The Best Places to Ski in Chile: An Adventure in the Andes Mountains

Chile, with its stunning Andes Mountains, is a paradise for skiing enthusiasts, offering a variety of places with exceptional quality and easy connectivity. Discover the best spots divided into three main regions: Central, Central South, and Northern Patagonia of Chile.

South America’s unique contraseason to the Northern Hemisphere allows you to ski when others can’t. The Andes boast dry snow, diverse levels of difficulty, and all types of slopes, making it an excellent destination for skiers. Whether you prefer ski resorts, backcountry skiing, or heli-skiing, Chile has it all.

What makes Chile a world-class skiing destination? The Andes Mountains offer a vast and diverse terrain, from high-altitude resorts with well-groomed slopes to remote backcountry areas with untouched powder. Chile’s ski resorts, such as Portillo and Valle Nevado, are renowned for their excellent infrastructure and services, attracting skiers from all around the globe. The country’s varied climate zones ensure reliable snow conditions throughout the season, providing both beginners and seasoned skiers with unparalleled experiences among beautiful scenarios. Additionally, the warm hospitality and rich culture of Chile make any skiing trip a memorable adventure, where hot springs, local wine, barbecues, and more will enhance your après-ski experience.

Ski tourism in Chile offers various alternatives and services. Esnativa Backcountry, is the right option to enhance your experience with their expert guidance. We offer a range of customized packages and trips designed to showcase the best skiing that Chile has to offer. If you need logistical support, guiding, and services, Esnativa Backcountry has everything from guided tours, packages, group outings, logistics, and much more. They are the ones who truly know where the best conditions are. Ski trips may end up in a powder chase, and traveling with Esnativa Backcountry provides the freedom to explore all these locations at your own pace, ensuring you find the best conditions and experiences.

So whether you travel with or without expert guidance, here are some of the top destinations you might start researching:

Central/Santiago Area: Farellones and Portillo


The central region of Chile is renowned for its excellent ski resorts, including Valle Nevado, La Parva, and El Colorado, all near Santiago. This area offers diverse slopes for all levels and breathtaking Andes views.

Farellones: Ideal for backcountry skiing and ski resorts, offering breathtaking landscapes and challenging descents at La Parva, Valle Nevado, and El Colorado ski resorts.

Portillo: Known for its world-class ski resort, it offers slopes for all levels and an unforgettable experience. Its hotel and amenities are renowned for providing something very special in the heart of the Andes. Additionally, it is famous for its iconic Hotel Portillo, which has hosted numerous national ski and snowboard teams, as well as international personalities seeking an exclusive experience in Chilean snow.

Cajón del Maipo: Perfect for those seeking off-the-beaten-path adventures, offering various options for backcountry skiing.

Central South Area: Nevados de Chillán, Laguna del Maule, Corralco/Lonquimay


The south-central region of Chile is home to incredible ski destinations like Corralco, Nevados de Chillán, and Laguna del Maule. This area offers diverse terrain, natural hot springs, and stunning views of volcanoes.

Nevados de Chillán: Known for its backcountry skiing and ski resort, offering a complete experience for skiing enthusiasts. In addition to its excellent snow quality, Nevados de Chillán is famous for its natural hot springs, making it an ideal destination for relaxing after a day on the mountain.

Laguna del Maule: Perfect for backcountry skiing, offering impressive volcanic landscapes and varied terrain.

Corralco/Lonquimay: Ideal for those seeking tranquility and less crowded terrain, offering high-quality backcountry skiing. Corralco is known for its family-friendly and welcoming atmosphere, ideal for those looking for a more intimate snow experience.

Northern Patagonia and Lake Volcanoes District Area: Volcán Osorno, Volcán Casablanca, Antillanca, Villarrica, Mocho Choshuenco
The Northern Patagonia and Lake Volcanoes District area boasts fantastic ski destinations like Volcán Osorno, Volcán Casablanca, Antillanca, Villarrica, and Mocho Choshuenco. This region offers unique terrain, stunning volcanoes, and beautiful lakes. Exploring these locations allows you to enjoy breathtaking views and incredible quality snow conditions, making it an unforgettable ski experience.

Volcán Osorno and Volcán Casablanca: Offer unique backcountry skiing experiences with panoramic views and challenging terrain. Osorno boasts a perfectly conical shape and views of Lake Llanquihue, while Casablanca offers remote, untouched snowfields and varied terrain. Both volcanoes provide a wilderness experience with excellent snow conditions, making them ideal for all levels of skiers.

Antillanca: Known for its cozy ski resort, Antillanca offers slopes for all levels and stunning views of the surrounding Andes Mountains and Puyehue Lake. The resort features a variety of terrain, including groomed runs and off-piste areas, making it ideal for families and beginner to intermediate skiers.

Villarrica and Mocho Choshuenco: These volcanoes are perfect for those seeking adventures in nature. Villarrica, near the town of Pucón, offers high-quality backcountry skiing with its steep slopes and challenging terrain. Mocho Choshuenco, located in the Puyehue National Park, offers pristine landscapes and excellent backcountry skiing opportunities, making it a popular destination for experienced skiers looking for adventure.

As you can see, there are several options to choose from. Should you need any help planning your trip, we will be more than happy to assist you. On the other hand, if you want to take a look at Esnativa Backcountry tours, you can visit our ski trips or just send us a message 🙂

In closing, whether you choose to explore these remarkable ski destinations with experienced guidance or venture out on your own, it’s essential to enjoy them responsibly. Respect the environment, adhere to safety guidelines, and immerse yourself in the awe-inspiring beauty of Chile’s mountains. Each slope and vista offers a unique experience, promising unforgettable moments for all who seek the thrill of skiing in this stunning region.

Get your skis waxed and enjoy your best summer skiing experience in the majestic Andes Mountains of Chile!

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- Esnativa Backcountry Team.