Short Answer
Valle Nevado is the best all-around pick for big, open terrain and variety. La Parva is the favorite of strong skiers who want off-piste and long runs. El Colorado offers the most value and wide groomers, and Portillo is the classic: steep chutes, a historic hotel and almost no lift lines.
The first three sit side by side in the Tres Valles area above Santiago, about 1.5 hours from the city. Portillo is further north on the road to Argentina. Here is how they compare from a guide's point of view.
Part 01
Quick comparison
| Valle Nevado | La Parva | El Colorado | Portillo | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| From Santiago | ~1.5 h | ~1.5 h | ~1.5 h | ~2.5–3 h |
| Day ticket 2026 (USD) | ~105 | ~94 | ~77–85 | ~55–75 |
| Best for | Variety, open bowls, mixed groups | Off-piste, steeps, long vertical | Value, groomers, Farellones base | Steep chutes, atmosphere, no crowds |
| Watch out for | Highest ticket price | Wind on exposed ridges | Busiest on weekends with day trippers | Road closures in storms |
Ticket prices are 2026 adult day rates and vary by season; resorts announce 2027 prices before each season.
Part 02
Valle Nevado: the biggest and most varied
Valle Nevado is Chile's largest resort, with high-altitude, wide-open bowls that suit almost every level. If your group mixes intermediate and advanced skiers, it is the easiest place to keep everyone happy. On powder days, the off-piste from the top lifts is excellent, but it gets tracked out fast.
The downside is price: it has the most expensive day ticket in Chile.
Part 03
La Parva: the locals' mountain
La Parva is where many Santiago skiers go when they want real terrain. It has long vertical, plenty of off-piste and sidecountry, and big Andes views. It suits strong intermediates and advanced skiers who want to get off the groomers. With a guide, it opens up some of the best sidecountry in central Chile.
Part 04
El Colorado: value and groomers
El Colorado sits right above the village of Farellones and has the widest mix of groomers in the area, plus strong off-piste options. Its day ticket is usually the cheapest of the three Tres Valles resorts. It is a smart choice for groups with beginners or for a recovery day after a big storm.
Part 05
Portillo: the classic
Portillo is one of the oldest and most famous ski resorts in the Americas. It hosted the 1966 Alpine World Ski Championships and sits beside a frozen lake, Laguna del Inca, near the Argentine border. The hotel is the center of everything, and because most skiers are hotel guests, lift lines are rare.
The terrain is steep and direct. Portillo is known for its Va et Vient surface lifts, which pull skiers up steep slopes to big chutes like Roca Jack. For strong skiers, it is unlike anything else in South America.
One thing to plan for: the international road to Portillo can close during big storms, so leave a buffer day if you have a flight to catch.
Part 06
Can you ski all three Tres Valles resorts on one ticket?
Valle Nevado, La Parva and El Colorado are connected on the snow, but tickets are sold by each resort. Combined tickets have been offered in some seasons, so ask before you buy. Your guide will tell you which ticket makes sense each day.
Part 07
Our take
If this is your first trip to Chile, ski the Tres Valles and add Portillo if your level and budget allow. That is exactly what our Portillo + Tres Valles week does. If you want to add a volcano, our Chile Ski Resorts + Andes Highlights trip combines the Tres Valles with Nevados de Chillán.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is better, Valle Nevado or La Parva?
Is Portillo worth it?
How far are the ski resorts from Santiago?
Do I need chains to drive to the resorts?
Which resort is best for beginners near Santiago?
Plan Your Trip
Ski the Andes With Local Guides
Want to ski all four with a local guide? See our Portillo + Tres Valles and Andes Week trips.