Welcome to Nevados de Chillán
Nestled in the southern Andes on the slopes of the Chillán volcano, Nevados de Chillán stands out for its unique combination of world-class skiing, volcanic hot springs, and breathtaking Andean landscapes, making it unlike any other ski destination globally. Located 82 kilometers east of Chillán in the Ñuble Region of Chile, this destination offers not just skiing and snowboarding but also natural hot springs, breathtaking landscapes, and a vibrant cultural experience. Whether you’re a beginner or an expert, the resort has something for everyone.
Address: Nevados de Chillán Ski Resort
2237 Providencia, Loc P41
Santiago, Chile
Best Ways to Get There:
By Car: Rent a car in Chillán or Concepción and drive the scenic 82 kilometers.
By Train and Shuttle: Take a train to Chillán and hop on a shuttle to the resort.
By Plane: Fly into Concepción Airport, then take a 2.5-hour transfer to the resort.
Why Choose Nevados de Chillán?
Advantages Over Nearby Resorts
Variety of Terrain: With 28 slopes (30% beginner, 40% intermediate, and 30% expert), Nevados de Chillán caters to skiers of all abilities. A highlight of the resort is Tres Marías—the longest run in South America—spanning 13 kilometers (8 miles).
Natural Hot Springs: Relax in volcanic hot springs with temperatures ranging from 27°C to 65°C. These natural thermal pools are easily accessible from the resort and included with most passes, providing a rejuvenating experience after a day on the slopes.
Stunning Backcountry: Ideal for advanced skiers and snowboarders seeking powder and unique volcanic terrain.
Tree Skiing: Unlike many Chilean resorts, Nevados de Chillán offers tree skiing for improved visibility during storms.
Cons
Aging lift system with some slow chairlifts.
Can be crowded during Chilean school holidays (mid-July).
Limited nightlife and higher accommodation prices compared to nearby towns.
Lessons for All Levels
Types of Lessons
Beginner Programs: Full-day lessons focusing on basic techniques and confidence-building.
Intermediate Classes: Improve your carving skills and take on steeper terrain, including blue and red runs.
Advanced Coaching: Learn to navigate off-piste terrain, tree skiing, and black diamond slopes.
Snowboarding Lessons: From beginners to advanced freestylers, tailored programs are available.
Specialized Packages:
Half-Day Refresher: Perfect for those returning to skiing after a long break.
“Show Me Around”: Guided tours for first-timers at the resort.
Family Packages: Flexible programs ranging from half-day to week-long lessons.
Private and Semi-Private Lessons: Personalized instruction for rapid improvement.
What to Expect from Instructors
Certified Professionals: All instructors are certified, and many speak multiple languages, including Spanish, English, Portuguese, French, German, Italian, and Japanese.
Tailored Coaching: Lessons adapt to your skill level, ensuring a fun and rewarding experience. Past students often highlight the instructors’ personalized approach, with testimonials praising their patience and skill in making lessons enjoyable.
Safety First: Instructors prioritize safety while helping you explore the best trails.
Contact Us for Pricing & Availability
Best Trails for Your Skill Level
Beginners
Green Runs: Ideal for first-timers, the lower slopes near the Service Center offer gentle gradients and easy access.
Must-Try: The “Debutantes” trail—a great spot to gain confidence.
Intermediate Skiers
Blue Runs: The “Novicios” and “El Bosque” trails offer moderate challenges with stunning views of the native forests.
Highlight: Tres Marías, a blue run and the longest in South America, is perfect for endurance skiing.
Advanced and Expert Skiers
Red and Black Runs: Explore challenging slopes like “La Cornisa” and “Las Termas.”
Backcountry: Try guided tours to the Chillán volcano summit and the Nevado Glacier for off-piste adventures.
Stats at a Glance
Elevation: Base at 1,600 meters (5,250 feet), Summit at 2,500 meters (8,199 feet).
Vertical Drop: 1,100 meters (3,610 feet).
Slopes: 28 (30% beginner, 40% intermediate, 30% expert).
Lifts: 9 (1 triple chair, 3 double chairs, 5 surface tows).
Snowfall: Average 10.1 meters (400 inches) annually.
Beyond Skiing
Dining and Accommodation
On-Mountain: Stay at Hotel Nevados or Alto Nevados for ski-in/ski-out convenience, access to thermal pools, and gourmet dining.
Nearby: The village of Las Trancas offers affordable lodges, cabins, and restaurants with local specialties like lamb and kuchen (German-style cakes).
Tips for Visitors
Where to Rent Equipment: Three ski shops on-site, located in Gran Hotel Termas de Chillán, Hotel Nevados, and the Service Center.
Best Dining Options: Try local wines and dishes like grilled salmon and empanadas.
Family Activities: Snowmobile rides, dogsledding, and snow tubing.
Top Photo Spots: The summit of Tres Marías and the thermal pools.
FAQ: Nevados de Chillán
When is the best time to visit?
Mid-July to September offers the best snow conditions. Avoid mid-July if you want to skip the holiday crowds.
Can I rent snowboarding gear?
Yes, all three on-site shops offer snowboard rentals.
Are lessons available in multiple languages?
Yes, instructors can teach in Spanish, English, Portuguese, French, and German.
What’s unique about this resort?
It’s the only Chilean resort with natural thermal pools and a nearby town for added convenience.
Ready to Explore?
Nevados de Chillán isn’t just a ski resort; it’s a complete mountain experience. From volcanic hot springs to thrilling backcountry runs, it’s perfect for skiers and snowboarders of all levels. Plan your trip today and discover why this resort is considered one of the best in South America!