Ski From The Highest Slope At Termas De Chillán

Located about 310 miles south of Santiago on the slopes of Chillán volcano in the southern Andes Mountains, Termas de Chillán ski resort is the biggest single resort in South America, by skiable terrain. Termas de Chillán has it all: immaculate tree-lined slopes, a huge vertical, South America's longest run, a snowboard park, plenty of quality off-piste terrain and famous hot springs.

Termas de Chillán's ski resort centre is well equipped with essential ski facilities and services as well as après-ski entertainment. There is a well-respected ski school here and a childrens ski school with a mini-snowpark, three comprehensive ski shops, service centre, snowmobile rentals, ski shops, chapel, nursery and a cafeteria.

There are 24,710 acres of terrain at Termas de Chillán ski resort, with 29 runs stretching across 20 miles of quality pistes catering for all levels of ability. The longest run is the eight-mile long Las Tres Marías which takes sliders through fabulous forests, while the 820-feet long snowpark includes a half pipe. Eleven lifts provide access to the slopes in Termas de Chillán.

Termas de Chillán ski resort has a good choice of accommodation at the base, with six slope-side condos as well as a three-star and five-star hotel. For those on a budget, nearby Las Trancas village has other lodging options, as does Los Lleunques village, about 30 minutes' drive away. Restaurants, bars and discos provide après-ski here.

There are no alternative ski resorts within a short driving distance of Termas de Chillán ski resort; however, there are plenty of sightseeing options in and around the resort. Termas de Chillán spa is the obvious choice and offers beautiful mineral pools where you can relax, while the Cave of Los Pincheira in Las Trancas and the city of Chillán are also worth exploring.

The best time to go skiing in Termas de Chillán is during the ski season, which runs from June to October, with cheaper rates on offer at the beginning and end of the season, while every Wednesday is Womens Day, when women skiers receive discounts. The best snow can be found in July and August. The most convenient means of transportation for getting to and from Termas de Chillán is to fly to Concepcion and take a shuttle bus or hire a car to the resort.

Skiing in Termas de Chillán

Termas de Chillán ski resort is the largest ski destination in South America and features a multitude of pisted runs through impressive forests, as well as some fantastic off-piste terrain. Termas de Chillán also boasts South America's first snowboard park and its longest run, while the hot springs and après-ski facilities provide relaxation and entertainment options.

There are 29 meticulously-groomed runs at Termas de Chillán ski resort that stretch for 20 miles, with 30 per cent being suitable for beginners, 40 per cent for intermediates and 30 per cent for advanced and expert sliders. The overall vertical is a lofty 3,600 feet, while the longest slope is eight miles and 11 efficient lifts provide access. A snowboard park and cross country skiing trails are also available.

Termas de Chillán ski resort is also well equipped with alternative activities including randonee (ski touring), snowmobiling, sledging, hiking, mountaineering and heli-skiing. You can also play tennis and squash and there are heated swimming pools and saunas at the hotels and condos, while après-ski is lively with plentiful bars and clubs.

The resort village of Termas de Chillán ski resort has extensive ski services and facilities including ski schools, rentals and repairs, ski boutiques, a nursery, beauty salon and chapel, while the well equipped hotels and condos provide the accommodation. Expect high prices and quality at Termas de Chillán's lodgings; staying in nearby Las Trancas is more suitable for those on a budget.

Termas de Chillán ski resort receives its best snow in July and August of the June to October ski season, while the same season also offers cheaper rates and discounts for women on Wednesdays. Flying to Concepcion from Santiago and then taking a private shuttle service to Termas de Chillán is the most practical travel option.

Transportation to Termas de Chillán

Chile's largest single ski resort, Termas de Chillán, is 310 miles south of Santiago in the South Andes Mountains and 50 miles east of Chillán. Trains, planes and buses all serve Chillán from the capital of Santiago, while flying direct to Chillán or Concepcion from Santiago and taking a shuttle bus or hire car is the best option for getting to the resort.

If you are driving from Santiago to Termas de Chillán ski resort, take route 5 south all the way to Chillán and then head southeast on route 55 for 50 miles past Pinto and towards the Argentinean border to Termas de Chillán ski resort; the last 17 miles are unsealed. If you are driving from Concepcion, head north on highway 150 and turn off east onto the main Concepcion-Chillán highway.

If you don't fancy driving all the way from Santiago to Termas de Chillán ski resort and are on a budget, taking the train as far as Chillán will save you money and is fast. There are seven trains per day on weekdays from Santiago to Chillán and three on weekends, with a journey time of just over 4 hours. Trains run from Estación Central in Santiago and shuttles meet each train in Chillán.

By plane, there are several flights per day to Concepcion from Santiago, but only one per week to Chillán on Saturdays from late June to mid-August. Shuttles await every flight but it is best to pre-book during the high season. Shuttles run from Concepcion, Chillan Airport and Chillan Railway Station to Termas de Chillán ski resort throughout the day from 09:00 to 20:00.