Winter Vacations are coming up, and many people take advantage of the break to hit the slopes. It is a great plan, and one of the many advantages of Santiago. It is close and almost always sunny. I mean in one day you can enjoy the mountain and the snow, and then head back home for a full calorie dinner (pizza after skiing is so deserved!)
In order to make the best of a Day Trip to La Cordillera from Santiago, these are some things you have to consider during the weekend or holidays:
1) Wake up very early! You should be on the road up to Farallones no later than 7:15 am. We mean this! At this time the drive should be up to 1 hour and 30 minutes. If you leave later be prepared to be stuck in HEAVY traffic, and a very looong 4 hour trip
2) If you are planning of going in different Cars, a great meeting point is the last Copec before the intersection to Farallones in Av. Las Condes. It is open, and it has coffee. (No more to say)
3) Make sure to have chains inside your car. They are obligatory during skiing season; even if it is not snowing you might get pulled over by the Carabineros, which will ask to see them.
4) As an alternative, you can rent chains on the road going up. You will see the guys installing the on the right hand side. There is a small Carabinero checkpoint going up Farallones, make sure to have the chains before this point.
5) Very curvy road going up and it can get icy (Particurlaly when going to Valle Nevado) So, it is better to take it slow.
6) Once up in Farallones, you could decide to go to El Colorado, La Parva or Valle Nevado. They are three different ski centers. Our favorite is Valle Nevado because it has the most modern infrastructure (Express lifts and gondolas). But, try all of them as part of the experience.
6) You could save some money if you rent your skis in Santiago instead of up in the mountain. These places are very affordable, with average equipment. (Don´t expect fancy rentals)
– Da Ski
7) Try avoiding the crowds during the day. Since you will open the ski center, have lunch an hour earlier, and enjoy the slopes when everyone is at lunch.
8) Have in mind that food at the ski center is expensive and not very good. So if you don´t want to spent too much money, prepare food and leave it in the car. There are a couple of places where you can eat your own food.
9) It WILL be crowded. It is a fact, so relax and enjoy the day. Breathe the fresh air and burn some calories.
10) Leave one hour before closing! We know you want to ski until the last minute, but trust us it is not worth the heavy traffic going down. Besides a pizza, or a burger are waiting for you back in Santiago.
Hope these tips are useful =) =)
Have something to add? Share it with us in the comments!
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