Mountain Aesthetic
Valle Nevado’s in-bounds slopes is probably not probably the most naturally distinctive by way of terrain options, however the identical definitely can’t be mentioned for its environment. On clear days—which, as talked about earlier, happen continuously—company are handled to awe-inspiring views of the encircling Andes, together with towering peaks that rise as a lot as 5,800 ft above the resort’s prime lift-served elevation. Valle Nevado itself sits on a dramatic knife’s-edge ridge, bordered by jagged cliffs that stretch nicely under the ski space boundary. This terrain is particularly seen from the Retorno path on the entrance facet, the place skiers are handled to a sweeping view of the ridge under. In truth, the bottom village is perched proper on the sting of those cliffs—and when considered from the tail finish of Retorno, the sight of the village makes for one of the vital iconic visible aesthetics of any resort we’ve visited.
Neighboring Areas
It’s additionally value noting that Valle Nevado is one among three interconnected ski resorts that make up Chile’s Tres Valles area, alongside La Parva and El Colorado. In truth, elements of El Colorado’s again facet are clearly seen from the Valle Nevado base space, and it’s not unusual for company to mistake that terrain as a part of Valle Nevado correct till they take a more in-depth have a look at the path map and boundary markings. Whereas these three ski resorts have traditionally been independently operated, they’re bodily linked by skiable terrain underneath the correct circumstances, and because of this, it is attainable to ski or journey between them.
Regardless of their interconnectivity, all three of those resorts are on separate tickets, and snowboarding or using into La Parva or El Colorado from Valle Nevado doesn’t essentially imply you’ll have entry to their lifts. Nevertheless, Valle Nevado and La Parva have been underneath the identical possession since 2024, and as of the 2025 season, the 2 neighbors now provide a ticket add-on that permits skiers and riders to entry each resorts in a single day. Nevertheless, no full Tres Valles joint move at present exists, and Valle Nevado nonetheless maintains a separate carry ticket system from El Colorado.
Go Partnerships
Valle Nevado is especially well-known amongst Northern Hemisphere skiers for one key motive: its robust move partnerships. It’s the one South American ski resort featured on both the Ikon Go or the Mountain Collective Go, making it a pure selection for a lot of American and Canadian skiers visiting the Andes. Ikon Go holders obtain 7 days of carry entry, whereas Mountain Collective members get 2 free days plus 50% off extra days.
Valle Nevado can also be included on each the Energy Go and Energy Go Choose, providing 10 days of snowboarding per season. As of late are shared and interchangeable with neighboring La Parva, permitting company to pattern terrain at each mountains underneath the identical move allocation.
It’s value noting that move holders for all three applications—Ikon, Mountain Collective, and Energy Go—should cease by the ticket window to register their entry earlier than hitting the slopes. Direct-to-lift entry just isn’t at present out there. As well as, none of those three applications are affiliated with El Colorado, whereas Ikon and Mountain Collective don’t embrace La Parva entry—so passholders trying to drop into these resorts might want to put together to purchase carry tickets.
Valle Nevado can also be pretty anglophone-friendly as South American ski resorts get. Most employees—significantly in inns, visitor providers, and ski faculty—communicate English fairly nicely, and the resort caters closely to worldwide company. That mentioned, not everybody you work together with will communicate fluent English, particularly in operational roles like shuttle drivers or carry attendants, so it’s value understanding a number of key Spanish phrases or conserving a translation app helpful.
Getting There
One of many largest issues when planning a visit to Valle Nevado is its entry street. The journey time from Santiago might not look too unhealthy on paper—lower than two hours when circumstances align—however the drive itself is extremely treacherous and in contrast to something discovered at resorts within the U.S. or Canada. The street is slender and very winding, involving dozens of hairpin turns and an elevation achieve of over 7,000 ft. If inclement climate rolls by means of, chains are required to make it the total means up safely. Vacationers might also encounter a police checkpoint alongside the way in which, the place officers confirm that you simply’re really staying on the resort.
Because of the street’s problem and the congestion it creates, the Valle Nevado entry street is transformed right into a one-way route on weekends and holidays: uphill visitors solely from 8:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m., and downhill visitors solely from 4:00 p.m. to eight:00 p.m.
For those who’re not acquainted with driving in some of these circumstances—and most North People gained’t be—we strongly advocate reserving a shuttle from Santiago. Some taxis might provide the service, however they usually lack correct winter tools, leaving you vulnerable to getting caught. Shuttle firms like SkiTotal run common journeys to the resort, although it’s value noting that drivers might not communicate English and that it’s best to explicitly remind the corporate prematurely about what number of passengers and the way a lot gear you might have—particularly on the journey again all the way down to Santiago. Vans sometimes arrive with out sufficient area for ski luggage or giant teams except you’ve clearly communicated your wants.
Resulting from these circumstances, we extremely advocate staying on-site at Valle Nevado fairly than trying a day journey up from Santiago. However should you do determine to drive, Valle Nevado offers parking choices for each in a single day company and day guests. The principle day lot is situated on the base of the gondola, however area is considerably restricted, particularly on weekends and holidays. Friends staying at on-site inns comparable to Lodge Valle Nevado and Lodge Tres Puntas are supplied free parking, although it’s restricted as nicely, and lodging sometimes ask that you simply reserve a spot a minimum of 24 hours prematurely.
