The ski centers of Chile are clustered into two regions
The High Cordillera of central Chile
and the southern volcanoes of Chillan and the Lake District.
The Andes mountains tower over Santiago forming the High Cordillera of central Chile. Santiago provides the most direct access to skiing and riding in South America. There are three major resorts directly above the city: Valle Nevado, La Parva, and El Colorado. the classic resort Portillo and the snow cat skiing of El Arpa are two hours north of the city. Aconcagua, the highest mountain in the western hemisphere, towers nearby. All the resorts in the High Cordllera are above tree line and offer wide-open powder skiing and riding.There are also many exciting optional activities available in this region.
The southern volcanoes are famous for lots of snow, beautiful scenery and hot springs. The resort of Nevados de Chillan is 400 km south of Santiago and the first of the southern Volcanoes. Further south in the Lake District is the active volcano of Villarica and the resort of Pucon. There are more small ski areas in southern Chile and a rich itinerary could be based on the hot springs and volcanoes of this region alone.
