Valle Nevado & Farellones Day Trip from Santiago

Gondola lift over snowy slopes at Valle Nevado ski resort near Santiago
Valle Nevado resort buildings surrounded by snow in the Andes
Aerial view of Valle Nevado ski resort village in winter
Snow-capped Andes rising above Santiago in winter

Valle Nevado & Farellones Day Trip from Santiago

Valle Nevado & Farellones, Andes Mountains, Chile

    • Duration

      10 to 12 Hours

    • Type

      All Ages

    • From US$

      130 p/p

Tour Overview:

You don't need to ski to enjoy a winter day in the Andes. On this private day trip from Santiago, we drive up to Valle Nevado (3,025 meters) for the mountain views, then spend most of the day at Farellones Mountain Center, a snow park in one of the oldest mountain villages near Santiago.
It is an easy day out for families and friends, with tubing, sledding and time to play in the snow. Beginner ski lessons can also be arranged, and no trekking or previous experience is required. The snow season near Santiago usually runs from June to September.

Tour Highlights:

Valle Nevado

Farellones

Price Details:

1 guestUS$ 500 per person
2 guestsUS$ 260 per person
3 guestsUS$ 190 per person
4 guestsUS$ 160 per person
5 guestsUS$ 140 per person
6 guestsUS$ 130 per person

Tour Includes

  • ● English-speaking guide
  • ● Private transportation
  • ● Bottled water on board

Tour Excludes

  • ● Farellones Mountain Center activities and lift tickets
  • ● Meals and personal expenses
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    Itinerary Details:

    Santiago - Departure

    6:30-7:00 a.m.

    We pick you up directly from your hotel in Santiago.
    We leave early to reach the mountain road before it gets busy. This is especially important on weekends, public holidays and during school breaks.

    Road into the Andes

    Around 2 hours

    We drive through the eastern part of Santiago to Lo Barnechea, where the G-21 mountain road begins.
    The road has around forty numbered bends as it climbs into the Andes. The higher we go, the fewer trees we see. Soon the view is mostly mountains, rock and snow.
    The drive usually takes about two hours. It can take longer after snowfall or on busy winter days. We fit snow chains when required by the road authorities.
    The road is narrow and there are only a few safe places to stop. When conditions allow, we stop at an official viewpoint for photos of the valley and the mountains.

    1

    Valle Nevado

    3,025 meters · 1.5 to 2 hours

    Our first main stop is Valle Nevado, a large ski resort high in the Andes.
    We take a walk around the resort, stop for photos and have time for coffee with a view of the snowy slopes. If the gondola is running, you can buy a ticket and ride higher up the mountain.
    The lifts may close because of wind, poor visibility or a lack of snow. We check the resort and road conditions before the tour.
    A beginner ski lesson can also be arranged in advance. However, it is not possible to combine a full day of skiing with several hours at Farellones. Those who want to spend the whole day on the slopes should choose our separate Valle Nevado ski program.

    2

    Farellones Mountain Center

    4 to 5 hours

    From Valle Nevado, we drive down to Farellones, an old mountain village at just over 2,500 meters above sea level.
    Farellones Mountain Center is for people who want to enjoy the snow without having to ski. There is no trekking, and you do not need any previous experience.
    Depending on the snow, weather and time of year, the park may offer:

    • tubing;
    • sledding;
    • a panoramic chairlift;
    • a zipline;
    • snowmobiles;
    • beginner ski and snowboard lessons;
    • snow-play areas for younger children.

    Access to children's areas and some activities depends on age and height.
    The entrance ticket includes the activities open that day. Ski and snowboard lessons, equipment rental and some additional activities are paid separately.
    Some guests choose tubing or sledding, while others take a lesson, ride the chairlift or simply spend time in the snow.
    We also leave time for lunch at one of the mountain centers. On busy days, we may eat a little earlier or later to avoid the longest queues.

    Return to Santiago

    Departure at around 5:00 p.m.

    During the busiest weeks of winter, the G-21 may operate in only one direction at certain times: uphill in the morning and downhill in the afternoon.
    The road schedule is set by the authorities and may change because of snow, traffic or road work. We plan our return around the official schedule, but we cannot promise an exact arrival time.

    Santiago - Arrival

    Approximately 7:00-8:30 p.m.

    We take you back to your hotel in Santiago.
    The arrival time depends on traffic, weather and road conditions.

    Valle Nevado & Farellones Day Trip: Frequently Asked Questions

    We do not ski or snowboard. Will there still be enough for us to do?
    Yes. You do not need to ski or snowboard to enjoy this tour.

    We visit Valle Nevado to see what a large ski resort in the Andes is like, and at Farellones you can choose activities that require no skiing experience: tubing, sledding, a scenic chairlift and a zipline - or simply spend time walking and playing in the snow.

    This tour works well for anyone who wants to see the snow without spending the whole day skiing.
    We want to spend most of the day skiing. Is this the right tour for us?
    A beginner ski or snowboard lesson can be added at either Farellones or Valle Nevado. After the lesson, there is still time for some of the other activities.

    Experienced skiers and snowboarders should choose a separate full ski day at Valle Nevado. It is difficult to combine several hours on the slopes with tubing, sledding, the zipline and a proper visit to Farellones without rushing.
    We have never seen snow before. When is the best time to come?
    Farellones and Valle Nevado are both good places to see snow for the first time: you can walk around, play in the snow and try several easy activities without any experience.

    The winter season usually runs from June to September, and your best chance of good snow is from mid-July to late August. Early in the season some activities may not be open yet, and towards spring the snow melts faster on the lower slopes.

    Conditions change every year, so we check the snow cover and which activities are open before confirming the final program.
    Can we visit both Valle Nevado and Farellones in one day?
    Yes. The standard itinerary includes both places.

    We normally spend around 1.5 to 2 hours at Valle Nevado, with time to walk around, enjoy the views and, if it is operating, take the gondola. Most of the day is spent at Farellones, with its tubing, sledding, chairlift, zipline and beginner ski or snowboard lessons.

    When a ski lesson is added, or experienced skiers want more time on the slopes, we adjust the schedule.
    Is the tour suitable for families with children?
    Yes. Farellones is a good choice for families. There are sleds, snow games, children's attractions and separate play areas.

    Access to each activity depends on the child's height and age, as well as the park's own rules. Before booking, we will ask for the age and height of every child and check what will actually be available to them.

    Young children must be accompanied by an adult. They will also need warm waterproof clothing, suitable footwear, spare gloves and spare socks.
    How demanding is the day, and how does the altitude feel?
    There is no trekking or hiking, and most of the journey is by vehicle. But Valle Nevado sits at about 3,025 meters above sea level, and even a short walk there feels more tiring than in Santiago: you may become short of breath more quickly, and walking through snow takes extra effort.

    Most travelers handle a few hours at this altitude well, though some may get a mild headache or feel tired or dizzy. Sleep well before the tour, avoid too much alcohol and drink water regularly. If anyone feels significantly unwell, we shorten the time at altitude and descend as soon as road conditions allow.

    All active attractions are optional. Travelers with heart or lung conditions, or any condition affected by altitude, should talk to their doctor before the trip.
    Why do we leave so early, and when do we get back?
    The road climbs into the mountains through around forty bends. Snow, ice, snow-chain checks and snow-clearing work can all slow traffic down. Long queues are common on weekends, public holidays and during school breaks, so we leave early to avoid the worst of the traffic and spend more time in the mountains.

    During the busiest weeks, the G-21 road may be open in only one direction at certain times: uphill in the morning and downhill in the afternoon. The authorities publish new hours for each season and may change them because of snowfall or road work, so the exact return time to Santiago cannot be guaranteed.

    For that reason, keep your evening free. It is best not to book an evening flight, a non-refundable ticket, an important meeting or a dinner that requires you to arrive at a fixed time.
    What happens if the road closes, and are all the activities guaranteed to be open?
    Safety always comes first. During heavy snowfall or a storm, the Chilean authorities may restrict traffic, close part of the road or stop vehicles beyond a certain point. If we cannot reach the mountain resorts, we will discuss the available options with you. Depending on the circumstances and our booking terms, the tour may be rescheduled, canceled or replaced with another full-day excursion.

    Activities can also close at short notice. Tubing, sledding, the zipline and chairlifts depend on snow, wind and maintenance, and some may close during the day. We check the road and the published status of the parks before every trip, but the resort makes the final decision.

    We fit snow chains whenever the road authorities require them. Driving with chains is noisier and less smooth, but it is standard in the Chilean mountains.
    What should we wear, and what can we rent?
    Dress in warm layers: a thermal or lightweight base layer, a fleece or warm sweater, a waterproof jacket, waterproof pants, a warm hat and waterproof gloves. The wind makes it feel much colder, particularly on an open chairlift, and snow reflects strong sunlight - bring sunglasses and high-SPF sunscreen even on cloudy days.

    Ordinary city sneakers become wet and slippery in snow. Choose closed, waterproof footwear with a good grip; heavy mountain boots are not necessary.

    Skis, snowboards, boots and helmets can be rented at the mountain centers; ski or snowboard boots are included when you rent the equipment. Winter clothing is harder to rent - sizes and availability are limited on weekends and school breaks - so bring your own or arrange it in Santiago before the tour. For advance rental, we will need each participant's height, weight, shoe size, age and level of experience.
    Which languages are available for ski and snowboard lessons?
    Your guide stays with you throughout the day, but ski and snowboard lessons are taught by the ski school's certified instructors.

    Spanish and English are the most widely available languages. Valle Nevado may also have instructors who speak Portuguese, French, Italian and other languages. Lessons in a particular language must be requested and confirmed in advance.
    Do we need a ski pass if we only want to walk around and have coffee?
    At Valle Nevado, you can visit the public areas of the resort without buying a ski pass. Gondola rides, lessons and equipment rental are paid separately.

    At Farellones, most snow activities require an entrance ticket to the park.
    Is there time for lunch?
    Yes. We plan lunch at one of the mountain centers, depending on the day's schedule, how busy the resorts are and your preferences. On popular winter dates, cafés and restaurants may have long queues, so it can be better to eat slightly earlier or later.

    We also recommend bringing a small snack, especially for children and anyone with particular dietary requirements.
    Is the tour suitable for photographers?
    Yes. There is plenty to photograph along the way: the winding mountain road, rocky slopes, snow-covered ridges, the old houses of Farellones and the scenery around Valle Nevado.

    However, we can stop only where parking is both permitted and safe. We never stop on a narrow roadside simply to take a photograph.

    Professional landscape photographers who need longer stops or want to wait for specific light conditions should choose a separate photography-focused version of the tour. In that case, some of the snow activities are removed from the program.
    Are there pumas near Santiago? Can we see wildlife during the tour?
    The Andes above Santiago are home to Andean condors, caracaras, culpeo foxes, viscachas and other mountain wildlife. Large birds can sometimes be seen flying above the valleys and gorges.

    However, the tour follows a busy mountain road and visits popular winter centers, so wildlife sightings cannot be guaranteed. Pumas are particularly elusive and are very unlikely to be seen. For birdwatching and wildlife, a separate nature tour from Santiago is a better choice.
    Can we visit Yerba Loca Nature Sanctuary on the same day?
    A proper visit to Yerba Loca does not fit into the standard winter program unless a large part of the Valle Nevado and Farellones tour is removed.

    It is better visited on a separate day, when there is time to explore it properly. We offer a dedicated day trip to the sanctuary, with mountain landscapes, plants, birdwatching and easy walks.
    Who is this tour best suited to?
    Families with children, groups of friends and travelers who want to see snow for the first time or spend a winter day high in the Andes.

    The program can be adjusted to the group's age, fitness and interests. We can leave more time for snow activities, add a beginner ski lesson, focus more on the views or arrange a quieter day with lunch at a mountain restaurant.
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