South America Ski Resorts

Where . . . Valle Nevado, Chile

Resort stats and snowfall . . . Valle Nevado (3025m/9925ft) is known for its beautiful sunshine and lofty altitude. Its 37 kilometres (24 miles) of local pistes combine with neighbouring El Colorado and La Parva to make up the ‘3 Valleys of the Andes' - the largest skiable domain in the Southern Hemisphere - with a total of 107 kilometres (66 miles) of terrain.

High-altitude skiing (up to 3670m/12041ft) means sunshine and excellent snow conditions are almost guaranteed. Skiing back to your accommodation is also often possible. The powder-packed slopes are suitable for all levels (14 percent green, 30 percent blue, 42 percent red, 14 percent black). Valle Nevado has a variety of lifts, including the Andes Express chairlift - the only quadruple high-speed chair in Chile and the most modern in the region.

Off-pisters flock to the deep powder bowls above the tree line. Valle Nevado's snowpark ‘Monopark' is located at the Candonga Lift, and features boxes, jumps, rails, and a quarter-pipe. The main events are the Bilabong Slopestyle, Pink Sessions, Arnadora Brasilera Cup, and the Atilio Cup.

When to go . . . Mid-June to early October

Ski lessons . . . A team of 80 bilingual instructors are available at Valle Nevado, offering private and group lessons.

Lodging . . . Accommodation is relatively limited with three hotels and an apartment complex, so book ahead. Santiago is 60 kilometres (37 miles) away with a wider choice of overnight options.

Apres-ski . . . Off-slope action includes a selection of late-night bars, a fitness centre with heated pool, shopping, karaoke, bingo, pool, and fashion shows.

Ski pass prices . . . 29,500CLP one day; 177,000CLP six days (Chile Peso)

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