The resort will soon become part of the largest ski area in the Southern Hemisphere
Chile has long attracted summer skiers with its perfectly groomed slopes, breathtaking views, and world-class dining. Now, global snow seekers have one more reason to add the Andes to their bucket lists. Resort operator Mountain Capital Partners (MCP), which owns Valle Nevado in Chile’s famed Tres Valles has announced that it will buy the neighboring La Parva Ski Area, putting two of Chile’s largest resorts under the same ownership — while drawing international attention to what has historically been a local playground.
Valle Nevado and La Parva share a border with an established interconnect system of lifts and trails that allows guests to easily ski both areas. When the Chilean winter season starts in June 2024, skiers will have access to a combined 5,000 skiable acres with 30 lifts and 84 trails. La Parva also offers 200,000 acres of heli-skiing on the world’s highest mountain chain outside the Himalayas. A Bavarian-style village with three restaurants and a bar adds a lively atmosphere for apres-ski enthusiasts, while a village grocery store adds convenience for families, all of which stand to drive interest in La Parva among North American skiers who might have chosen Portillo or Australia for their summer fix.
Located just an hour outside Santiago, La Parva and Valle Nevado are also within reasonable flying distance from American cities. New York and Los Angeles both offer daily nonstop flights, which can reach Santiago in about 10 to 11 hours. And thanks to MCP’s Power Pass, an emerging alternative to the Epic and Ikon Passes, tickets are seamless. Although Chile remains MCP’s only international holding, managing director James Coleman has expressed confidence that under his team’s leadership, the two Tres Valles ski areas will become a world-class resort.
“Valle Nevado and La Parva represent some of the best ski resort brands in South America,” he said. “Together, with these two world-class resorts, we are committed to creating the largest and best lift-served resort in the world.”
Here’s everything you need to know about La Parva Ski Area:
It’s the playground of Chile’s elite.
La Parva draws Chilean skiers who like the close proximity to Santiago and sweeping Andean views. Powderhounds has called it an “exclusive private ski club for Santiago’s wealthy families,” who love basking on their sun decks and heading to La Parva’s fine dining restaurants to be seen. The local love makes for a crowded scene on the weekends, but mid-week skiers report empty slopes and few lines. For families looking to immerse themselves in South American culture, La Parva holds a special allure, with rave reviews for dining, service, and snow quality.
International skiers can expect some quirks
La Parva will charm travelers who love an authentic experience, but for skiers used to heated gondolas and speedy six-packs, the operations will raise some eyebrows. The majority of lifts at La Parva are T-bars or bucket lifts, which will surprise – thought not necessarily delight – foreign skiers. The dining scene makes up for this less-than-luxurious experience. Restaurants like Saint Tropez serve European-style menus with a Chilean flair, including an afternoon pisco sour. Read more about La Parva dining.
Another quirk of La Parva is the lack of hotel lodging. This may not bother skiers who favor an authentic village experience and don’t mind grocery shopping for coffee and staples, but it won’t charm fans of the Montage. If you can live without housekeeping or ski valet service, you’ll find dreamy ski-in, ski-out apartments with amenities like on-site swimming pools, hot tubs, and shuttle service. A few of our favorites:
La Parva Ski Condo: This 3-bedroom, 2-bath condo sits 20 meters from the base of La Parva for easy ski access. A large terrace offers views of Santiago, and guests have the benefit of on-site hosts to assist their stay.
Nueva La Parva Apartments: These 6- and 8-person apartments do offer daily maid service and even babysitting. Guests can walk to the slopes and enjoy a heated on-site pool.
Casa Farellones: This 8-bedroom, 7-bath chalet offers walk-out, ski-in access to El Colorado and lies just 4 minutes by car from La Parva.
For the best accommodations, however, it pays to let a professional plan your trip. Tour operators often have access to private apartments not listed on VRBO and Airbnb. Some, like Endless Turns, even include experiences like a winery tour and excursion to Vina del Mar.
Luxury Ski Magazine 