Chile’s latest storm cycle has buried the Andes and reignited dreams of a Southern Hemisphere ski trip. If you’re wondering how to get there from Canada, here’s everything you need to know.
If your Instagram feed has looked anything like ours this past week, you’ve probably caught yourself pricing flights to Santiago.
If you haven’t heard – A massive storm cycle has slammed Chile’s Andes, delivering more than 4 metres of snow at Portillo in the last seven days, including 270 cm (106 inches) in just 48 hours, while resorts across the central Andes have been transformed by one of the biggest snowfall events of the season.
The real question is:
Could you actually pull off a last-minute ski trip to Chile?
The answer is yes.
While South America feels like the other side of the world, getting there is far easier than most Canadians realize. One international airport puts you within striking distance of four of the continent’s best ski resorts, flights are available from every major Canadian city, and with a little flexibility, chasing winter twice in one year is surprisingly attainable.
Here’s how we’d do it.
Pick Your Playground(s)
For nearly every Canadian skier, Santiago is the gateway to Chile’s best skiing. Less than two hours from the city, the Andes rise into a collection of world-class resorts, each offering a different experience. Whether you’re chasing lift-served freeride terrain, iconic scenery or simply the best value, here’s where to start.
Valle Nevado
Chile’s largest ski resort is often the first stop for international visitors—and for good reason. Sitting above 3,000 metres, Valle Nevado offers expansive alpine terrain, modern lift infrastructure and reliable snow preservation throughout the season. If it’s your first trip to Chile, this is the easiest place to get acquainted with skiing in the Andes.
La Parva
Connected to Valle Nevado as part of the Tres Valles region, La Parva is known for its strong local culture and technical terrain. It’s a favourite among advanced skiers and riders looking to venture beyond groomed runs and explore steep bowls, chutes and freeride lines.
El Colorado
If stretching your budget is a priority, El Colorado deserves a close look. Lift tickets are typically more affordable than its neighbours, but you’ll still have access to expansive alpine terrain and the same incredible mountain scenery. It’s an excellent choice for families, groups and anyone hoping to maximize ski days without maximizing costs.
Portillo
Few ski resorts are as iconic as Portillo. Perched above the turquoise waters of Laguna del Inca, the historic resort has been welcoming skiers since 1949 and remains one of South America’s most recognizable destinations. The terrain is steep, the scenery is unforgettable, and the intimate atmosphere feels worlds away from the bustle of larger ski areas. If you’ve dreamed about skiing in Chile, this is probably the place you’ve imagined.
At a glance:
| Resort | Best For | Drive From Santiago |
|---|---|---|
| Valle Nevado | First-time visitors & all-around terrain | ~90 min |
| La Parva | Advanced skiers & freeride | ~90 min |
| El Colorado | Budget-friendly skiing | ~90 min |
| Portillo | Bucket-list experience | ~2 hrs |
Flying to Chile
Despite the distance, Santiago is surprisingly easy to reach.
Santiago (SCL) is Chile’s main international gateway and the easiest entry point for Canadian skiers.
| Departure City | Typical Travel Time | Common Airlines |
|---|---|---|
| Vancouver | 14–18 hrs | LATAM, Air Canada, Delta, United |
| Calgary | 15–19 hrs | Air Canada, WestJet, Delta, United |
| Toronto | 11–15 hrs | Air Canada, LATAM, Delta, American |
| Montreal | 13–17 hrs | Air Canada, United, Copa |
Most routes require just one connection through a major North or South American hub.
Pro tip: Use Google Flights to compare dates, then check the airline’s website before booking. Promotional fares, particularly with LATAM, aren’t always listed by third-party search engines.
Don’t Forget Your Skis
The cheapest airfare isn’t always the cheapest trip.
Before clicking “Book,” compare baggage policies. Most major airlines allow ski equipment, but fees and weight limits vary. A ticket that looks like a bargain can quickly become expensive if skis, boots and checked luggage are all charged separately.
Travelling with just a ski bag and a boot bag can also make airport transfers and rental cars much easier once you’re in Chile.
Go like the pros and bring your boots on the plane with you. You can always source a pair of skis, but finding the right boots? Forget about it.
Stay in Santiago or Sleep on the Mountain?
If you’re trying to stretch your budget, we’d recommend staying in Santiago.
Accommodation options are plentiful, restaurants are significantly cheaper than on-mountain dining, and you’ll have the flexibility to decide where to ski based on weather and road conditions.
If you’d rather shorten the morning commute, Farellones offers a great middle ground. The small mountain village sits just below the Tres Valles resorts and gives you quick access to all three mountains without paying premium slopeside prices.
Portillo is a different experience altogether. Most visitors stay at the resort itself, creating an all-inclusive atmosphere that’s become part of its legendary appeal.
Rent a Car or Take the Shuttle?
If you’re travelling with three or four friends, renting a vehicle is usually the smartest move.
Splitting the cost gives you the freedom to move between resorts, grab groceries in the city and adjust plans if another storm rolls through.
Just remember one thing: after major snowfalls, Chilean authorities regularly require tire chains on mountain roads, and temporary closures for avalanche control are common. If a storm has just rolled through, don’t be surprised if access roads close for several hours—or even a full day—while crews make the mountains safe.
If you’re travelling solo, resort shuttle services from Santiago remain an easy and affordable option
What Will a Lift Ticket Cost?
Compared to many destination resorts in North America, Chile’s lift tickets remain relatively reasonable.
Current adult day-ticket pricing is approximately:
| Resort | Adult Day Ticket (CLP) | Approx. CAD* |
|---|---|---|
| Valle Nevado | CLP $89,000 | ~$135 CAD |
| La Parva | CLP $83,000 | ~$125 CAD |
| El Colorado | CLP $64,000 | ~$95 CAD |
| Portillo | CLP $64,000 | ~$95 CAD |
*Approximate Canadian dollar conversions based on the current exchange rate. Prices and exchange rates fluctuate throughout the season.
Prices vary throughout the season, and buying online in advance can often save money. Valle Nevado and La Parva also offer multi-day products and season pass options that provide better value for longer stays.
Plan Your Trip
Ready to start planning? These are the sites you’ll likely have open while putting together your Chile powder mission.
Flight Search
- Google Flights
- LATAM Airlines
- Air Canada
- Delta Air Lines
- United Airlines
- American Airlines
- Copa Airlines
