Santiago Chile

Santiago is the gateway to any Chile skiing vacation and it also makes a great base to access the Santiago ski resorts in nearby Tres Valles. Whether you just do a brief stopover in the city at the start or end of your Chile ski vacation, or stay there to access the Tres Valles ski resorts or nearby heli skiing, Santiago is a must do!

With a population of 5.6 million, more than 36 percent of Chile’s population lives in Santiago. Whilst it doesn’t have the same pizzazz as other South American cities, Santiago is certainly the heartbeat of Chile.

Ski Santiago Chile - Nearby Resorts

The Santiago ski resorts are the interconnected ski resorts in the Three Valleys (Tres Valles), that overlook the city. The boutique La Parva is only 50km/31 miles east of the city and a popular choice for the elite of Santiago. For other skiing near Santiago, El Colorado and Farellones ski areas are part of the one resort and are great for beginners and for racing on long groomers. Valle Nevado is a large ski area that is internationally renowned and has impressive facilities.

Other skiing near Santiago is at the little Lagunillas which is a non-commercial ski resort southeast of the city. Nearby is Chapa Verde, 145km from Santiago.

The most well known ski resort amongst North Americans is Portillo, which is 164km/102miles (about 2 hours drive) northeast of Santiago near the Argentina border. Portillo has been cited as one of Warren Miller’s top 10 ski destinations, partly because of the steep slopes and the powder, but also because of the charisma of the big yellow Hotel Portillo.

A Santiago skiing vacation can include Chile heli skiing opportunities, and there are also day trips from Santiago to the Aconcagua Valley to go cat skiing with Ski Arpa (108km - about 2:15 hour drive from Santiago).

Express Ski - La Parva & Valle Nevado - Ex Santiago If you don't have time for a week at one of Chile's top ski resorts but you have a few days available, jump on an Express Ski Package. Stay at a lovely mountain lodge in Farellones village (includes breakfast & dinner each night) and ski at La Parva & El Colorado in the Tres Valles. Package can be customized to your requirements.

Valle Nevado Packages - Ex Santiago Check out the options for staying at Valle Nevado, Chile's premier ski resort. Packages are for 7 nights (ski week) or 3 or 4 nights (mini ski week) and include lodging (3 standards to choose from), meals, transport, lift tickets and more.

Where is Santiago?

Santiago (Santiago de Chile) is located in the central valley of Chile between the Chilean Coast Range and the spectacular Andes Mountains. The Santiago Benitez International Airport is the main airport which is located 26km/16 miles west of central Santiago. Latam is the major international carrier, with flights from United States, Europe, Australia and New Zealand. Latam and other airlines fly into Santiago from other South American cities.

A huge advantage of the ski resorts near Santiago over those in southern Chile and in Argentina is that they are so easily accessible. It’s generally much quicker to fly into Santiago than Buenos Aires, and from the Santiago airport the ski resorts are only 1.5 to 2 hours away.

Accommodations Santiago

Santiago has lots of lodging options spread across the various neighbourhoods of the city. In recent years many hostels and other budget accommodation options have popped up, and there are also upmarket Santiago hotels that are very reasonably priced.

Santiago Hotel Listings

Santiago Activities

Your first impression might be that all Santiago has going for it in winter is the smog, and whilst Santiago activities aren’t as obviously attractive to the tourist compared to other South American cities, Santiago certainly has an intriguing allure. There are various things to do in Santiago Chile, particularly if you’ve got plenty of time on your hands. There are several museums, quirky shops, a vibrant café scene and a few other attractions.

A day trip to Maipo Valley or Aconcagua Valley to visit the wineries is a must-do, especially to try some of the unique varietals such as Carménère, a delicious medium-bodied red.

Why Stay in Santiago?

If you’re looking for a distinctive Chilean culture up at the Santiago ski resorts, then you may be a little disappointed. In Chile only the elite going skiing, and when you stay on-mountain at the ski resorts the atmosphere is similar to that of a North American ski resort.

However if you stay in Santiago where there’s a melting pot of socio-economic groups, you know that you’ll experience the real heart and soul of Chile. The culture of Chile might not smack you in the face as it does in some other South American cities, but Santiago provides a great opportunity to slowly absorb the Chilean culture….. all in Chile time.