Snowboard And Ski To Your Heart's Content At El Fraile

Located near the city of Coihaique and the Argentinean border in the so-called austral zone in southern Chile, El Fraile ski resort is one of the most remote ski destinations in South America. El Fraile is only a small ski resort, but the tree-lined runs through the forests of Lenga and ñire make a pleasant change from the normally above tree-line ski resorts that are common in Chile.

El Fraile lies at 5,250 feet above sea level and has minimal yet satisfactory facilities including a ski school and ski equipment rental as well as a repair shop, cafeteria and a first-aid station.

There are five slopes at El Fraile ski resort, with a run suitable for each level of ability ranging from beginner to expert as well as a learners' slope. Slope lengths range from 1,968 feet in height and over one mile in length and the total skiable area is 1,359 acres, with two ski lifts providing access to the slopes.

El Fraile ski resort is typically a daytime ski destination as there are no lodgings available at the base, although Coihaique has several hostel-style and more upmarket hotels in and around the town. There is only one cafeteria at the resort, so visitors tend to see out après-ski activities in the town at the many restaurants.

There are no alternative Chilean ski resorts for 620 miles north or south, but there are plenty of nearby natural attractions that are within easy each of Coihaique. The famed and awesome Austral highway runs into Coihaique and offers some superb sights, while other attractions include Frio and Polux lakes and Foitzick lagoon.

The ski season at El Fraile ski resort runs from late May to late September (closed on Mondays) and prices are cheapest at the season's end and on weekdays. The most convenient means of transport is to fly to Coihaique Airport and take a minibus to town, from where shuttles go to El Fraile.

Skiing in El Fraile

El Fraile ski resort is a small and tidy ski area near the town of Coihaique and it is unique for a Chilean ski resort in that the runs here take skiers through thick forests of pine and Antarctic beech on powdery snow. Situated south of Santiago, the slopes here are fit for skiers and snowboarders of all levels of ability and ski touring is also available.

El Fraile has over four miles of pisted runs, the longest of which is Los Condores, suitable for experts at just over one mile, while learners, beginners, intermediates and advanced sliders also have a slope each. Cross-country skiing terrain is also available at El Fraile ski resort and two ski lifts feed the slopes.

Other winter activities at El Fraile include randonee skiing (ski touring), snowshoeing, mountaineering, snowboarding and cross-country skiing. Restaurant and hotel-based après-ski is available at various establishments in Coihaique and a cafeteria provides refreshments at the refuge on the mountain.

Facilities at El Fraile ski resort are fairly low-key, with only the bare essentials such as ski and snowboard rental services and a ski school, along with a first-aid station and cafeteria. There is no accommodation at El Fraile, but there are many hostels and hotels in the town of Coihaique.

The best snow of the May to September ski season at El Fraile ski resort can be found in June and July, with cheaper rates available on weekdays. Due to its remoteness, El Fraile is best reached from Santiago by flying to Coihaique Aeropuerto de Balmaceda via Puerto Montt and then travelling to the resort by hire car, minivan or shuttle bus.

Transportation to El Fraile

Not far from the Argentinean border, southwest of Coihaique and at more than 1,242 miles south of Santiago, El Fraile ski resort is one of the world's remotest. El Fraile can be reached by road from Santiago or by a combination of flying to Coihaique and taking public transport or hiring a car.

If you are hardy enough to want to drive from Santiago, you can take route 5 as far south as Puerto Montt, from where the road continues onto Chiloes Island and then meets with route 7; you will need to take a ferry back to the mainland to continue on to Coihaique. From Coihaique's Airport, downtown Coihaique is a one-hour drive along route 7. From Coihaique, head southwest to El Fraile ski resort; the last 10 miles of road is unsealed and snow chains are required.

There are three flights per day from Santiago to Coihaique's Aeropuerto de Balmaceda aboard LanChile, with a stop in Puerto Montt, and one flight per week from Punta Arenas. Shuttle buses are timed to coincide with departures and arrivals at Coihaique Airport and prices to town are very reasonable.

Shuttle buses leave Coihaique for El Fraile ski resort from Thursday to Sunday outside the ski agency at 09:00 and 11:00 (except Mondays), and return to Coihaique town from 15:00 until 17:00.