Valle Nevado, Chile Opens 100% of Terrain Following Strong Start to Winter

All Images: Courtesy of Valle Nevado Ski Resort

As heat waves batter North America, winter rolls on south of the equator. In fact, many resorts in the Southern Hemisphere have been seeing a great start to the 2025 ski season.

Australia’s Hotham Alpine Resort has had several storms deliver the goods, giving skiers Down Under access to terrain that typically doesn’t open until late July. New Zealand has also had its fair share of storms, with Cardrona Resort opening the new 370-acre Soho Basin and accompanying express lift.

But the South Island has yet to hit its wintery stride compared to South America, where the Andes Mountains specifically have been on a roll. Following a historic winter in 2024, forecasters were conflicted on whether or not Mother Nature would cooperate this year. But so far, the dice have been favorable, as one of the most popular resorts in the area, Valle Nevado, Chile, is now 100% open.

There have been ample soft landings and softer turns at Valle Nevado this winter

The ski area has reported over six feet of fresh snow this season. While the Andes tend to build their snowpack over the course of a few powerful storms, this winter has supplied plenty of intermittent cold weather, which has given mountain operations the chance to consistently open new terrain.

Valle Nevado was able to open a week ahead of schedule on June 13, and by the end of June, they had 90% of lifts in operation and 100% of terrain. That is no small feat, and they’ve certainly been working nonstop to make this achievement a reality. Open Snow is forecasting a dry spell for the Andes over the coming days, but clear skies and temps below 40°F should make for ideal turns until the faucet is back on.

And if you’re still contemplating a trip to Chile, it’s worth noting that Ikon, Power and Mountain Collective Pass holders get 10-15% hotel prices at Valle Nevado this winter. For more tips and tricks to ski the south this year, check out FREESKIER’s pointers right here.