Industry News
Nevados de Chillán in Chile will close its 2026 winter ski season as scheduled Sunday, September 20, bringing a difficult season to an end just two weeks after a major fire destroyed the resort’s Hotel Alto Nevados and affected the Plaza Otto area. The resort announced the closing date while thanking guests for their support throughout the season and inviting visitors to spend the final weekend on the mountain during Chile’s Fiestas Patrias celebrations.
It has been a challenging end to the season for Nevados de Chillán. On September 6, a major fire broke out at Hotel Alto Nevados, forcing the evacuation of approximately 150 people. Thankfully, no injuries were reported, but many ski racers staying at the hotel lost their equipment. The resort had been scheduled to host a FIS Masters race, which was subsequently canceled.
The fire spread to several surrounding buildings, including a ski school, cafeteria, and ski rental facility. Hotel Alto Nevados and the affected buildings were subsequently declared a total loss. Resort operations nevertheless continued, with unaffected areas progressively reopening following the fire. The cause of the fire remains under investigation. The affected area has been closed while authorities conduct inspections and forensic work.
Despite the disruption, Nevados de Chillán continued operating its ski area through the final scheduled day of the winter season.
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The resort sits in the Andes of Chile’s Ñuble Region, about 80 kilometers (50 miles) from the city of Chillán, and offers roughly 20 ski runs served by more than 10 lifts.
The resort is inviting skiers and snowboarders to make the most of the final weekend, with Fiestas Patrias celebrations taking place on the mountain before winter operations come to a close.
The resort thanked visitors and staff for being part of another winter season at Nevados de Chillán, while also looking ahead to the mountain’s year-round operations.
