Ski Corralco

http://www.powderhounds.com/site/DefaultSite/filesystem/images/SouthAmerica/Corralco/Overview/01.jpg
Corralco Mountain Resort
Corralco Mountain Resort
Corralco sits on the Lonquimay Volcano
Corralco sits on the Lonquimay Volcano
Corralco Chile offers plenty of off-piste terrain
Corralco Chile offers plenty of off-piste terrain
Lonquimay Volcano
Lonquimay Volcano
Navidad Crater
Navidad Crater
Corralco is located near Malalcahuello
Corralco is located near Malalcahuello
It seems everyone likes Corralco
It seems everyone likes Corralco
Nice day lodge at Corralco Ski Resort
Nice day lodge at Corralco Ski Resort
The deck is nice for fine days
The deck is nice for fine days
Day lodge at Corralco
Day lodge at Corralco
Ski Corralco Chile
Ski Corralco Chile
Araucaria trees aka monkey puzzle trees
Araucaria trees aka monkey puzzle trees
The volcano offers lots of ski touring options
The volcano offers lots of ski touring options
Ski touring at Corralco
Ski touring at Corralco
Corralco has a couple of chair lifts
Corralco has a couple of chair lifts
Corralco Chile
Corralco Chile
Ski touring Corralco
Ski touring Corralco
Corralco is family friendly
Corralco is family friendly
The lifts are rather slow
The lifts are rather slow
Surface lifts are handy for windy days
Surface lifts are handy for windy days

Ski Corralco

Readers Ratings

Corralco

Corralco3/54
Corralco3 out of 5 based on 4 reviews
  • Recommend
    75%
  • Would Revisit
    75%
Arpa Cat Skiing, Chile

Ski Corralco Chile

The Corralco Ski Resort in Chile on the Lonquimay Volcano is the antithesis of the ski resorts near Santiago. Corralco is located off the beaten track so it’s quiet and you can get away from the hordes. Corralco Mountain and Ski Resort is mainly frequented by South American families who enjoy the child-friendly facilities and gentle slopes, whilst outside the ski resort boundaries, the extensive slopes lure backcountry powder hounds who are happy to earn their turns.

Pros & Cons of Corralco

Pros 
  • Corralco is well suited to backcountry riders who are happy to earn their turns.
  • Corralco has no crowds so on a powder day the powder is pretty much all yours.
  • The Valle Corralco Hotel & Spa offers fantastic accommodation, great facilities, and a range of activities including guided backcountry skiing.
Cons
  • The lift infrastructure is basic and the chair lifts are very slow (as is common in South America).
  • Corralco doesn’t have a large amount of intermediate terrain.
  • The Corralco Hotel is priced at the luxury end, so for those travelling on a moderate budget there are no on-mountain lodging options. There is limited lodging nearby and you’ll need a car (or be on a tour) to get between the ski resort and your lodging.
  • The nightlife is close to non-existent at Corralco and the sleepy Malalcahuello.
Pro or Con Depending On Your Perspective
  • Corralco gets huge amounts of snow, and the quality of the snow is often pretty good because the slopes face south to southeast. The Lonquimay Volcano is rather exposed and at the mercy of the weather gods. Whilst the weather isn’t as fickle as it is at nearby Villarrica, there might be days when you need to sit it out.
  • Corralco has very mellow terrain for first timers and is very child friendly, but the group ski lessons and child care do not cater to children that only speak English.
  • The expensive luxury hotel at the base and the basic no-frills ski resort are at odds with each.

Corralco Ski and Snowboard Terrain

The Corralco Ski Resort has 2 chair lifts and 4 surface lifts, 29 trails across 1,800 hectares of skiable terrain (if you include the sidecountry freeride terrain), and a vertical drop of 960 metres (1,440 to 2,400 metres elevation).

The base of the Corralco ski resort sits just above the treeline so the slopes are treeless and open; ideal for learning to ski or snowboard. There are a handful of long groomed beginner slopes near the base that are very mellow, whilst further up there are a few intermediate groomed trails. Corralco also has a few “advanced” groomed trails which can be tackled by strong intermediate riders and are lots of fun for some speedy turns. In between the groomed trails are lots of off-piste lines and with some traversing you can access an abundance of interesting terrain features that have resulted from lava flows.

Corralco Chile offers excellent backcountry and mountaineering access, and this is the main drawcard for experienced skiers and boarders. An ascent to the “peak” (aka crater) of Lonquimay is particularly popular which is at an elevation of 2,865 metres, 465 metres higher than the top lift. Experienced riders are likely to get the most out of Corralco Chile by including it as part of a guided Chile ski tour.

Where is Corralco Chile?

The Corralco Ski Resort is located on the southeastern side of the Lonquimay Volcano in the Malalcahuello National Reserve, not far from the little town of Malalcahuello. Corralco is 120km to the east of Temuco, whilst Santiago is 700km to the north.

The Corralco Ski Resort is about 90 minutes drive from the Temuco Airport (Maquehue Airport), which receives flights from Santiago. The flight takes just over an hour and there are about 4 flights a day. Guests of the Valle Corralco Hotel and Spa can get transfers from the airport, or it’s possible to rent a car to get to the ski resort.

Lodging

The Valle Corralco Hotel and Spa is a luxury hotel at the base of the mountain set amongst the unusual and ancient Araucaria trees (aka monkey puzzle trees). The ski-in luxury hotel has 54 hotel rooms and an abundance of amenities such as a day spa, swimming pool, gym, cinema room, restaurant, bar, and activity services. Hotel packages incorporate full or half board, and kids’ club for ages 6-12.

The nearby town of Malalcahuello also has some limited lodging options.

Malalcahuello Accommodations Listings

Facilities & Activities

The Corralco ski resort has a nice day lodge with a restaurant, sun deck and small skiosk. Other facilities include a picnic area, ski and snowboard rentals, and ski school.

The activity centre at the Valle Corralco Hotel and Spa offers various winter activities such as snowshoeing in the Araucaria forest and guided alpine touring (randonee).

The region features various hot springs, which are a fabulous way to relax and rejuvenate after a big day ripping the slopes, or just head to the day spa at the hotel.

Ski Season

The Corralco ski season begins on June 1st and goes until October 15. It’s generally rather stormy during June and July, so the best time to go is from early August onwards when there are more fine weather days, whilst September is ideal for ski touring/splitboarding.
Tours In/Near Corralco

Safari (Road Trip) Tours

Endless Winter
GUIDED OFF-PISTE ROAD TRIP
9 Days | 8 Nights
Ability: Beginner to Expert
Spring skiing on Chile's biggest mountain volcano playgrounds! Most skiing/riding is accessed via lifts however there will be plenty of opportunities to earn your turns in the backcountry.
Price p/p From price based on twin/double-share room occupancy for 2023 season.
Base/invoice currency is in USD inc taxes.
*Displayed price may vary due to currency fluctuations.
USD 4,895
View Details
 
Chile Backcountry Camper Road Trip
GUIDED BACKCOUNTRY CAMPING TRIP
9 Days | 8 Nights | Multiple Destinations
Ability: Intermediate to Expert
If you are the adventurous type & don't mind earning your turns, this camper truck safari will tick all of your boxes. The freedom of camping whilst touring & exploring numerous spectacular Chilean volcanoes. PRIVATE groups only from 2 - 6 in a group. Share
Price p/p Price is per person based on group of 3 - 6 inc taxes (a group of 2 costs a bit more per person).
base/invoice currency is USD
Displayed prices might vary slightly to actual due to exchange rate fluctuations.
USD 3,850
View Details
 Book by March 31, 2024 & take 5% off displayed price
Chile Volcanoes Tour
GUIDED BACKCOUNTRY TOURING
8 Days | 7 Nights
Ability: Advanced to Expert
This guided ski touring and splitboard journey is open to the advanced skier and rider looking to earn his turns and venture into the spectacular world of volcano ski touring. Climb and descend active volcanoes, experience the local culture and incredible food and more
Price p/p From price based on twin/double-share room occupancy for 2023.
Base/invoice currency is in USD inc taxes.
*Displayed price may vary due to currency fluctuations.
USD 3,899
View Details
 
See all Safari (Road Trip) tours that visit Corralco here

Single-Base, Multi-Ski-Area Tours

Family Freeride & Backcountry Trip
FAMILY FREERIDE & BACKCOUNTRY TOUR
7 Nights | 8 Days | 6 Days Skiing
Ability: Intermediate to Expert
An experience your family will never forget: visiting the very edge of the world to enjoy one of the most beautiful sports surrounded by completely untouched, wild nature. Treat yourself and your family to this experience that few have been able to enjoy. Discover the wild south as a team.
Price p/p Sample price is based on 3 guests in group.
Base/invoice currency is USD
Displayed price might vary slightly from actual due to exchange rate fluctuations.
USD 3,990
View Details
 
See all Single-Base, Multi-Ski-Area tours that visit Corralco here

Backcountry Skiing Tours

Chile´s Iconic Volcanoes
GUIDED BACKCOUNTRY TOUR
9 Days | 8 Nights
Ability: Strong Intermediate to Expert
Embark on a thrilling journey through northern Patagonia, skiing iconic volcanoes like Osorno and Villarrica. Experience spring skiing, savor local cuisine, unwind in hot springs, & indulge in the rich flavors of local wines. Discover Chile's unique blend of adventure & culture on this unforgettable volcanic escapade! Share
Price p/p Price is per person twin-share.
base/invoice currency is USD
Displayed prices might vary slightly to actual due to exchange rate fluctuations.
USD 3,450
View Details
 Book by March 31, 2024 & take 5% off advertised price
Chile Volcano Ski Touring
SKI TOURING CHILE VOLCANOES
9 Days | Customizable Itinerary
Ability: Strong Intermediate to Expert
On this tour, you will climb to the top of some of Chile's most spectacular volcanoes & ski back down to the low-lands. Some afternoons you will visit relaxing hot springs & along the way you will experience South American cities & towns. PRIVATE GROUPS of 2 - 6 guests or join a fixed date tour as a solo/small group
Price p/p Price is per person based on 9-day tour with min group of 4
Base/invoice currency is USD inc tax
*displayed price may vary slightly due exchange rate fluctuations
USD 3,200
View Details
 
Nevados de Chillan & Corralco
GUIDED RESORT & BACKCOUNTRY TOUR
7 Days | 6 Nights | 2 Resorts
Ability: Intermediate to Expert
Ski/ride/explore 2 of Chile's best volcano resorts; Nevados de Chillan & Corralco! You will use a combo of lifts, ski touring & boot packing to get to the steep, deep and untracked powder. Join a tour as a solo or small group or create your own custom tour. Share
Price p/p Price is per person twin-share inc taxes.
base/invoice currency is USD
Displayed prices might vary slightly to actual due to exchange rate fluctuations.
USD 4,550
View Details
 Book by March 31, 2024 & take 5% off advertised price
See all Backcountry Skiing tours that visit Corralco here
200