Farellones and Valle Nevado Snow Day Trip from Santiago
Overview
This full-day snow trip from Santiago climbs the famous hairpin road to Farellones and the Valle Nevado ski resort in the high Andes. A small group of up to 15 travels in an air-conditioned vehicle with a live guide who speaks English, Spanish or Portuguese. The standard option includes hotel transfer, a stop at a snow-gear shop and a full premium clothing kit, so first-time snow visitors stay warm and dry. Other options add ski or snowboard kit or breakfast, or give transport only. It suits families, couples and first-timers.
Highlights
- Door-to-door transfer from your hotel or apartment in Santiago
- Full premium clothing kit in the standard option: jacket and trousers or one-piece suit, boots, gloves and goggles
- Drive the famous mountain road with its dramatic hairpin bends and viewpoints
- Play in the snow at Farellones, or spend the day at Valle Nevado
- Choose the option that fits you: clothing kit, ski or snowboard kit, breakfast or transport only
- Small group of up to 15 in an air-conditioned vehicle
- Live guide in English, Spanish or Portuguese
Full Description
The mountain road and its hairpin bends
The road from Santiago to the snow is a trip in itself. It climbs from the edge of the city through a long run of tight hairpin turns, often called the forty curves, and every bend opens a wider view of the Andes and the city far below. Many people book a Santiago snow day trip mainly for this drive, and the guide stops at viewpoints so you can take photos without rushing.
The route reaches the ski area in roughly an hour and a half, depending on traffic and snow. In winter, roads can be crowded at weekends and chains may be required, which is another reason to go with a driver who does this journey daily. If you are wondering how to get to Farellones from Santiago without your own car, a guided transfer is the easiest answer.
Farellones village and snow play
Farellones is a small mountain village at around 2,400 metres that grew up with Chile's first ski lifts. It is the classic choice for a first day in the snow, with open slopes where children and adults can slide, throw snowballs and build a snowman, plus cafes and small viewpoints. Travellers who search for Farellones snow tours are usually looking for exactly this relaxed, family-friendly day.
Snow depends on the season, and the best time to visit Farellones for reliable snow is generally from June to early September. Outside the winter months the landscape is still beautiful, but there may be little or no snow, so ask us before booking if snow play is the point of your trip. Ski resort entry fees and lift tickets are not included, so decide with your guide how you want to spend your free time.
Valle Nevado ski resort
Valle Nevado is one of the largest ski areas in the southern Andes, set in a wide basin at higher altitude than Farellones with modern lifts and long runs above the treeline. The views across the mountain range are the main reward, even if you do not ski. Search phrases like Valle Nevado day trip from Santiago and how to get to Valle Nevado usually lead people to the guided transfer, because the road is steep and parking is limited.
One option on this page is a full day at the resort with a ski or snowboard kit, which suits confident skiers and snowboarders. Lift passes and lessons are not included in any option and can be arranged directly at the resort. The resort is high, so bring sunscreen and sunglasses, because the sun is strong and the air is thin.
Snow kit, breakfast and options
Snow trips are only fun if you stay warm and dry, so the trip starts with a stop at a snow-gear shop on the way out of the city. In the standard option you are fitted with a full premium clothing kit: a jacket and trousers or a one-piece suit, boots, gloves and snow goggles, in sizes for children and adults. This is ideal for first-timers who own no winter clothes.
Other options replace the clothing kit with a ski or snowboard kit, a breakfast stop or plain transport. Please read each option carefully, because what is included changes from one to the next, and fill in your sizes when you book. If you are unsure which is right for you, message us and we will help you choose.
Itinerary
- Hotel pickup at dawnYou are collected very early from your hotel or apartment in Santiago; the exact time is confirmed the evening before.
- Stop at the snow-gear shopTry on and collect your clothing kit, or your ski or snowboard kit, depending on your option.
- Drive up the hairpin roadClimb towards the ski area with viewpoint stops for photos, about an hour and a half.
- Farellones and Valle NevadoSpend several hours in the snow at Farellones, at Valle Nevado or at both, depending on your plans.
- Return to SantiagoDrive back down the mountain and drop-off at your hotel after roughly 11 hours in total.
What's included
- Return transfer from your hotel or apartment
- Air-conditioned modern vehicle
- Small group of up to 15 people
- Live guide in English, Spanish or Portuguese
Not included
- Clothing kit
- Breakfast
- Ski or snowboard equipment
- Ski resort tickets
- Tips
Not suitable for
- Travellers over 95 years old
- People with serious heart, breathing or back conditions, due to altitude and cold
- Wheelchair users, because of the snow and steps at the sites
Meeting point
Pickup is from your hotel or apartment in Santiago, starting around 05:00, and the guide's name and exact pickup time are sent the evening before the trip. Please give an address that is easy to find, and be ready in the lobby.
Important information
- Smoking is not allowed in the vehicle
- If your option includes a clothing kit, you can try it on at the first stop; sizes are available from children to adults
- Bring sunglasses, sunscreen and lip balm because the sun is strong on snow
- Wear warm socks and comfortable layers under the kit
- Ski resort entry, lift tickets, meals and tips are not included in any option; check each option for what it does include
- Weather and road conditions can change the plan, including chains and closures
- Confirm your sizes and option when you book
Good to know
Frequently Asked Questions
Straight answers to what travellers ask us most, before they book.
How much does the Farellones and Valle Nevado trip cost?
The price depends on the option you choose, such as clothing kit, ski kit, breakfast or transport only. The booking panel shows the current price for each option, for adults and children.
Is hotel pickup included?
Yes, a return transfer from your hotel or apartment in Santiago is included in every option. The exact pickup time is sent the evening before.
How long is the day trip?
About 11 hours from pickup to drop-off, including the drive up and down the mountain and time in the snow.
Is the trip suitable for children?
Yes. It is a popular family day, and clothing kits come in children sizes. Bring gloves and warm socks for younger travellers.
What is the difference between the options?
Depending on the option you choose, you get transport only, transport with breakfast, transport with a full premium clothing kit, or transport with ski or snowboard kit. Ski resort tickets are not included in any option.
What should I wear and bring?
Warm socks and layers, sunglasses and sunscreen. If you choose a clothing kit, the jacket, trousers, boots, gloves and goggles are provided.
Can I book for today or tomorrow?
Often for tomorrow, as pickup times are arranged the evening before. Check the booking panel for live availability.
Is there always snow at Farellones?
No. Snow depends on the season and the weather, and the most reliable period is generally June to early September. Ask us before booking if snow is essential.
Can I ski at Valle Nevado on this trip?
Yes, if you choose the option with ski or snowboard kit. Lift passes and lessons are not included and are arranged at the resort.
Is Valle Nevado worth visiting if I do not ski?
Yes, the mountain views are impressive and you can enjoy the snow at Farellones as well, so it is a good first snow experience.
