Valle Nevado Ski Resort
Honest Family Review
Looking for a ski trip in South America? We spent three days skiing at Valle Nevado in Chile during our July family trip through Peru and Chile. Here's our review of the snow conditions, mountain access, road traffic, and what it's like to ski Valle Nevado with kids.
Why We Chose Valle Nevado for Summer Skiing
Machu Picchu has always been on my bucket list, so we made our trip to Peru this summer. We figured that from Peru to Chile, it wasn't that far, so we decided to go. Valle Nevado, one of the largest ski resorts in South America, is located more than 3,000 meters (10,000+ feet) above sea level, and the resort offers spectacular views of the Andes and a chance to ski during the Northern Hemisphere's summer.
Many North American skiers travel to Chile during the summer for exactly this reason. Our family absolutely loves to ski, so we were excited to add some South American skiing to our Peru and Chile adventure. And the snow conditions were surprisingly good!
Getting to Valle Nevado from Santiago
Getting to Valle Nevado is relatively straightforward compared with getting to Machu Picchu. We flew from Cusco to Santiago, and, without spending much time in the city, took a bus up to Valle Nevado. We stayed at the resort for three days.
Some tourists will stay in Santiago and make day trips to Valle Nevado, and many do choose this. However, traffic can be unpredictable, especially after a lot of snowfall.
On the day we went up, what should have been a two-hour ride took 4.5 hours. The reason? On snowy days, drivers have to stop to have snow chains installed before approaching the top of the mountain.
This reminded us a lot of Big Bear Lake, one of our local ski areas in California. Every time it snows, traffic heading up the mountain can become a disaster, with cars stopping along the narrow road to install snow chains.
What Was Skiing at Valle Nevado Like?
For the first two days, we skied through wind and snow. Everything was white, and we could barely see a few meters ahead.
Then, on our third day, the wind finally blew a hole through the thick cloud cover, revealing the magnificent mountain peaks beyond. We were incredibly lucky.
And just when we thought the day couldn't get any better, we got to watch the sunset paint the entire mountain range red. Absolutely unforgettable.
Is Valle Nevado Good for Families?
Yes. We would recommend Valle Nevado for families who enjoy skiing and want to experience something completely different from a typical North American ski trip.
The biggest advantage for families visiting during the Northern Hemisphere summer is obvious: you can go skiing while the kids are on summer vacation.
However, altitude and weather are important factors to consider. Valle Nevado sits above 3,000 meters, so some visitors may need time to adjust. Weather can also change quickly, and snowy conditions can make the drive between Santiago and the resort much slower than expected.
Is Staying at Valle Nevado Worth It?
For us, absolutely.
If you stay in Santiago and make a day trip to Valle Nevado, you have to deal with the mountain road twice in one day. When conditions are good, that may be fine. But after a major snowfall, the drive can take several hours.
Because we stayed at Valle Nevado for three nights, we could simply wake up, put on our ski gear, and head to the slopes. No long mountain drive, no worrying about traffic, and no need to rush back to Santiago.
Frequently Asked Questions About Skiing Valle Nevado
Is Valle Nevado good for families with kids?
Yes. We would recommend it, especially for families from the Northern Hemisphere looking for a summer ski destination.
Is staying near Valle Nevado worth it?
For us, yes. The risk of getting stuck in several hours of traffic after a snowfall makes staying at the resort much more appealing.
Can you ski Valle Nevado in the summer?
Yes. Valle Nevado's ski season generally runs during the Northern Hemisphere summer because Chile is in the Southern Hemisphere.
How long should you stay at Valle Nevado?
We stayed for three days, which gave us enough time to experience different weather conditions and enjoy several days on the slopes without rushing. Depending on how you've planned out the rest of your trips, a couple days should usually be enough.
Planning a trip to Chile? Read our full Peru & Chile Family Travel Guide for our complete itinerary, Machu Picchu experience, Atacama Desert stargazing, hotels, transportation, and trip costs.
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