Termas de Chillan
The Termas de Chillan ski resort is built on the slopes of the Chillán volcano in the Southern Andes of Chile. In addition to the great skiing and snowboarding, the resort is also renowned for the natural hot springs where you can soothe tired muscles. You can think of Termas de Chillan as being two resorts in one – a ski resort (Nevados de Chillan) and a spa resort (Termas de Chillan) – the perfect combination!
Ski and Snowboard Terrain
The
Nevados de Chillan ski area is vast and with significant vertical (1,097 metres), it’s not surprising that this ski resort is popular for race training. Termas de Chillán has a spread of terrain for all ability levels from beginners to experts. The terrain includes long groomed cruisers and off-piste runs on open slopes. Volcanic eruptions and rivers of lava have left behind some really interesting bowls, gullies and natural half pipes. Unlike Chilean resorts further north, there is also a little tree skiing which provides the advantage of affording visibility and protection in inclement weather.
The actual ski area is now owned by Nevados de Chillan. They’ve added a small terrain park although it’s not always open, and little has been done to develop the archaic lift system that is a combination of slow chairs and surface drag lifts.
Nevados de Chillan is aptly named as the snow is bountiful with an average snowfall of 10.1 metres (almost 400 inches) annually. The snow quality is well maintained in the upper two-thirds of the ski area, and powderhounds are kept very happy because the resort is renowned for a lack of crowds. There are also good backcountry skiing opportunities and cat skiing.
Where is Nevados De Chillan (Termas de Chillan) Resort?
The ski resort lies at the base of the active Volcan Chillan, 82km east of the city of Chillan. Chillan is about 5 hours (499km) south of
Santiago Chile. It is possible to fly into Chillan and then get a transfer to the ski resort, or it’s possible to get a bus from
Santiago all the way to Termas de Chillan. For those with a
rental car, the drive up to the ski resort from the town of Las Trancas is very easy, and it’s much safer than some of the nasty roads up to the ski resorts near Santiago.
Accommodation and Facilities
All
Termas de Chillan accommodation in the small resort village is fabulously ski-in ski-out. The best accommodation option is the fantastic 5-star
Gran Hotel Termas de Chillan. This is the place to stay for an awesome ski holiday. An economical alternative is to stay in one of the condos. Most lodging packages are for a week and include full board or half-board (lift tickets and some meals), although it is possible to negotiate a shorter stay. Budget options can be found in the town of Las Trancas which is 7km from the resort.
Everywhere around the resort there are hot springs (termas) where it’s possible to soak in the therapeutic mineral springs whilst simultaneously soaking in the views of the mountains and sunsets.
The resort also has restaurants, a few bars, a casino and facilities for children.
Why Ski or Snowboard at Termas de Chillan?
Regardless of whether you want to call it Termas de Chillan or Nevados de Chillan, this ski and spa resort is a fabulous all-rounder. Apart from the downhill skiing where you’ll find good snow, uncrowded slopes and plenty of interesting terrain, the
Termas de Chillan activities are abundant. If you grow tired of relaxing in the hot springs or the sound of kerr-ching in the “cash-ino”, you can have a spa treatment, go nordic skiing, snowmobiling, dog-sledding or play paintball. There are enough skiing and non-alpine activities to satisfy every whim.
Travel Agents & Tour Operators
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Santiago Adventures - Santiago Chile
SA is an English speaking travel company based in Santiago with a particular passion for skiing. They can organise package for you to all of Chile's top ski resorts as well as cat skiing & heli skiing tours.
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