Featured Article
As the last lifts stop spinning across North America, a new winter is just beginning high in the Chilean Andes. Valle Nevado, South America’s largest ski resort, is set to open its 2025 season on June 20, inviting skiers and snowboarders to chase the endless winter south. For those who refuse to let the ski season end, Valle Nevado offers a rare chance to carve fresh tracks while the Northern Hemisphere basks in summer.
A Southern Hemisphere Sanctuary for Skiers
Just 90 minutes from Santiago, Valle Nevado rises nearly 10,000 feet above sea level, boasting over 2,200 skiable acres, panoramic alpine vistas, and some of the most consistent snowfall in the Southern Hemisphere. Last year, the resort saw a record 23 feet of snow, and with upgraded lift infrastructure, expanded beginner terrain, and elevated on-mountain dining and guest services, 2025 is poised for another exceptional season.
The resort’s high elevation ensures reliable conditions from June through early October, making it a top choice for a variety of skiers who crave high-quality terrain outside the conventional ski calendar. Whether you’re a seasoned powder hound or a family seeking a unique adventure, Valle Nevado’s diverse terrain and modern amenities deliver an all-in-one mountain escape.
What’s New for 2025: Upgrades and Experiences
Valle Nevado enters the 2025 season with over $4 million in improvements, including significant upgrades to the Andes Express, Mirador, and Gondola lifts, expanded beginner terrain, and renovations to its iconic slope-side hotels. Guests will find refreshed rooms, updated lobbies, and enhanced fitness centers at Hotel Puerta del Sol and Hotel Valle Nevado, ensuring comfort and style after a day on the slopes.
Dining at altitude gets a boost with a new food truck at Cima Ancla, now the highest-altitude culinary stop in the Andes, complementing the acclaimed La Fourchette French restaurant and other on-mountain eateries. From gourmet fare to quick bites, Valle Nevado’s culinary scene matches the grandeur of its surroundings.
Signature Events and Heli-Skiing Adventures
This winter’s calendar is filled with signature events that celebrate Chilean culture and the spirit of the mountains. Highlights include Fun Valle Week (July 5–10), Valle Nevado Wine Week (August 12–16), and Wellness Week (September 10–13). These gatherings blend world-class skiing with local music, cuisine, and wellness experiences, creating a vibrant après-ski scene that is uniquely Andean.
For thrill-seekers, Valle Nevado Heli-Ski unlocks access to 50,000 acres of big-mountain terrain, with runs averaging 5,000 to 6,000 vertical feet and views of 20,000-foot peaks. Full- and half-day excursions are guided by seasoned professionals, making it one of the premier heli-ski operations in the world.
Seamless Access for North American Skiers
Valle Nevado has never been more accessible to North American skiers. Thanks to partnerships with major pass programs, including Ikon Pass, Mountain Collective, and Power Pass, many U.S. guests already enjoy free or discounted lift access and lodging deals. Ikon Pass holders receive up to seven days of skiing and 10% off lodging; Mountain Collective members get up to three days and 15% off hotel stays; and Power Pass holders unlock 10 days at Valle Nevado and La Parva, plus up to 15% off hotel packages.
Families benefit as well: children aged 12 and under, and seniors 75 and older, ski free all season, with no blackout dates. U.S. travelers booking a week-long package through select tour operators also receive a complimentary lift ticket for neighboring La Parva, expanding the adventure to over 7,000 acres of interconnected terrain.
Exclusive Booking Offers and Promotions
Now is the time to secure the best rates for the 2025 season. Hotel packages include lodging, lift tickets, and half-board (breakfast and dinner), with flexible options ranging from midweek getaways to full-week stays. After a day on the mountain, unwind at Bar Valle Nevado for panoramic cocktails, join the lively crowd at Bar Puerta del Sol, or dance into the night at Pub Tres Puntas.
More Than a Ski Trip: A Chilean Cultural Experience
A visit to Valle Nevado is more than just a ski vacation–it’s an immersion into Chilean culture and natural beauty. Explore Santiago’s vibrant food and art scenes, soak in Andean landscapes, and connect with the region’s rich heritage. The combination of world-class skiing, breathtaking scenery, and cultural discovery makes Valle Nevado a true bucket-list destination for any serious skier or snowboarder.
With snow on the horizon and reservations filling quickly, now is the moment for North American skiers to chase winter south. Valle Nevado’s 2025 season promises adventure, luxury, and the chance to keep the dream of endless winter alive.
