SOUTH AMERICA: 2008 Season Commences in Chile
For a gallery of images from the resorts of Chile go HERE
Long have the resorts in North America been closed now and your skis surely have dust on them or maybe even some rusty edges. If you didn't get enough time on the sticks this past winter, it's time to start thinking South America. The season in Chile is off and running. The northern sections of the country have seen amazing coverage right from the get go.
Here's a quick report on the resorts
Valle Nevado
Valle Nevado has amazing coverage and it's hard to believe it's just the start to the season. The snow banks are already massive on the drive up to Valle Nevado, which sits a quick 56km from the capitol of Santiago. The resort has all its lifts open and there isn't a bare patch in sight. They are also very close to having the terrain park open as well. What looked to be the makings of a halfpipe was in progress as well as some rails and hits. The backside of the resort near the Tres Puntas poma lift is the place to be. It has really easy backcountry lines just off the resorts boundary and is the least-crowded zone of the mountain. If you find yourself in Valle Nevado overnight make sure to hit up the pub in the Tres Puntas hotel. Karaoke, cover bands and cerveza city is all I can say. This season marks Valle Nevado's 20th Anniversary. If you haven't been yet, it's been twenty years too long.
Termas de Chillan aka (Nevados de Chillan)
This area is about 6 hours drive or a quick 45-minute flight from the capitol of Santiago. Situated 80km east into the Andes from a small town called Chillan. Its terrain is unlike any other resort in South America. It boasts some of the biggest snowfalls that Chile has to offer. The coverage at this point is great considering it's only the beginning of the season. I was happy enough to rip down its long groomed runs and hang out at the upper sun deck sipping cold ones. It takes a long time for this place to get tracked out since the terrain so spread out. I noticed quite a few staff members working on the terrain park as well. I was told it was just about ready to open by one stoked staff member. The resort areas base has one new special building. A new Casino has been built and it's quite the hot spot at night. I can imagine mid-season it's the place to be as they have bands rocking out right beside the tables and slots. This was my last stop and, like all departing skiers luck, a storm was about to drop a clean foot on the resort the day after I left. Super Bueno!! I won on the craps table at least.
Stay tuned, as I'll be sending in reports from all over South America for the entire season. Everything from snow reports, videos, photos, contest results and anything and everything that is South American 2008 snow.
For a gallery of images from the resorts of Chile go HERE
