La Parva Ski Resort

Centro de Esquí La Parva

A premier ski resort in the Andes mountains just 50 kilometers from Santiago, offering winter sports and summer mountain activities with reliable snow and modern facilities. It's ideal for skiing, snowboarding, and enjoying alpine scenery during the southern hemisphere winter.

Things to do

• Downhill Skiing — La Parva offers well-groomed ski runs across multiple terrain levels with reliable Andean snow from June through September, catering to beginners through advanced skiers.
• Snowboarding — Dedicated snowboard terrain and parks provide thrilling runs and freestyle features for all skill levels on La Parva's varied slopes.
• Chairlift Scenic Rides — Modern chairlifts ascend to alpine vistas overlooking the Andes and Santiago valley, offering breathtaking panoramic views even for non-skiers.
• Mountain Hiking — Summer season brings accessible alpine hiking trails through wildflower meadows and rocky peaks surrounding the resort's upper elevations.
• Ski Lessons — Professional instructors at La Parva offer personalized lessons in Spanish and English for all ages and abilities.
• Cross-Country Skiing — Groomed Nordic trails wind through high-altitude terrain, offering peaceful alternatives to downhill skiing.

Food to try

• Cazuela — This hearty Chilean stew with meat, potatoes, corn, and squash is served warm in earthenware bowls at mountain lodges to combat cold weather.
• Completos — Chilean loaded hot dogs topped with avocado, tomato, onion, and mayo provide quick, affordable fuel between ski runs.
• Empanadas de Queso y Champiñones — Baked pastries filled with melted cheese and mushrooms are a popular warm snack sold at the base lodge and mountain cafés.
• Fresh Trout — Local Andean trout prepared grilled or sautéed features on resort restaurant menus, showcasing regional mountain cuisine.
• Sopaipillas — Fried dough pastries served with pebre sauce or hot chocolate are traditional Chilean treats available at the resort's food vendors.

Local customs & good to know

• Spanish Language Preference — While English is spoken at main facilities, learning basic Spanish phrases enhances interaction with staff and local guides.
• Southern Hemisphere Winter Season — La Parva operates during the austral winter from June through September, opposite to Northern Hemisphere ski seasons, requiring visitors to plan accordingly.
• Altitude Acclimatization — The resort sits at approximately 3,200 meters elevation; arriving a day early and staying hydrated helps visitors adjust to thin mountain air.
• UV Protection Essential — High Andean altitude combined with reflective snow intensifies UV exposure, making sunscreen and sunglasses non-negotiable even on cloudy days.