With the start of the 2024 snow season and the rise of shopping trips to Chile, the question inevitably arises:Where should you go skiing this year?, to the mountain complexes of Argentina or to the Chilean centers? ¿Which side of the mountain has the best prices??
The first answer may disappoint: it all depends. For example, the place of residence, the connectivity of the destination (to Santiago de Chile, for example, there are many daily flights, but to other destinations further south you have to arrive with connections, which makes the trip longer and more expensive), of the programs or packages that can be obtained and of how to pay: There is a big difference between those who can access dollars at the official price versus those who calculate with the blue card and those who do so with the dollar card.
In principle, you have to know that along the Andes Mountains on the Chilean side there are 14 ski centersand just as in Argentina, some are quite developed in size and services and others are smaller, with fewer slopes and facilities and lower prices.
Here, the five main ski destinations in Chiletheir prices and the comparison with centers in Argentina, which is formally simple, because the price is practically 1 to 1: At the closing of this note in the neighboring country the dollar was trading at 946 pesos, and in Argentina, the official one, $928.
Then, of course, It will depend on the means with which it is paid.: in cash in Chilean pesos or with a debit or credit card in pesos (with the dollar card, which adds the Country Tax and the collection of AFIP); or by card paying the balance in dollars, thereby avoiding paying taxes.
Ski centers in Chile: which ones are near Santiago
One of the main advantages of several Chilean resorts is that They are very close to the capital and the country’s main city, Santiago, so you can easily go and return during the day and do not necessarily need to stay there.
For example snowy valleythe main ski center of the neighboring country, is 57 km (1 hour and a half away) from the Costanera Center, the country’s main shopping center, in the heart of Santiago, and 75 km (1 hour 45′) from the airport.
Of course, to get there you have to climb from almost 900 meters above sea level where the Chilean capital is located to 3,025 meters above sea level where the base of the center is, which offers 40 slopes, 14 lifts and a gondolain addition to three hotels and apartment buildings of different capacities.
This year in Valle Nevado the daily lift pass costs 79,000 Chilean pesos for adults (over 25 years old) and $63,200 for minors (13 to 24 years old).
Also, of course, you can hire packages; for example one of three nights for two adults and two minors, from July 15 to 18, from US$ 3.060.
To make a quick comparison with some centers in the country, the largest in Argentina, Cathedral Hillyou will have a daily pass in high season $ 115.000; in Las Leñas it will cost $ 100.100 majors and $80,100 minors.
Close to Valle Nevado there are two other centers in the Farellones Valley, so close that you can ski across from one to the other. Are La Parva (17 km) y The Colorado (at 15). In the first (30 slopes and 13 mediums), the daily pass will cost 75,000 Chilean pesos for adults (13 to 65 years old) and 45,000 for children from 6 to 12.
In El Colorado, rates will be 67.000 Chileans for adults (25 to 64 years); 51,000 in the “students” category (13 to 24 years old) and 25,000 for children from 6 to 12.
Ski season: from Christ the Redeemer to Patagonia
Another important center of the neighboring country is Portillolocated very close to the entrance to the Christ the Redeemer tunnel that crosses Mendoza, 145 km (2h 20′) from Santiago climbing the famous Caracoles (more than 20 curves and against sharp curves) of Route 60.
There, the pass that gives access to its 12 lifts and 34 slopes will be 61,000 Chilean pesos for adults and 43,000 for minors. Portillo is a highly sought after center for advanced skiers, as it has several challenging runs (also for beginners), and a variety of accommodationwith all-inclusive packages: from the enormous Portillo hotel or the Octógono Lodge to the Inca Lodge (hostel) and chalet-style cabalas.
And miniweek three nights all-inclusive for four people at the Octógono Lodge prices from US$ 1.136and in a family apartment for 4 to 6 people, from US$ 1,800.
And since it’s about comparing prices, at Cerro Castor, the southernmost ski resort in the world, in Tierra del Fuego, the rate for a daily pass will be $95,000 (US$72.5) for adults and $66,500 (US $50.7) for children ages 5 to 11.
In Chilean Patagonia, near the province of Neuquén, two other centers tempt ski lovers. One of them is Nevados de Chillán (former Ternas de Chillán), located near some natural hot springs, where there will be a single daily pass (for adults and minors) that will cost 68,000 Chilean pesos for online purchase.
On the Argentine side, the closest center is Caviahue, which will have a daily ticket of $79,000 for seniors and $63,200 for minors.
A little further south, in Chapelco, the daily pass for adults will cost $92,800 for seniors, and $74,300 for minors.
Another of the ski centers in Chilean Patagonia is Corralco, at the base of the Lonquimay volcano, 100 km from the Pino Hachado international pass, in Neuquén. With six lifts and 29 slopes, the daily ticket in Corralco will be 61,000 Chilean pesos for adults from 25 to 64 years old, 49,000 from 18 to 24 years old, 47,000 from 12 to 17 years old and 41,000 from 5 to 11 years old.
The center is 90 minutes from Temucothe main city of the Araucanía region, which is a good option for accommodation and shoppingalthough the closest town is Malalcahuello, where there are also hotels, cabins and hostels.
In Argentina, continuing towards the south, Perito Moreno hill, in The Baggins, will have a daily pass for adults in high season of $48,730, and for minors, $43,857. And in La Hoya, 11 km from Esquelin the northwest of Chubut, the pass will be $50,000 for adults and $43,000 for minors.