Heads up if you are purchasing a 26/27 Ikon Pass as you won’t have to wait until fall make good on the investment. As winter wanes and spring approaches don’t fret if you’re already bumming about having to hang up your skis for the summer, instead consider looking at flights to Santiago, Chile, and firm up a plan to head to the legendary slopes of Valle Nevado Ski Resort.
Ikon Pass holders can ski for a full seven days (no blackouts) and experience Chile’s premier ski resort boasting world class above-treeline terrain combined with the most modern lift system in the Southern Hemisphere.
Perched high in the Andes Mountains about 90 minuted drive from Santiago, Valle Nevado is both easily accessible yet offers a secluded alpine experience. Widely considered one of the best ski destinations in South America, the resort sits at nearly 10,000 feet above sea level and offers more than 2,200 acres of skiable terrain spread across wide-open alpine bowls and long cruising runs with panoramic views of the Andes.
Its high elevation and southern exposure help deliver reliable snow conditions, making it a favorite destination for skiers looking to extend their season during the Northern Hemisphere summer. Beyond the terrain, Valle Nevado delivers a full mountain experience that blends big-mountain skiing with modern resort amenities.
Valle skis way bigger than its 47 named runs suggest and is part of Chile’s larger “Tres Valles” interconnected ski region along with La Parva and El Colorado, expanding the terrain even further.
With incredible access to the sweeping high-alpine Andean terrain and incredible slopeside lodging and restaurants, the resort has become a bucket-list destination for skiers and riders from around the world and one everyone should check out, especially folks who snagged a 26/27 Ikon Pass.
Heads up if you are thinking of booking a trip to Valle Nevado this summer, they have some smoking deals on lodging if you book before March 31st with saving up to 50% off on select packages (more info here).
Valle is also debuting some incredible new accommodations this season with the introduction of the Aconcagua Ski Residences for the 2026 season. Aconcagua is set to open with 39 fully equipped, apartment-style accommodations designed for guests seeking additional space, privacy, and flexibility.
As of toady (subject to availability, limited spots) you can be one of the first guests at The Aconcagua and get 7 nights for the price of 5 or 4 nights for the price of 3 (more info here).
BONUS: If you want to take your trip to Valle Nevado up a notch consider booking a helicopter skiing excursion. Founded in 1988, Valle Nevado Heliski, has over 35 years of experience offering personalized heli-skiing in their 300,000+ acres tenure:
“At Valle Nevado Heliski, every day becomes an unforgettable memory. Located in the heart of the stunning Andes Mountains, we have expansive, high-quality terrain just minutes from the resort, giving you maximum time to get fresh tracks.”
Here’s a quick interview with Mike Barney who has been guiding at Valle Nevado Heliski for the past 13 years. Solid operation down there, would be amazing to do some add-on heli bumps (learn more here):
