First snow in central Andes!!!

I am always planning, just don't always get to execute.  Since I am way behind in my average days, this season may be the one.  Keep us posted on conditions down there.

Thanks,

JF

Nice S. American stoke! Good to see somewhere getting some snow this year!

Hoping to make an extended trip south this winter. Looking for long-term, affordable accommodations, and to purchase season pass. Any ideas?

Made the trip in '10 (poor snow year) and rode at Nevados de Chillan and Pucon. Found both areas to be expensive. Would prefer to be at/near Valle Nevado / El Colorado this year. Hasta!

myhouse - I don't know of any special deals to get a season pass, but Valle Nevado has a pre season discount right now if you buy on or before May 31st. They have a US toll free number, but that might only work for hotel reservations. Anyway, it's US 1-800-669-0554. The discout is only around US$100, and the total cost is Ch$610.000 now, which is around US$1,200. Not cheap. Here's the web page. http://www.vallenevado.com/es/pases-temporada-2012/ I couldn't find info for season passes on the English version. At El Colorado the pre seaon price is Ch$590.000, going up to Ch$640.000, so there's not much of a difference. I have lived down here for over 13 years and prefer Valle Nevado. I've had a season pass at Valle Nevado for the past three years now and am about to fork over the dosh once again.This year they will inaugurate a new gondola which, although it won't go all the way to the top of the front side of the mountain (stupid move there), it will improve the lift lines down at the bottom and make the new parking they put in last year much more efficient.

As far as lodging goes, I know a few people who rent houses or condos for the full season and will try to get you the info for the property rental agency that handles most of the places for rent. The best thing for you to do would be to hook up with others and share a place, but I'm not sure how to help you with that. There are Americans who come down to teach skiing and snowboarding and I guess you could call Valle Nevado and/or El Colorado directly to ask about that. The number for Valle Nevado in Santigo is +56 (2) 477-7000. You'll need to know some Spanish though. There is no rental lodging right at Valle Nevado, so you would have to find a place in Farellones, a small town 15 minutes drive or right at the base of El Colorado or La Parva. El Colorado, in this respect, might be the best hill for you to ski.

It's supposed to dump up to 3 feet this weekend, but we'll see. Every time a big storm is forecast, it always disappoints. At least it seems that way. I didn't take the Kuro's out once last year.

Quote:

Originally Posted by AndesRider 

myhouse - I don't know of any special deals to get a season pass, but Valle Nevado has a pre season discount right now if you buy on or before May 31st. They have a US toll free number, but that might only work for hotel reservations. Anyway, it's US 1-800-669-0554. The discout is only around US$100, and the total cost is Ch$610.000 now, which is around US$1,200. Not cheap. Here's the web page. http://www.vallenevado.com/es/pases-temporada-2012/ I couldn't find info for season passes on the English version. At El Colorado the pre seaon price is Ch$590.000, going up to Ch$640.000, so there's not much of a difference. I have lived down here for over 13 years and prefer Valle Nevado. I've had a season pass at Valle Nevado for the past three years now and am about to fork over the dosh once again.This year they will inaugurate a new gondola which, although it won't go all the way to the top of the front side of the mountain (stupid move there), it will improve the lift lines down at the bottom and make the new parking they put in last year much more efficient.

 

As far as lodging goes, I know a few people who rent houses or condos for the full season and will try to get you the info for the property rental agency that handles most of the places for rent. The best thing for you to do would be to hook up with others and share a place, but I'm not sure how to help you with that. There are Americans who come down to teach skiing and snowboarding and I guess you could call Valle Nevado and/or El Colorado directly to ask about that. The number for Valle Nevado in Santigo is +56 (2) 477-7000. You'll need to know some Spanish though. There is no rental lodging right at Valle Nevado, so you would have to find a place in Farellones, a small town 15 minutes drive or right at the base of El Colorado or La Parva. El Colorado, in this respect, might be the best hill for you to ski.

 

It's supposed to dump up to 3 feet this weekend, but we'll see. Every time a big storm is forecast, it always disappoints. At least it seems that way. I didn't take the Kuro's out once last year.

Thank you AndesRider! Good info & follow-up potential. I'd like to do as little commuting as possible, and ride daily, so El Col sounds like the best bet, as you say.