Nevados de Chillán Ski Center, Chile, Closes Ahead of Incoming Snowstorm Due to Hazardous Conditions

Nevados de Chillán ski center in Chile announced the temporary closure of its ski center on Wednesday due to a severe weather alert issued by the Chilean Meteorological Directorate and SENAPRED. The region is bracing for the arrival of a powerful atmospheric river, classified between categories 3 and 4, that could dump up to seven feet of snow on South America.

• Related: SnowBrains Forecast: 7 Feet of Snow Forecasted to Slam South America This Week

In a social media post, the ski center said the measure is to protect both workers and guests as hazardous conditions develop. The closure comes at the peak of the ski season, a critical period for local tourism and the regional economy.

 

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The atmospheric river event is anticipated to bring heavy precipitation, rapid temperature shifts, and strong winds to the Andes. Forecasts signal a surge of “dense, cream cheese” snow and intense accumulation through the coming days, conditions that threaten both mountain safety and operational logistics. Meteorologists draw attention to the potential for sudden weather escalations, with snow levels expected to drop and freezing conditions intensifying by Thursday.

“A potent mid-winter storm will hammer the central and southern Andes from Wednesday night through the weekend, dropping dense base-building snow at first before ushering in colder, fluffier powder and leaving resorts with impressive multi-foot totals. Snow levels start around 8,000 feet but crash to near 4,000 – 5,000 feet by Friday, ensuring all terrain rides white. The heaviest hit will be Nevados de Chillán, but the Santiago trio and Portillo won’t lag far behind, while farther south into Patagonia, only light refreshers arrive.

Wednesday into early Thursday launches the storm with a warm, moisture-loaded surge focused on south-central Chile. Nevados de Chillán leads the charge with two-plus feet of heavy, cream-cheese snow as snow-to-liquid ratios (SLRs) languish near 4-6:1 and ridgetop gusts roar past 50 miles per hour. Further north, Valle Nevado, El Colorado, La Parva, and Portillo pick up only an inch or two at first while snow levels hover just above their base villages near 8,000 feet, flirting with mixed precipitation on the lower lifts.”

– SnowBrains forecast

The ski center’s management confirmed the closure will remain in effect “until weather conditions improve and we can offer a safe environment to enjoy our facilities.” Resort officials will provide ongoing updates through official channels as they monitor the evolving situation.

At the time of writing, no other South American ski centers have announced temporary closures in response to the incoming weather.