South America 2026

[ChrisC]

I am still coming to terms with everything not going to plan for Winter 2025-26.

Might to try to add something over the summer.

NZ (and Australia) must wait until July, and/or 100 cm+ snow bases, before it's worth booking.

However, Southern Chile might be worth considering. It likely gets the most reliable snowfall in the Southern Hemisphere (300"/year?):

• Corralco,
• Nevados de Chillán, and
• Pillán
• Bonus at 3 Vallees (El Colorado is getting integrated into Valle Nevado and La Parva) or Ski Arpa Snowcat

This inspiration stems from last year's reports/trips to Nevados de Chillán - especially when everywhere else in South America was dreadful.

Looks like an interesting itinerary with downtime buffer for volcano storms:

Chile Ski & Road Trip 2026 | South American Group Powder Adventure with PeakHouse — PeakRankings

www.peakrankings.com

 

[Skieric]

El Colorado is getting integrated into Valle Nevado and La Parva

I hadn’t heard about this. What have you come across regarding this merger? 1 pass?

 

[ChrisC]

I hadn’t heard about this. What have you come across regarding this merger? 1 pass?

IDK. Maybe I was not reading carefully. Skimmed some improvements...looks like it's still Valle-Parva...

However, El Colorado is rather disappointing terrain-wise except for its backside. And if you can read a map, you can access some of its better terrain, but crossing back and forth from Valle Nevado and using its lift system.

Nothing on the websites of Valle Nevado/La Parva about joint lift tickets - who knows? They have all been separate since inception in the 1980s, why rush into things...

MCP Announces Intent | MCP

Discover how Mountain Capital Partners is investing over $15 million in resort upgrades for the 2025/2026 season—plus record-breaking milestones, extended operations into May, and what’s new with the Power Pass.

www.mcp.ski

Mountain Capital Partners to Acquire 4 More Ski Areas in Chile, Including El Colorado

Transaction would make MCP the largest U.S.-based operator of ski areas outside of North America, set stage for largest ski resort in western and southern hemisphere

www.stormskiing.com

Valle Nevado and La Parva, Chile, are slated for more than $17.5 million in upgrades that include lift modernizations and continued snowmaking expansion as well as the addition of 39 new Aconcagua Ski Residences, a luxury apartment offering with hotel-style service.

Lift upgrades at Valle Nevado include a new drive and electronics on the Valle Gondola, new control upgrades on the Andes lift, and a new drive and controls on the Prado lift. At La Parva, lift modernizations include a full motor rebuild for primary and auxiliary motors for the Tortolas lift, new haul ropes for the Alpha and Vegas lifts, and a new electronics interface for the Aguilas lift.

 

[MarzNC]

TGR had an article about what to expect at Valle Nevado in 2026. No mention of El Colorado.

March 2026

Valle Nevado Unveils 2026 Opening Date and Major Upgrades

Valle Nevado 2026 opening is set for June 14. Explore exciting improvements planned for an amazing ski season ahead.

www.tetongravity.com

" . . .

Unlocking the Tres Valles Interconnect​

The integration with neighboring La Parva is reaching a new level this season. For the first time, guests at Valle Nevado hotels or Aconcagua Residences can ride both mountains on one ticket. This creates one of the Southern Hemisphere’s largest lift-served areas, with over 4,000 acres, 87 trails, and 30 lifts. It’s a variety of terrain that allows riders to follow the sun across the ridgelines of the central Andes.
. . ."

 

[MarzNC]

Didn't remember that Valle Nevado has been on the Mountain Collective since 2014. The MC website has closing dates for 2025-26 that also includes opening dates for the southern hemisphere. For Valle Nevado, it says "2026 OPENING: June 14, 2026 (announced target);
June 19, 2026 (operational schedule)."