Nevados de Chillan Ski Resort is the top thermal and hot-springs ski destination in South America. Known as Termas de Chillan Ski Resort since its opening this ski area went under new management in 2008. The new company – which gave the place the new name – is operating the mountain as well as the Nevados hotel which used to be the traditional Pirigallo lodge. The Termas de Chillan Grand hotel continues offering a superb service.

We are thrilled a new spirit took over the mountain as new investments are on the way and new services such as snowcat skiing started operating recently.

Nevados de Chillan is located almost 400 km south from Santiago and can be accessed by air, by train or bus. The major airport connecting this ski area to the rest of Chile is Concepcion about 2 hours from the slopes. The closest airport though is Chillan only 45 miles away but is served by a few flights only.
A fun way to travel could be taking the train into the city of Chillan as well but flying is always the fastest choice. A paved road connects the city of Chillan with the small village of Las Trancas. From here a well-maintained dirt road access the resort base area located at 1,603 mt. This is a much lower resort than the ones at the Central Andes.

Nevados de Chillan is the actual name of the group of three overlapping volcanoes located right above the resort. This fact makes the terrain in Chillan simply fantastic. A great combination of high alpine terrain with lower tree sections keep skiers and riders busy for a long time.

Based on its latitude the ski season in Nevados de Chillan runs from mid June to late September and sometimes even to early October. As most resorts in South America Chillan receives a great deal of skiers during the last two weeks of July when local, Argentinean and Brazilian holidays take place. But still even at peak season lines here are not affecting skiing time.

Early June usually features nice conditions when it comes to both weather and snow conditions. July has excellent powder and August combines great weather with sunny days and a thicker snowpack. From late August or early July until the end of the season mixed conditions may be found. The last two or three weeks of the season are fantastic for corn skiing.

Nevados de Chillan offers the right combination of accommodation at the base of the slopes. The Termas de Chillan Grand hotel still sets the standard for deluxe mountain hotels in Chile and in South America as well. Located right at the base of the slopes it features every facility and service you would expect from any deluxe hotel in Santiago or any other big city.
The second option is the former Pirigallo hotel – now the Nevados hotel. This is a ski-in ski-out property as well and while it offers an excellent service it’s been categorized as a 3-star property.
There are also apartment buildings steps away from the slopes but these options are thought for the budget traveler.

Nevados de Chillan is a fantastic place to combine serious skiing with serious relaxation. The idea of skiing hard, hiking and exploring the local off-piste during the day and indulging at the grand hotel’s spa and hot springs make it worth a trip to Chillan.

When it comes to terrain Chillan offers a lot of options. We think under the right management and with the correct investment plan this resort will become one of the top ski destinations in all South America. For now there are two quad chair on the way which will allow to access the mountain faster than ever.