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Valle Nevado Resort Reviews

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Visitor reviews for Valle Nevado Ski Resort

Valle Nevado Ratings

Overall: 3.4. Based on 74 votes and 99 reviews. Vote

Snowsure: 3.9

(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) Valle Nevado is snowsure even in the poorest seasons.

Variety of pistes: 3.8

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

Off-piste: 3.8

(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.

Scenery: 4.1

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

Access: 3.9

(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 Valle Nevado.

Public Transport: 3.2

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

Accommodation: 3.6

(1) No places to stay in/near Valle Nevado, (3) a few places to stay in the resort, (5) a wide variety of accommodation suitable to suit all budgets.

Cheap Rooms: 2.2

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

Luxury Hotels: 3.8

(1) No luxury accommodation available, (3) just one or two luxury hotels so book ahead, (5) several up-market hotels in Valle Nevado.

Ski in/Ski out: 4.4

(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: 3.5

(1) There are no child care facilities at Valle Nevado, (5) the resort has excellent child-care facilities including at least one reasonably priced creche.

Snowmaking: 3.3

(1) Valle Nevado relies entirely on natural snow, (3) there are just a few snow cannons, (5) there are snowmaking facilities on all pistes.

Snow Grooming: 4.2

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

Shelter: 2.8

(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) Valle Nevado is mostly in forest where you can ski in flat-light and windy days, lifts rarely close.

Nearby options: 2.5

(1) If snow conditions are poor at Valle Nevado, 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: 4.2

(1) Valle Nevado 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: 3.7

(1) The staff at Valle Nevado are rude or unhelpful, (5) lift staff at Valle Nevado 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: 4.2

(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: 4.0

(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.

Beginners: 4.0

(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 Valle Nevado, (3) intermediate skiers will get bored after a few days, (5) vast areas of cruising runs.

Advanced: 4.2

(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: 3.1

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

Cross-country: 2.6

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

Luge/Toboggan: 2.0

(1) No designated luge or toboggan runs, (3) there are toboggan runs that open quite often, (5) Valle Nevado has long and well maintained luge / toboggan facilities suitable for all ages.

Mountain Dining: 3.3

(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: 3.2

(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: 2.9

(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: 2.5

(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: 3.0

(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): 3.2

(1) Overall, Valle Nevado 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): 3.0

(1) Overall, Valle Nevado 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.

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August 28, 2018
28183232188 from Ski Brazil Brazil
My experience was as a skier who stayed in Santiago and went up on the moutains two days to Valle Nevado and others resorts nearby. If you are a tourist visiting Santiago and is curious to venture into a ski resort, you will love it! Otherwise, if you are a skier with some experience and seek a 'ski trip', think twice about choosing Valle Nevado. I always heard a lot about Valle Nevado and had to go skiing there. I have spent several seasons at other resorts in South America and the US and I can say that going back to Valle Nevado in the future will not be my first choice. Bariloche, even with poor snow, gives you a better experience. Valle Nevado resort has expensive hotels, few and expensive restaurants, only a refuge (restaurant in the middle of the slopes) and that is expensive, like 15 dollars a beer, 5 dollars a bottle of water and 25 bucks for a pizza. A robbery experience, even more knowing that in Santiago the price is 1/4 of that. The rental equipment is also restricted to just a store only, with high price, and an reasonable equipment. In addition, at 5pm everything is closed, including the only gift shop at the base of the parking lot (which also has no restaurant). If you are not staying at the resort hotel, forget the after-ski because you will have nothing. For those who do not want to stay at the resort and will stay in Santiago, the road is poor, with little maintenance; very tight. But worst of all is that it is traffic jammed for several hours. Incredibly they don't salting icy roads, even with snow forecast. The result is that when it snows, it forms a layer of ice for several kilometers, which causes a gigantic traffic jam for hours. In addition, there is a snow chain rental cartel at an absurd price. And even on hot sunny days, the police supervise and ask the 'possession' of snow chains. That is, you have to rent every single day that you plan to ski (average 25 Dollars per day) or buy (average 100 Dollars). What is incredible is a city like Santiago, with fantastic freeway roads (kilometer-long tunnels of 4 lanes to each side, subway, express avenues, v.g.) to cause jealousy in São Paulo, treat so badly thousands of tourists that go up to the mountains every day to the ski resorts. You will feel like being a hostage of a ridiculous road, with few and expensive transfers-van that have scheduled time, or of whom rents a car and falls in the rental market and 'placement' of snow chains. Unfortunate! The skiable area is good but you can do all the slopes in 3/4 of a day. It seemed to me that the ski area is similar to El Colorado, but the slopes at El Colorado have pleased me a little bit more. The off-piste area is great I could only enjoy it in one day because of the lack of snow, but this is not a resort guilty (ed: do you mean 'resort's problem?'), but the weather and nature. With more snow then the situation changes; the ski area is quite large. So overall, it was nice to visit Valle Nevado. Would I go back? Only if I fall with a parachute in Santiago for another reason. Would I plan another trip to Valle? Only if it did not have snow elsewhere in Argentinian resorts: mainly Bariloche or Ushuaia. I recommend that if you go skiing for more days, you should also visit La Parva and El Colorado located a bit closer (and slightly cheaper tickets). I also recommend that you rent a car and get off too early to get out of the traffic jam and pray that an old truck will not break in front of you and stand for hours. I did not stay 'hosted' up in the ski resort. But some colleagues stayed there and they were enjoying it. But without that excitement and true willingness to return the following year, as we expected, whose like to ski (ed: not sure what you mean to say in last sentence .)
June 15, 2018
jim from Ski Germany Germany
Excellent resort. The snow is just great. Powder is dry and light, a dream. You ski at high altitude (between 2800 and 4800 if I remember well) with breathtaking views. Tracks for all levels and great off-piste skiing. If you are into back-country ski and mountaineering you have great options, starting with El Plomo. There are another 3 resorts within 30 - 60 min distance and you have a ski connection with La Parva. The road to the resort is really fun and interesting. Lodging is good. You have 3 hotels plus very well maintained apartments (where I stayed) within 50 m from the tracks. Food is pretty good, a bit on the expensive side, and I love the outdoors hot tube. The resort is a bit expensive by European standards, but by USA or South-American standards is OK, I guess. I will come back soon, I know no better option for European summer ski.
June 11, 2018
J. Rivadeneira from Ski Chile Chile
I work here from three months ago, for construction company building Licancabur tower. About my experience in United states, I can say the structure is awesome and the quality of materials too. This place is beautiful; the best nature expression.
July 28, 2015
Olavo Aranha from Ski Brazil Brazil
Very nice hotel (Valle Nevado); food at lunch is ok and very good at dinner. Beautiful views and very nice social areas. Currently, there is no snow and the maintenance is very, very disappointing. One third of the pistes are closed and there is no information about its status. The other 2/3 are very icy and therefore very dangerous. Lots of stones and pebbles on the pistes. On most of the teleski paths there are numerous patches of earth. I cannot understand the reason why the staff don't fill them with snow from the sides, there is plenty 3 meters away. Furthermore, the snow making machines are not being used at all. Shame on this service.
May 21, 2015
Margie from Ski United States United States
Gorgeous large breathtaking views. Great when they have snow. No trees makes for untracked powder all day when the snow is good. Do not rent a car. Horrible; worst road up with 87 switch backs and cars going over the side. Do not take a driver from the airport. Terrible drivers with old horrible vehicles! Overnight in Santiago and do what the locals do and use "Ski Total" Proper vans with drivers who know the road and cheap but more important; safer! Expect delays if there is weather. Bring your own equipment or forget it. You will be sorry if you try to rent anything. Hotel Valle Nevado is smaller and very expensive but very nice ski in-ski out with amazing breakfasts. Includes dinner in any of the restaurants. When they have snow you will love this amazing advance intermediate resort and vibe in Chile; really fun. Even with horrible road up much easier to get to than anywhere else in South America ! I have skied ten times in South America and five of the times in Valle Nevado. Forget Portillo not worth it; way too small and Las Lenas is so far to get to and so windy with constant avalanches!
July 29, 2013
Chile Traveler from Ski United States United States
Valle isn't bad, but it's not good value. However, you can kill it here with the massive off-piste skiing potential and you can make it work for you. Here are some tips: 1. Rent a car. This will allow for car shuttles to hit the stuff that feeds down to the access road and you won't be ripped off with the $100+ per person airport to resort transfer fees. Make sure it comes with chains as the tires will be shit and there is a checkpoint on the way to the ski area where they'll ask about chains. 2. You have a car, so now you can stop at the large market at the base of the canyon in Santiago and buy your beer, wine and snacks, bottled water and anything else you'll need. Do not buy this at the resort, it will be 5-7 times the cost. 3. Bring your avi and backcountry gear and ski outside the resort. This is a must as the in-bounds is tame. The best terrain is above and behind the ski area, or into the canyon from the lodge, tour back up to the Tres Puntas poma. This is true expert/steep skiing terrain and it holds powder long after a storm. 4. Never, ever charge anything to your room. They will make mistakes and you will be hit with a massive bill which you will then have to contest. Just bring your own beer out to their deck and drink it. Yes, it makes them mad, but who cares! 5. When it comes time to check out do it first thing in the morning, the staff is a complete junk show. There are huge lines. Don't waste your time, get 'er done. That's enough to get you started. Have fun!
September 19, 2012
Caio from Ski Brazil Brazil
Second year coming. This year stayed in Puerta del Sol. 6000 US dollars for 3 people, 4 nights (miniweek). Worst value for my money I have ever encountered in my life. Go somewhere else or if you do wanna try the station, stay in Santiago and hire helicopter shuttles to the station. It goes about the same value, and you still get the thrill from the heli ride which is more exciting than the majority of the pistes in Valle. ;)
August 29, 2012
Filipe from Ski Brazil Brazil
Don't trust the website: no powder and lack of snow in some pistes.
August 28, 2012
paula carvajal from Ski Chile Chile
I rented an apartment for the weekend 202 in Valle del Sol, incredibly expensive and it was dirty, with water on the floor, stained walls, dirty kitchen and refrigerator, all with pictures to prove it. Was promised a refund and have never received it. Do not be fooled with pictures they post, those are not even close to the real thing.
July 23, 2012
Walker Rowe from Ski Chile Chile
The web site of Valle Nevado says they have powder but all of this month they do not have powder since it has been warm (2-9 celcius), sunny, and has not snowed here for two weeks and none is forecast for at least two weeks more. They do make snow however. Read detailed information about Valle Nevado and El Colorado in our report at SouthernPacificReview(-dot)com

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