Login / Sign Up


Snow-Forecast logoSnow mountain photo
What's Hot
Visit the shop »
La Parva- Nriveros

La Parva

View over Santiago de Chile, El Colorado

El Colorado


Snow Report Snow Forecast App
Ski Chile

La Parva Resort Reviews

Resorts > Chile (20) > La Parva

Visitor reviews for La Parva Ski Resort

  • September 06, 2012
    Andrés from Chile

    This year all ski resorts had less snow, some areas closed, but runs in La Parva well prepared, no rocks, only 2 or 3 weekends with línes between 11 and 1 PM, other resorts nearby overcrowded. La Parva still number one, compare and you'll find out. Thanks for a job well done, next year will be better.

  • La Parva Ratings

    Based on 16 votes. Vote

    Access: 4.1

    (1) At least one overnight stop, (2) requires a whole day, (3) requires more than half a day – you may have time for a few turns (4) arrive by lunchtime and ski all afternoon, (5) there is a main airport within an hour of La Parva.

    		 Public Transport: 3.8

    (1) There are no buses or taxis to La Parva, (3) there are slow or infrequent buses / trains available, (5) getting to the resort is easy with frequent bus / train connections.
    Scenery: 3.8

    (1) An ugly resort in a bland setting, (3) average mountain views and resort, (5) a spectacular setting and a beautiful / historic resort town.

    		 Accommodation: 2.6

    (1) No places to stay in/near La Parva, (3) a few places to stay in the resort, (5) a wide variety of accommodation suitable to suit all budgets.
    Cheap Rooms: 1.9

    (1) No budget accommodation available, (3) just one or two hostels so book ahead, (5) several cheap hostels and pensions available.

    		 Luxury Hotels: 1.6

    (1) No luxury accommodation available, (3) just one or two luxury hotels so book ahead, (5) several up-market hotels in La Parva.
    Ski in/Ski out: 4.3

    (1) The ski area is located far from any accommodation, (3) a free ski bus takes you to the ski area in a short trip, (5) Ski-in ski-out accommodation is available.

    		 Childcare: 3.1

    (1) There are no child care facilities at La Parva, (5) the resort has excellent child-care facilities including at least one reasonably priced creche.
    Snowsure: 3.4

    (1) Occasionally gets enough snow for skiing, (2) is often closed due to a lack of snow, (3) occasionally suffers from a lack of snow, (4) rarely suffers from a lack of snow, (5) La Parva is snowsure even in the poorest seasons.

    		 Snowmaking: 3.1

    (1) La Parva relies entirely on natural snow, (3) there are just a few snow cannons, (5) there are snowmaking facilities on all pistes.
    Snow Grooming: 3.7

    (1) There are no snow groomers at La Parva, (3) occasionally some pistes are left ungroomed and in a poor state, (5) all the runs at La Parva are groomed daily.

    		 Shelter: 2.3

    (1) there is nowhere to ski when it is windy or visibility is bad and lifts often shut, (3) there are some trees for poor visibility but main lifts sometimes close, (5) La Parva is mostly in forest where you can ski in flat-light and windy days, lifts rarely close.
    Nearby options: 3.1

    (1) If snow conditions are poor at La Parva, it will be poor everywhere nearby, (3) there are good alternatives within an hours drive, (5) other locations on the same lift pass provide a rich variety of snowsure ski conditions.

    		 Regional rating: 3.6

    (1) La Parva usually has poor snow conditions compared to other resorts in region, (3) has average conditions for the region, (5) usually has the best snow conditions in the region.
    Lift Staff: 3.9

    (1) The staff at La Parva are rude or unhelpful, (5) lift staff at La Parva are pleasant, cheerful and eager to help.

    		 Crowds/Queues: 3.3

    (1) the resort is always busy and there are usually long lift queues, (3) it is quiet apart from occasional weekends and school holidays, (5) it is uncrowded and lift queues are very rare.
    Ski Schools: 3.8

    (1) No ski schools available, (2) one or two ski schools but local language only, (3) a few ski schools but book early for multi-lingual instructors, (4) plenty of ski schools and multi-lingual instructors available, (5) excellent ski schools with friendly multi-lingual ski instructors.

    		 Hire and Repairs: 3.6

    (1) Nothing can be sourced, not even ski-wax or ptex. (3) there are some ski shops but rentals need to be booked in advance, (5) good quality ski equipment can be purchased or hired and overnight repairs are possible.
    Variety of pistes: 3.5

    (1) The ski runs are featureless and unvaried, (3) the ski runs are varied but not extensive enough for a week, (5) La Parva has diverse and interesting pistes including forests and high alpine terrain.

    		 Beginners: 3.7

    (1) Beginners can only watch others ski and snowboard, (3) a few gentle slopes but beginners will get bored in less than a week, (3) Vast areas of gentle terrain.
    Intermediates: 4.3

    (1) No intermediate terrain at La Parva, (3) intermediate skiers will get bored after a few days, (5) vast areas of cruising runs.

    		 Advanced: 4.1

    (1) Nothing for advanced skiers and snowboarders, (3) enough steep terrain for a few days with some good offpiste, (5) Enough steep terrain and offpiste areas to entertain advanced skiers for at least a week.
    Snow Park: 2.6

    (1) Not even a kicker at La Parva, (3) average sized park quite well looked after, (5) huge park area and expertly crafted pipes, jumps and boardercross trails.

    		 Off-piste: 3.9

    (1) No off-piste worth mentioning, (2) off piste is out-of-bounds, (3) some varied offpiste that stays fresh for one or two days, (5) a vast array of off-piste routes that can stay untracked for several days.
    Cross-country: 2.1

    (1) There is nowhere to go for cross-country skiing around La Parva, (3) there are some cross country trails available, (5) the area features many spectacular and well maintained cross-country trails.

    		 Luge/Toboggan: 1.6

    (1) No designated luge or toboggan runs, (3) there are toboggan runs that open quite often, (5) La Parva has long and well maintained luge / toboggan facilities suitable for all ages.
    Mountain Dining: 3.5

    (1) Nowhere to buy food by the pistes, (3) some places to eat up on the mountain but they are often busy and expensive, (5) there is a variety of excellent mountain eateries right next to the slopes to suit all budgets.

    		 Eating: 3.5

    (1) Bring your own food, there isn't even a shop. (5) A wide variety of places to eat and drink in the resort, from fast food to fancy restaurants.
    Apres-Ski: 3.1

    (1) Nothing to do, not even a bar, (3) there are a few bars in the resort but nothing special, (5) clubs and bars stay open until very late and have a friendly atmosphere.

    		 Other Sports: 1.7

    (1) No sports facilities at all apart from ski lifts, (3) resort has just a small public swimming pool, (5) resort has all kinds of sports facilities, including a full-size swimming pool.
    Entertainment: 2.3

    (1) Besides the snow and walking there is nothing to do here, (3) the non-skier will find things to do for few days but may become bored after a week, (5) the resort area is a fascinating place to visit, regardless of winter sports.

    		 Winter Walks: 2.3

    (1) Very limited walking and no snowshoe trails, (3) a couple of designated scenic walking/snowshoe trails, (5) extensive and diverse winter walking trails for all abilities.
    Ski Pass Value: 2.7

    (1) A 1 week ski pass is overpriced compared to the number of lifts available, (3) the ski pass is averagely priced and covers a reasonable number of lifts, (5) ski passes are excellent value for money and cover a lot of lifts spanning a big area.

    		 Value (National): 3.3

    (1) Overall, La Parva is one of the most expensive ski resorts in the country and not worth the money, (3) overall represents average value for money, (5) overall offers the best value resort in the country.
    Value (Global): 3.1

    (1) Overall, La Parva is one of the most expensive ski resorts in the world, (3) overall it offers pretty average value for money compared to resorts from other countries, (5) internationally the resort offers excellent value for money.

    Based on 16 votes. Vote

  • August 13, 2012
    Felipe from Chile

    Sunday August 12, 2 major lifts closed, only 13 runs open, about 15 different teams training. Pomas running with 1/3 less capacity from too high Poma spacing, big lineups. Day skiers only allowed to ski parts of some runs and the price? High season full price. Last time I go to La Parva.

  • August 09, 2012
    Maurício Falsetti from Brazil

    I had a nice and enjoyable time with my two 7 year old daughters at La Parva. Although we did not have so much snow this season, we could so so much.
    My daughters did not have previous experience and after 3 days of classes were going up hill with me to slide down in all blues.
    I also took good private classes and could improve so much in carving, position, etc.
    Very good ski resort to go with kids.

  • September 26, 2011
    Sean Cooper from Canada

    After 45 years skiing around the world and 34 in Chile, I can rightfully say that La Parva has the terrain, and could be a good ski area, but it isn´t, because:
    The average lift age is 34 years, excluding the “new” lift which was bought used in Spain. Breakdowns are common, and when we go to La Parva my wife avoids the chairs, because at least when the pomas break down, you can bail out.
    Run maintenance is funky, and if conditions are marginal, nobody cleans the rocks off the runs or poma lines, which is worse when the wind blows pebbles onto the runs. They move snow around to help cover up the worst parts, but this is ugly and ruins off-piste skiing, and there are no warnings of the machine gouges. Better keep to El Colorado where run maintenance is impeccable.
    The best runs are often closed for training, even on weekends. Others are rutted by racers early in the morning, then opened to the general public. As many runs on their area map are not maintained (read un-skiable), in particular black and red ones, this often limits the general public to one or two runs at best per lift.
    On a powder day, the lifts open gradually during the day, and some not at all. As the racers get on the bottom lifts before the general public can, they get the best lines when they do open early.
    The website snow report is dysfunctional, with wrong or outdated info. No packed base info is available.
    Richer locals like La Parva because they have apartments there, it is exclusive, and they participate in the racing. Day skiers, even paying full price, are third class citizens, and there isn´t even much parking for them. Most locals don´t like the attitude of the current area management, and if they can´t afford an apartment there (the main business for the owners), they ski elsewhere.
    The three valley ski areas are all big mountains with mainly intermediate runs, and good off-piste opportunities. Portillo is the premier advanced ski area. La Parva, though, has its disadvantages which should be taken into account.

  • September 16, 2011
    Andrés from Viña del Mar from Chile

    This year by far the best ski resort in Chile. Compare and you'll find out. Great new runs, lifts well maintained, good service. Congratulations Mr Grob, Managers.

  • September 16, 2011
    Jack from Chile

    La Parva is my favorite ski resort in Chile. The terrain is excellent and there is a ton of sweet untouched powder all over the place, even many days after it snows. I've been lucky and had bluebird days there almost every time I've gone up this season. You can see Santiago down below from up top, and you really feel on top of the world up there. There's a bunch of really nice groomed runs and plenty of ungroomed stuff to explore., too. There's never any long lift lines, and I even had a day up there in June when I was literally one of the only people on the mountain. The restaurants are nice and the atmosphere is excellent... beautiful snow bunny DJs playing reggae music in the sunshine, Chilean families skiing to their slopeside condos, professional skiers from all over the world doing their thing at The Eye of the Condor and other industry events.... a classy, exclusive place to enjoy the Andes in good company.

  • September 15, 2011
    Laura from United States

    I had the time of my life at La Parva! Everything about my stay and experience there was fantastic. I am an avid skier, and have been fortunate enough to ski all over the world, and I can honestly say I had some of my best days at this resort. As many skiers know, it's not only about the terrain, but also the overall experience and atmosphere. The restaurants at La Parva provided the best meals that I had the entire time I was in Chile. The staff in the restaurants and around the mountain, were some of the warmest, friendliest and most welcoming group of people. It's a massive mountain with a friendly, small town feel. Having been to a few other resorts in that area, I would definitely choose to go to La Parva time and time again.

  • September 15, 2011
    hayden price from United States

    Wow! La Parva is such an amazing ski resort. The setting amongst giant peaks and views of Santiago alone are breath taking. That would be enough but to top it off the ski terrain is incredible. Long runs and easy sidecountry access make this place a must ski destination if you are in Chile. The quaint little village is inviting and has a very Euro feel with a dash of Pisco! Friendly people and great snow, what are you waiting for, book your ticket today!

  • September 15, 2011
    Mike from United States

    I have been skiing for many years and have had the opportunity to ski all over North America and some of South America. I have been to Chile twice now, and skied at different resorts, I have to say hands down La Parva is my favorite. Not only do they have the best terrain, both groomed runs and hike-to terrain La Parva has the best atmosphere. I have never waited in a lift line, and the restaurants are phenomenal. Not many ski resorts or places for that matter you can travel to in the world walk into a restaurant and feel like you are in your own house, the staff is so friendly and really makes for a welcoming experience. My home resort is Snowbird and while Snowbird is great it gets tracked out by 10:30 in the morning. At La Parva on a pow day, you can ski freshies all day open to close, without fighting for your turns.

  • September 15, 2011
    Pablo from Chile

    Oigan los que alegan no cachan nada!!! Esta temporada he esquiado en todos los centros de santiago y de verdad La Parva la lleva!!!
    de hecho Seth Morrison escribio en su twitter que La Parva era top!!
    Si Morrison lo encuentra top, quienes son ustedes para juzgar!!
    Vayanse si no quieren esquiar en La Parva, mejor, más powder para nosotros!!!

  • September 14, 2011
    matias verdugo from Chile

    el mejor argumento para demostrar que La Parva está fallando y dista mucho de ser un centro de ski de nivel mundial es que sus defensores terminan todos los argumentos con la misma frase "y al que no le gusta que se vaya" esa es la clara prueba de falta de interés por querer mejorar o aceptar críticas a un proyecto que hoy es tremendamente limitado

  • September 05, 2011
    Carolina from Chile

    Soy una fanática del ski. Voy a todos los centros cerca de Santiago y tengo que decirles que prefiero La Parva.
    Hay menos colas, mejor pisado y un dominio esquiable increíble.
    Los andariveles no son de última generación, pero funcionan bien. Paran de vez en cuando, pero mejor eso a quedarse colgado en Andes Express de Valle Nevado por más de 5 horas como pasó este año allá y que te bajen con cuerdas.
    Además La Parva es el único centro que ha puesto un andarivel en los últimos años que realmente valga la pena.
    Fabres es bueno ahora, pero con más nieve debe ser espectacular.
    A todo esto, me gustan que estén los equipos entrenando. Es como que Federer entrene en la cancha de tenis al lado tuyo.

  • September 04, 2011
    Miguel Ovalle from Chile

    Estoy de acuerdo con la mayoria de los comentarios: la administracion y organizacion del centro es espantosa y abusiva, tipico de un centro que no tiene competencia por contar con un publico captivo (los dueños de departamentos/refugios en La Parva). Te cobran precio completo y no te dicen que la mitad de los andrarriveles no estan funcionando por mantenimiento u otro o tienen las mejores pistas cerrados para el entrenamiento de equipos extranjeros. Este año ha sido particularmente malo en ese sentido. Por otro lado la mayoría de los andariveles son del año de la pera y no los cambian nunca. Como ducen en ingles; "thumbs down" (nota 3 o 4 como mucho). Una pena!!! Lo unico positivo es la concesion del nuevo mirador de Barros Negros (buen servicio, buena musica, precios razonables.).

  • September 02, 2011
    Christian from Chile

    Me parecen súper injustos algunos comentarios sobre La Parva, en los últimos años de poca nieve el trabajo de pistas ha sido excelente, la preocupación por la seguridad ha aumentado muchísimo y eso es muy valorable toda vez que La Parva se caracteriza por ser un centro de ski familiar. El horario de inicio es antes que los otros centros y el cierre es media hora más tarde.
    Se hacen inversiones en andariveles y en nuevas pistas, las cuales se agradecen. No es culpa del Centro la falta de nieve, y nuevamente se agradece la calidad de las pistas con esa poca nieve.
    Yo tambien esquío en La Parva hace más de 20 años y considero que ha mejorado año a año el centro. La Parva es lo mejor y a quienes no les guste tienen varias alternativas muy cerca.
    Disfruten de La Parva

  • September 01, 2011
    Andres Fernandez from Chile

    He visto los comentarios que aquí han puesto, y me parecen bastante infundados y super injustos.
    La Parva es lo mejor, tienen a los mejores esquiadores y visitas ilustres, se preocupan de la seguridad y tienen un equipo super creativo.-
    Los andariveles funcionan bien y el nuevo andarivel te da acceso a un mega terreno.
    a los que no les gusta, fácil vayanse a otros centros

  • August 30, 2011
    jose rodriguez from Chile

    aunque no guste aceptarlo, definitivamente la parva no es un centro de ski, es el gran patio nevado de quienes tienen un departamento en el lugar.
    si el dueño de casa no está, no funciona, solo se prepara para el fin de semana para que el patrón encuentre el lugar con la calefacción encendida y los andariveles funcionando sabado y domingo.
    lamentablemente para los extranjeros y para quienes queremos disfrutar de un centro de primer nivel durante la semana esto es imposible.
    el valor del ticket es absurdo para lo que ofrece en relación a otros centros de ski en el mundo y no hay un descuento los días que funciona parcialmente.

  • August 27, 2011
    Marisol from Chile

    Desde hace más de 15 años que esquío en La Parva y creo que el Centro está en decadencia, desde que se hizo cargo la actual administración del Centro se nota poca preocupación por las canchas, muchas piedras, mal manejo de canchas sobre todo después de las nevadas. Los andariveles son antiguos y ahora que pusieron uno nuevo es en un lugar en que la cancha es muy corta y el resto son traverse, por lo que se demora una eternidad el andarivel y la bajada de la cancha es muy rápida. En resumen está claro que lo que le interesa a esta administración es el negocio inmobiliario, se han construido más edificios que nunca y como tienen un público cautivo como son los propietarios, saben que siempre tendrán esquiadores aunque las canchas no esten de lo mejor. Mi recomendación cambiarse a Valle Nevado, un centro de categoría con un manejo de canchas realizado por expertos ( vienen desde Francia cada año) andariveles de última generación y nieve por más tiempo.

  • August 17, 2011
    Sean cooper from Canada

    If you want to get your money's worth, take into account that La Parva is not likely to have all the lifts open or all the runs packed (particularly the black and red ones). The runs that are packed have a high probability of being closed for training, in particular in the morning, even on weekends. The new lift serves terrain that could be traversed to before, is second hand, and tends to stop various times each ride. Other lifts break down frequently too. If you like rubbing shoulders with racers and the Chilean elite that have their kids in the ski clubs, you might get your money's worth, but if you want to ski the whole ski area, go elsewhere. Fortunately there are good options nearby.

  • August 15, 2011
    Carlos from United States

    Esquio en La Parva desde hace unos 30 años, ahora lo hago solo unas dos semansa por año ya que vivo fuera, y en los ultimos cinco años he tenido grandes frustraciones con la manera que se administra el Centro. No es por los equipos, que siemrpe son un plus para el Centro, es por la ineficiencia a la hora de abrir el Centro despues de una nevada y lo que es peor abrir andariveles cuando esta nevando. Todo tipo de escusas, viento, avalanchas (por dios; avalancha en La Nevada o Franciscano? si no tienen pendiente para una avalancha). No se si es por cosa de presupuesto o por ineficiencia, pero lo que si se es que no es ni profesional ni justo. si pagaste como en el cine si ahy un solo epectador se da igual la pelicula.

    Bueno lo cierto es que despues de tres años en los que he traido amigos de Suisa USA y Canada ya no me atrevo a traer a nadie por la veerguenza que me da cada como se opera el centro

  • August 11, 2011
    Joe from Chile

    A los señores que no les gusta que los ski teams entrenen mientras ellos esquian en La Parva, pueden ir a esquiar al Colorado o Valle Nevado. Alli encontrarán miles de gente "paseando" sobre los skis.
    La Parva se mueve en torno a sus dos clubes de ski. Uno de ellos, Club de Ski La Parva, el mas grande y eterno campeón latinoamericano.
    Luegocomienza a llegar multiples equipos extranjeros tambien a entrenar.
    Es un centro de ski de alto nivel.
    Si no les gusta a algunos, ya les mencioné otra alternativa a sólo minutos.

  • August 10, 2011
    Marcelo Ozorio from Brazil

    Today, 9 Aug 2011, high season at La Parva, you buy a ticket for U$70.00 and they have just one chair lift running, all the others, about five, all closed! Completely unfair, I better go to Aspen or Switzerland, those will be cheaper, with better snow and greater value. Don't loose your time and money here!

  • May 19, 2011
    Adrew Appel from United States

    Just saw the news that La Parva has a new Lift for this season, this is awesome!
    I spend a week in the condos, in 2009, same week as the freeskiing event!!!
    Nicest, friendly resort in SA!! and La Marmito is killer!!
    They need to build a hotel and they will become number 1.
    Sick terrain, that´s why they have the partnership with Snowbird.

  • September 01, 2009
    Mario from Chile

    I was at La Parva last Sunday and was surprised to find that most of the runs were being used by ski teams. Only one run per lift was open to the general public, as the black runs on Las Aguilas were not packed. Some of the runs used by the ski teams were opened in the afternoon, but then the light was bad so I didn't ski them. I remember when it was different, with fewer restrictions, so I guess that leaves my cup half empty like some of the other people comment.

  • August 20, 2009
    G. Falabrini from Italy

    All ski resorts have up and downs. I have been in many all over the world and find that your attitude towards this great sport makes the difference.
    La Parva is a great place to go with great slopes and great people, beautiful views and so close to Santiago.
    Tickets are expensive, and it's a place for the elite, so what? I have traveled thousand of miles to be here, one Euro more or less will not spoil my ski time.
    Valle Nevado is, in any case, the best of all ski resorts close to Santiago. It has great snow, good lifts and accommodation, the south looking slopes keep the snow powder and lasts. The Tres Puntas (3.600 mts) and Valle del Inca (3500 mts) are the best sectors to ski: Shake, Cascada and Adrenalina and with the Andes express La momia and Eclipse, you can also link (extra $) La Parva and Valle Nevado. Just enjoy to be in on the action.

  • August 16, 2009
    juan pablo from Chile

    Nobody understands La Parva prices. The lifts are old, slow and unsafe. The owners don't care about skiing, they just care about selling appartments. They haven't done anything to improve the ski areas or invest in new ski lifts. The infastructure is definitely poor.

  • August 10, 2009
    Haroldo from Chile

    La Parva is a good ski area. However, I like to ski black runs and on weekends the ones that are packed are usually used by race teams. Other ski areas have added lifts and terrain but La Parva hasn't, so all those new apartments have to do with the same old lifts. I think things were better at La Parva 10 to 20 years ago when there were the same lifts but different management and less people. I usually go to Colorado.

  • July 21, 2009
    NH.LAW from United States

    I have nothing but great things to say about La Parva.

    As a former international competitor, I've skied (and trained) all over the world. La Parva ranks as one of my favorite places in terms of the variety of terrain, consistent quality of snow, and importantly, the fabulous culture that you find down there. The people in La Parva, and in Chile, are really a breath of fresh air compared to other skiing destinations around the world. Rarely are there lines. Never is anyone pushing you around or being uptight even when the lifts breakdown.

    La Parva, Valle Nevado, and El Colorado have always been about the skiing. There are always ample groomed trails. There is an abundance of off-piste opportunities. There are no trees. It is literally impossible to feel overcrowding at this place.

    I bring a small group of junior racers to La Parva to train each year, so I have the published schedules concerning training availability. It is invariably limited, and it is apparent that the focus is to accommodate the public rather than the racers. At any rate, my primary purpose in bringing racers to this place is to 'free ski' them more than 'gate train' them anyway, because it's so great.

    Santiago is close. It's a fabulous city.

    If you haven't already figured it out by now, my cup is half-full. Skiing my whole life is probably the reason I feel this way. La Parva is one of my favorite places on the planet. However, at least as far as skiing is concerned, I feel compelled to write and give a different perspective. If you're naturally uptight, and expect things to happen "to the minute," you should probably find a chalet in Switzerland. However, if you want fabulous skiing in a country with really great people that allows you to get what the essence of the sport is all about, come to La Parva.

  • July 19, 2009
    Camshaft from Canada

    I bought a place in La Parva and think it is only fair to give other potential skiers an overview of the runs and the problems some try to play down. Of the black or 'expert' runs on their trail map, this is how they are used and maintained:

    Vegas Norte Never completely packed, partial pack is for racers most of the day
    Vegas Always packed
    Vegas Sur Rarely packed, when it is it is for racers most of the day
    Lomo Vegas Never packed
    Manantiales Packed 70% of the time
    Carancho Never packed
    Aguilas Norte Packed every 4 or 5 years
    Aguilas Sur Packed 50% of the time
    La Pared Packed 20% of the time
    La Muela Never packed

    'Never packed' means unskiable 90% of the time, only when there is powder after a good storm with little wind.

    As for the good red or 'advanced' runs, they are slightly more consistently packed, for example, Quebrada Verde and Alpha are generally closed for races most or all of the day. The ski teams are abundant all year, in particular on weekends, so in the morning there can actually be 50% of the runs closed for training, often until noon or later. When the foreign teams arrive in August, it just gets worse.

    As for lift maintenance at La Parva, they seem to have little regard for paying customers. So far this year the Manzanito lift, which takes most of the residents to the upper lifts, and must be used if you go out of bounds to the north, has broken down several times, producing horrendous line ups for La Paloma, the back-up.

    The number of beds in La Parva has tripled in 15 years, but there are no new lifts, which says it all. And if that isn´t enough to convince you of the focus of the area management, try to find out where they put the supposed US$ 800,000 in runs and infrastructure this year. I couldn´t. And try to find where the 145 cm of snow is that their website says they have. Valle Nevado, which always has more snow, boasts a 50 cm base (???). They just want to sell more apartments, and milk the aging infrastructure.

    There is interesting terrain in La Parva, but there is in all the areas around Santiago. Portillo and Colorado definitely have more expert runs, and Valle Nevado generally better snow conditions. Have fun, but choose wisely.

  • July 09, 2009
    Rodrigo from Chile

    The 3 valleys near Santiago are great places to ski. I believe the main differences are a consequence of the country's economical and demographic conditions. Here are some facts:

    Chilean ski resorts are poor in infrastructure and grooming technique or capacity. The best lifts are in Valle Nevado.

    There is a high season and a low season. In high season all the lifts and runs are working and groomed. In low season they open the main lifts, but you can always go to most runs. Winter break (last 2 weeks of July) and weekends are really crowded, so if you plan to ski alone don't come these days. During the 'low season' El Colorado and La Parva usually rent 1 or 2 slopes to ski teams, but nothing serious, plus they don't ski all day.

    If there is a storm they usually close most lifts for security and after a storm they also don't open all the lifts, so you have to call the resort and ask if they have the main lifts open. In La Parva they often close the main lift (Las Aguilas) and open after 11-12, but if not it is not worth going to La Parva. The same for Valle Nevado, if the Andes Express is not working, better go to another place.

    The altitude or direction of the slopes is not a very important fact in order to make a decision. I usually don't care about the amount of snow, as the quality is more important. The south slopes at Valle Nevado are in shadow in the afternoon. They have more snow but what snow....rock solid.

    The road to the mountain is a joke and during the weekend it is very crowded. Avoid to go up on the weekends.

    If you want to ski a whole mountain go to La Parva or Valle Nevado. If you want good slopes but a single cone shaped mountain go to El Colorado. After a couple of rides you don't know which slope to ride.

    La Parva has family areas to ski, so you can't ride on snowboards. I don't recommend it to go snowboarding.

    If you want great snow go after a good storm. But that condition is the same for all resorts.

  • June 24, 2009
    martin from Chile

    To clarify:
    -Valle Nevado is facing south, therefore the snow lasts longer and stays softer for longer. It has the only high speed quad in Chile and has some good runs and off-piste. It caters mainly to foreign people since all it has is hotels and some apartments.

    -El Colorado is popular because of how easy it is to ski there. There are big parking lots, the tickets are cheaper, and there is a big cafeteria at the bottom of the hill. The downside is also its strong point: many people go there because of its easy slopes. All the runs are similar since it is cone shaped. Also most of the runs are flat and there is no off-piste at all. So don't go if you like big mountains. There are 2 or 3 hotels so the reason locals like it is because of how easy it is. However, a foreigner should go to either of the other two.

    -La Parva. has no hotels, only private apartments that are sometimes rented for a lot of money. But, in a sense, it is worth it because it has the widest variety of slopes and a lot of terrain for powder skiing. You can hike up to the peaks for 5 minutes or so and get sick terrain. And if you're not in the mood for hiking there's still a lot. It is true, there are a lot of ski teams. That is because La Parva has the only FIS downhill in the central area. Portillo and Chillan are the only other resorts in Chile that have a homologized downhill run. The teams are on the runs from 7 am to 10 am. Lifts open at 9 so by the time you are getting on the lifts they are going in for lunch. La Parva is where Chilean high society go so you won't see any day skiers since everyone has their own place.

    My personal opinion:
    La Parva is better if you have a place to stay, or even if you are going up for the day. Valle Nevado is good if you want to go and ski two hours a day and then go in and get in the hot pool and drink Pisco Sauer. Colorado is good if you are coming up for the day, have little money and want to ski park or learn how to ski. If you are an experienced skier and want to go and actually enjoy skiing, go to La Parva. There's a lot of experienced people there year round and as far as lift security and opening times, there is only one that is bad and that is in Colorado. The lifts are old but there hasn't been an accident in approx 10 yrs. In La Parva a motor broke down, but no one was hurt. Everyone got safely evacuated.