The Best Of Valle Nevado

1. The Tres Puntas Lift

From The Tres Puntas’ summit, you’ll enjoy spectacular panoramic views of the Andes. “Where are all the skiers?” you’ll ask to yourself. A huge expanse consists of two expert runs, seemingly endless cruisers for intermediate skiers and untracked pow fields. But the real goods are outside the ski area boundary at skier’s left—runs here are steep and long with rock outcroppings and wind lips abounding.

2. Eco-Copter Heli-Ski

Valle Nevado’s helicopter-accessed terrain is massive. Tens of thousands of acres are at your reach, from intermediate- advanced rolling terrain to lines that will make your knees tremble. With drop-offs at 14,000 feet above sea level, you can expect to ski nearly 5,000 vertical feet in one run. Book in advance, or book once you get to the resort, it’s that simple.

3. La Fourchette BBQ Buffet

On weekends, and when the sun is out—which is 80 percent of the time—the gourmet La Fourchette breaks out the BBQ for a buffet lunch on its outdoor patio, which boasts sweeping views of the ski resort and a laid-back vibe. So much so that most South American skiers tend to take a two-hour lunch.

4. The Interconnect Ticket

Anyone who books a seven-night stay at Valle Nevado receives one interconnect ticket to either La Parva or El Colorado, which are accessed by chairs and connecting runs (additional interconnect tickets available for an extra price). This opens a total of 7,000 acres of terrain. Yes, you heard right—7,000 acres of skiable terrain. That makes the “Tres Valles” larger than Vail, and only smaller than Whistler Blackcomb and Park City Resort.

5. Après-Ski in the Pool With Cocktails and a DJ

The sunsets at Valle Nevado are stunning, beyond anything you’ve seen high in the mountains. Andean condors soar overhead and the skies melt into pinks, oranges and purples so vivid you’ll freak. The best way to enjoy the show is with a cold beer while soaking with your friends in the spacious, outdoor heated pool, with a DJ spinning music.

6. The Ancla Lift and The Inca Valley

If you really want to get deep in the heart of the Andes (and feel truly insignificant in the face of 17,000-foot peaks), ski over to the back bowl and the general area known as the Inca Valley. The Ancla Poma sits here by itself in the back of the resort, shuttling skiers up to 12,000 feet to ski what is—about 75-percent of the time—untracked terrain. For the steep stuff, take 30 minutes to climb the bowl’s ridge and drop into whichever couloir you please.

7. Sol 1 & Sol 2

Throughout the month of September, it’s common to catch World Cup and Olympic teams training on these two runs. Recent guests include the US women’s team, Norway, Canada and Russia, but each season brings new squads. Throughout the ski season, it’s possible to catch any number of international pro skiers at Valle Nevado, who come to film lines, shoot product for their sponsors or just soul shred.

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