Chile ski resorts
Chile is a state stretching as a thin strip of land along the western coast of the South American continent. The main part of the country is covered by the Andes, one of the highest mountain systems in the world. But not only the Andes attract such an abundance of people who want to rush along the slope with the breeze to the Chilean ski resorts. The second, no less significant advantage is that you can ride here in summer. In the sense that in the southern hemisphere, where the country of Chile is located, winter is June, July and August. If we add here an interesting excursion, pristine purity snow and healing air, we can confidently state the fact: Chile is one of the most interesting countries in the world where you can actively spend your vacation.
Portillo resort
The oldest resort in Chile, where the first skiers began to plow the snow a hundred years ago, is located 145 km from the capital of the country. Then a railway was built here, and the British who laid it, at the same time mastered the mountain slopes of the Andes. Located more than 2800 meters above sea level, the resort is rightly called one of the most picturesque in both hemispheres..
The best season here begins in mid-June and lasts until mid-October. The snow cover at this time is especially stable, which provides excellent opportunities for practicing both snowboarding and traditional alpine skiing. In total, the resort has 11 ski lifts that help athletes start descending 20 of its slopes. The longest one stretches for almost two and a half kilometers, and the height difference in the ski area reaches 750 meters.
Portillo has plenty to do for both professionals and greenery. Beginners are given one-fifth of the total length of slopes, where they can try their hand at the simplest slide. For those who are confident in skiing or boarding, the rest of the slopes are intended. However, beginners can also count on professional help. The resort has a school under the guidance of the famous Mike Rogan, and therefore the local instructors are real gurus who can teach you how to stand on the slope in just a couple of lessons. An hour of individual lessons costs $ 50, group lessons - $ 30. Snowboards at the resort can be rented. The cost of one day of rent is about $ 25, a week will cost $ 160.
Valle Nevado resort
Less than an hour's drive from Santiago - and lovers of skiing or snowboarding find themselves in the Valle Nevado resort, which all experts consider to be one of the top in the world. It is surrounded by gorgeous peaks, the height of which exceeds 6000 meters, and itself is located at an altitude of 3025 meters. The height of the snow in the high season reaches two meters, and excellent skiing can last up to four months.
For boarders this resort is especially significant because it was here that the FIS Snowboard World Cup was held. An excellent halfpipe has been built in Valle Nevado, where competitions of the international rank according to the International Snowboard Federation are held, and there are opportunities for boardercross.
The resort practically merges with two other Chilean ski areas - La Parva and El Colorado. The entire region is famous for «Three valleys of the Andes», which boast tracks of all difficulty categories. The maximum height from which you can ski down is 3670 meters, and the vertical drop reaches more than 800 meters. For beginners, green slopes are equipped and a ski school operates, in which 60 professional instructors are ready to make both a child and an old man into fans of winter sports.
Termas de Chillán resort
This ski region stretches in the southern part of the Chilean Andes at an altitude of 1,700 meters. It is surrounded by a picturesque forest, and the natural surroundings are complemented by the Chillian volcano, at the foot of which hotels and restaurants are built. The season starts at the end of June, and the last athletes appear here at the beginning of October..
The resort has 28 tracks, a third of which are suitable for beginners. The same number of slopes are intended for those who can consider themselves a pro. Some tracks are marked in black, and therefore the most advanced board and skiers prefer to come to the resort. The rest of the kilometers are suitable for intermediate athletes and those who prefer a relaxed riding style. By the way, it is in Termas de Chillán that the longest descent on the continent, 8.5 miles long, is laid.
Borders respect the resort for the opportunity to rock out at South America's first snow park, equipped to the most advanced requirements and principles. Here not only the half-pipe and quarter-pipe of quite excellent quality are open, but also several tramps have been built. And the specialists of the international ski school will help to master the board even for those who first saw it already in Chile. Rates for individual lessons are quite affordable and amount to $ 12 per hour. You can rent snowboard equipment for only $ 15.
