With more than 24 feet of snowfall and a record 154 operating days, the Chilean resort is giving skiers another reason to head south before winter begins.
With a potentially historic El Niño on the horizon, ski resorts across the American West are keeping their fingers crossed for a winter to remember. NOAA’s latest outlook points to wetter-than-average conditions across much of the southern U.S., including California, although whether that translates into bumper snowfall remains to be seen. But for skiers and snowboarders itching to make their first turns of the season, there’s no need to wait for the snow to arrive closer to home.
Chile’s Valle Nevado is still going strong. Located high in the Andes, around 90 minutes from Santiago , the popular South American ski resort has announced it will extend its 2026 season through December 1. After receiving more than 24 feet of snow this winter, Valle Nevado is on track to clock up a record 154 operating days, its longest season to date.
An Andean Winter to Remember
At a base elevation of 9,925 feet, Valle Nevado has a distinct advantage in holding onto snow late in the season. Heavy snowfall, favorable temperatures, and careful mountai...