Due to heavy early snowfall, the Valle Nevado ski resort opened two weeks before the scheduled date for the 2014 season, on June 13.
While El Niño weather patterns have forecasted favorable weather conditions for the central Andes this year, the amount of snow received in the past few weeks has already exceeded expectations, and promises an even better season than previously rumored. Valle Nevado currently has nearly three feet of snow, with more flurries predicted in this week’s forecast. Valle Nevado’s hotels will remain closed until June 27, however most trails, select restaurants and other services will open for day skiers and those lodging in condominiums.
This year there are more reasons than ever to visit Valle Nevado, Chile’s premiere ski resort. Earlier this year Chile joined the U.S. visa waiver program and the $160 reciprocity fee for U.S. visitors has been lifted, making air travel to Chile more convenient and affordable than before. In addition, Valle Nevado just became one of the very first southern hemisphere members of the Mountain Collective Pass, joining the ranks of legendary resorts Alta Snowbird, Aspen/Snowmass, Jackson Hole, Squaw Valley/Alpine Meadows, Whistler/Blackcomb and Mammoth Mountain. U.S. Mountain Collective pass holders for 2014-15 receive 2 free lift tickets during Valle Nevado’s 2014 season, and “top-tier” pass holders from member resorts receive 50% lift tickets for up to 7 days.
North American residents have even more ways to save this 2014 season. Skiers can receive up to 35% off hotel reservations for the week of July 11-18, with half board and lift tickets included. Travelers looking for a more independent experience receive up to 25% off apartment rental rates for the same week, July 11-18, with rates starting at just USD $309 per apartment per night in participating condominiums. Plus, an additional 25% discount is available on lift tickets when booked along with your room reservation.
As part of Valle Nevado’s USD $150 million Master Development Project that seeks to turn Valle Nevado into the first full service mountain village in the region, the resort announces the inauguration of a new restaurant, La Leñera, serving hearty mountain fare in a cozy lodge setting, as well as two new apartment buildings, El Plomo and Tupungato.
Valle Nevado, www.vallenevado.com