9‑day high‑altitude ski holiday in Chile's premier resorts, with flights from the US, a day in Santiago for altitude acclimatisation, and lodging at both Portillo and Valle Nevado.
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Duration9 days
Travellers2
Best time to visitAugust (Southern Hemisphere winter) offers reliable snow and long daylight hours.
Estimated cost$5,200 - $7,200
Main airportSCL
Itinerary
Day 1 - Travel to Santiago
Location: Santiago, Chile
Direct or 1‑stop flight from JFK to SCL.
Cost: $800-1200 · Travel time: 12h 30m · By flight · Near JFK Airport
Options: Delta, American Airlines, LATAM – Tuesday departures often cheapest
Where to eat
Bocanariz — Modern Chilean cuisine with extensive wine list, located in Lastarria district.
Where to stay
Hotel Plaza San Francisco — Central boutique hotel, 3‑star, approx. $120‑150 per night, free Wi‑Fi, close to metro.
Day 2 - Acclimatisation in Santiago
Location: Santiago, Chile
Cable‑car ride to the summit followed by a short walk for panoramic city views.
Cost: $10-15 · Travel time: 15 min taxi · Near Cerro San Cristóbal
Options: Taxi or rideshare (Uber, Cabify)
Visit the museum dedicated to Chile’s recent history, a calm indoor activity.
Cost: Free · Travel time: 20 min metro · Near Museo de la Memoria y los Derechos Humanos
Options: Metro Line 1
Where to eat
Café Colonia — Cozy café with Chilean pastries and coffee.
Mercado Central — Seafood market with numerous stalls serving fresh fish dishes.
Como Agua Para Chocolate — Romantic setting with classic Chilean recipes.
Day 3-5 - Portillo Ski Resort
Location: Portillo, Chile
Private shuttle bus from Santiago to Portillo (≈2 h 30 m).
Cost: $40-60 per person · Travel time: 2h 30m · By bus · Near Portillo Ski Resort
Options: Shuttle service (Portillo Transfer), or rental car
Ski the famous 'Mundo' black run, known for steep terrain and deep powder.
Cost: $120-180 ski pass (3‑day) · Travel time: 5 min walk from hotel · Near Mundo Run, Portillo
Options: Walking
Relax with hot chocolate by the fireplace and enjoy mountain views.
Cost: Included in lodging · Travel time: On‑site · Near Hotel Portillo Lounge
Options: Walking
Where to eat
Hotel Portillo Breakfast Buffet — Hot and cold options, including fresh fruit, pastries, and Chilean jams.
Mountain Bistro — Casual eatery on the slopes serving sandwiches and soup.
Restaurant La Casona — Upscale restaurant featuring Patagonian lamb and local wine.
Where to stay
Hotel Portillo — Historic mountain lodge, all‑inclusive ski packages, approx. $200‑250 per night per person.
Day 6 - Transfer to Valle Nevado
Location: Valle Nevado, Chile
Private van transfer from Portillo to Valle Nevado (≈1 h 30 m).
Cost: $50-70 per person · Travel time: 1h 30m · By bus · Near Valle Nevado Resort
Options: Resort shuttle (pre‑booked)
Where to eat
Cerro La Parva Restaurant — Mountain restaurant with panoramic views and Chilean grill dishes.
Where to stay
Hotel Valle Nevado — Modern ski‑in/ski‑out hotel, spa facilities, approx. $180‑220 per night per person.
Day 7-9 - Valle Nevado Ski Resort
Location: Valle Nevado, Chile
Long, groomed run offering stunning views of the Andes and Santiago basin.
Cost: Included in 3‑day ski pass · Travel time: 5 min walk · Near Jabalí Run, Valle Nevado
Options: Walking
Guided off‑piste tour for experienced skiers, exploring back‑country terrain.
Cost: $80-120 per person · Travel time: On‑site · Near Off‑Piste Area, Valle Nevado
Options: Walking
Relax in the resort’s spa, sauna, and hot tubs after a day on the slopes.
Cost: Included in lodging · Travel time: On‑site · Near Valle Nevado Spa
Options: Walking
Where to eat
Resort Breakfast Buffet — All‑inclusive buffet with Chilean pastries, fruits, and hot dishes.
Alpine Grill — Mid‑mountain restaurant serving grilled meats and salads.
La Cumbre — Fine‑dining with panoramic views, offering Patagonian seafood and Chilean wines.
Estimated Cost
$5,200 - $7,200
Activities
$800 - $1,200
Air transportation
$800 - $1,200
Ground transportation
$250 - $400
Incidentals
$250 - $400
Lodging
$1,500 - $2,100
Meals
$600 - $800
Trip Highlights
Portillo Ski Resort
Valle Nevado Ski Resort
Santiago City Center
Cerro San Cristóbal
El Yeso Reservoir
Visa Requirements
Chile
Application process: No visa needed for short stays. Ensure passport is valid for at least 6 months beyond departure.
Citizenship: General/US/EU/UK
Multiple entry: Allowed
Requirements: Valid passport, proof of onward travel, sufficient funds.
Stay allowed: Up to 90 days for tourism
Visa required: No
Good to Know
Altitude (3,200‑4,600 m) may cause mild AMS; stay hydrated, ascend gradually, consider medication. August is peak ski season, so bookings should be made early. Weather can be windy; pack wind‑proof layers.
Local Customs
Tipping 10% in restaurants is customary. Greeting with a handshake is common. Chileans value punctuality for tours.
Background
Portillo, founded in 1949, is Chile's oldest ski resort and famous for its red‑painted hotel. Valle Nevado, opened in 1989, is a modern resort with the largest skiable area in the Andes.
Useful Phrases
Hola — Hello
Gracias — Thank you
¿Cuánto cuesta? — How much does it cost?
Budget Tips
Fly on Tuesdays or Wednesdays for lower airfares.
Book the resort shuttle in advance to secure group rates.
Consider shared lodging rooms or off‑peak dates in early August.
Time-Saving Tips
Purchase the 3‑day ski pass online before arrival; use the resort’s app for lift queue times.
Getting Around
Direct flight to SCL, then pre‑booked shuttles to resorts; avoid renting a car on steep mountain roads.
Beating the Crowds
Mid‑week travel (Tuesday‑Thursday) reduces lift line wait times and hotel rates.
Local Deals
Early‑bird ski pass discount, bundle lift and equipment rental for savings.
Combo Deals
Flight + hotel packages via travel agencies often include resort shuttle vouchers.
If the Weather Turns
If a storm closes lifts, enjoy the resort spa, indoor yoga, or explore Santiago's museums.