Sol, Pub Tres Puntas, and Bar Valle Nevado. The Bar Puerta del Sol specializes in cocktails and Japanese specialties. The Pub Tres Puntas is their traditional bar space, which features live music and a pool table. For those who like to party, there’s lots of room for dancing. The Bar Valle Nevado is their more intimate setting, with various wine options to enjoy with your significant other.
What To Do In Santiago: Most international visitors who vacation in Valle Nevado fly into Arturo Merino BenÃtez International Airport (SCL), making Santiago the start and end of their Chilean vacation. The capital of Chile also features countless attractions that you should visit on your trip.
If you’re looking for the best view in town, you should head to the tallest building in South America. Opened in 2013, Gran Torre Santiago features a height of 984 feet, making it the tallest building in the country and South America. Tourists can view the stunning skyline of Santiago from the Sky Costanera, a 360-degree observatory that’s on the top floors of the skyscraper.
Another great scenic viewpoint is Cerro San Cristóbal, which is accessible by either hiking to it or by riding a funicular or scenic gondola. When you reach the peak, you’ll be able to witness views of the Andes and Santiago.
For history buffs, you should check out the Museum of Memory & Human Rights and the Chilean Museum of Pre-Columbian Art. The Museum of Memory & Human Rights dives into the dictatorship of General Augusto Pinochet, diving into the atrocities Chile went through during that time span. The Chilean Museum of Pre-Columbian Art features various historical artifacts that are from centuries of various South American civilizations.
For shopping, there are various markets and higher-end shopping experiences to check out. The Santiago Central Market features primarily seafood vendors, while the Vega Central de Santiago features various food options. Higher-end stores can be found at the Parque Arauco and the Mall Costanera Center, the latter of which is the largest shopping mall in South America.
Then there’s the food. As you’ve probably figured out by this point, Chile is well known for its grilled meats (asado) and wines. Some of the other popular choices include empanadas, Cazuela (stews with meat and vegetables), Pastel de Choclo (a corn casserole with meat and veggies), and seafood options like mussels and swordfish.
These attractions and culinary experiences make a visit to Chile and Valle Nevado not only a ski trip, but a well-rounded travel and cultural experience. Click here to book your 2025 ski trip to Valle Nevado.
Image/Video Credits: Valle Nevado, Chalo Gallardo
