Magallanes and Antartica Chilena Region

Andy Calavera / Wikimedia Commons (CC BY-SA 4.0)

Situated near Punta Arenas, this unique resort offers the rare experience of skiing with views of the Strait of Magellan. It is a small but iconic destination for those traveling to the extreme south of Chile.

Access. Located 8km from Punta Arenas; easily accessible by car or taxi from the city.

Notes. Low elevation compared to central resorts; snow quality is highly dependent on maritime weather patterns.

Araucania Region

Dick Culbert from Gibsons, B.C., Canada / Wikimedia Commons (CC BY 2.0)

Tucked inside the Malalcahuello National Reserve on the slopes of the Lonquimay Volcano, Corralco offers stunning protected araucaria pine forests and wide volcanic bowls. It is celebrated for reliable, long-lasting snow packs and an uncrowded wilderness atmosphere.

Access. Fly into Temuco (ZCO), then rent a car or take a 2-hour scenic shuttle northeast toward the Andes.

Notes. Season runs June through October. Excellent destination for touring and escaping the busier central resorts.

Nuble Region

Gerard Prins / Wikimedia Commons (CC BY-SA 4.0)

Famous for its unique blend of volcanic terrain, natural hot springs, and legendary snow quality blanketed over vast tree-skiing zones. It is a haven for both powder hounds seeking deep snow and snowboarders looking for playful natural features.

Access. Fly into Concepción (CCP) or Santiago, take a domestic flight or bus south to Chillán, and catch a 1.5-hour shuttle up to the mountain base.

Notes. Geothermal hot springs are integrated into the resort experience. Watch out for active volcanic zones and follow local backcountry safety rules.

Región de Valparaíso

Nbendersky / Wikimedia Commons (CC BY-SA 4.0)

Portillo is legendary for its steep chutes, iconic yellow hotel, and rich ski racing history set against the backdrop of the high Andes and Laguna del Inca. There are no crowds or sprawling village base towns here, just a legendary solitary hotel and challenging big-mountain terrain.

Access. Fly to Santiago (SCL), then take a 2-hour shuttle or bus north toward the Argentine border up the Libertadores highway.

Notes. Operates strictly on a week-long Saturday-to-Saturday hotel stay basis during peak season (June to September). Extreme avalanche terrain requires caution.

Santiago Metropolitan Region

geo.edgonzalez / Wikimedia Commons (CC BY-SA 3.0)

Perched high in the Andes just east of Santiago, Valle Nevado offers vast high-alpine terrain with wide-open bowls and incredible powder days. Connected with neighboring resorts, it forms the largest ski area in South America, attracting international freeriders and families alike.

Access. Fly into Santiago International Airport (SCL), then take a roughly 90-minute mountain transfer up the winding coastal Andean road. Many visitors base themselves directly in the resort hotels or day-trip from Santiago.

Notes. Season runs from June to October. Altitudes exceed 3,000 meters, so altitude sickness precautions are recommended upon arrival.

Región de la Araucanía

Mariensanchezdiaz / Wikimedia Commons (CC BY-SA 3.0)

Pucón offers a unique ski experience right on the active Villarrica Volcano with sweeping views of nearby lakes and forests. The destination is a hotspot for splitboarders and ski tourers looking to summit and ride down an active volcanic cone.

Access. Fly into Temuco (ZCO) and take a 1.5-hour shuttle south to the adventure town of Pucón, then drive up the volcano access road.

Notes. Villarrica is an active volcano; constant monitoring is mandatory, and ski touring with a certified guide is strongly recommended.