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Laguna del Inca surrounded by snowy mountains at Portillo

Comparison

Portillo or Valle Nevado: where to ski near Santiago

We compare Portillo and Valle Nevado for skiing near Santiago: distance, type of skiing, accommodation, day trip or overnight, and how to spend less.

Photo: PeladínSinOlfato · CC BY-SA 3.0

Short answer

Choose Valle Nevado and Farellones to ski on a day trip from Santiago or to combine several nearby resorts with more accommodation. Choose Portillo for a classic, quiet resort by Laguna del Inca with fewer people on the slopes, though with very little accommodation and a road that can close with snow.

Reviewed: November 2026

Side by side

PortilloFarellones & Valle Nevado
Distance from SantiagoAbout 140 km, roughly 2 hours without traffic, via Los Andes and Route 60.About 60 km, a little over an hour up the winding Farellones road.
Day tripPossible but long; the pass road can close during storms.Yes, the most common and cheapest option.
AtmosphereClassic and quiet, with few people per run.Busier, with several linked or nearby resorts.
AccommodationVery little: the ski area's hotel and lodges; more options in Los Andes.Hotels and apartments in Valle Nevado, Farellones and La Parva, or stay in Santiago.
SceneryLaguna del Inca surrounded by mountains.High mountains with views of the central Andes and Santiago on clear days.
Cheapest place to sleepLos Andes, about 1 h 15 min away.Santiago, driving up early for the day.
Laguna del Inca surrounded by snowy mountains at Portillo

Choose Portillo if…

  • You want a classic resort with fewer people on the slopes.
  • You plan to stay several days in the mountains.
  • Laguna del Inca and the high Andes by the border appeal to you.
Where to stay in Portillo →
Snowy slopes of El Colorado, in the Farellones area

Choose Farellones & Valle Nevado if…

  • You want to ski on a day trip from Santiago.
  • You want to combine Valle Nevado, La Parva and El Colorado.
  • You prefer more accommodation and services.
Where to stay in Farellones & Valle Nevado →

Two ways to ski from Santiago

Valle Nevado and the Farellones resorts are the practical choice: close, with several resorts and plenty of accommodation, ideal for a day trip. Portillo is a different experience: a classic ski resort by Laguna del Inca, further away and with very little accommodation, but with quieter slopes.

Sources

FAQ

Which is closer to Santiago?

Valle Nevado and Farellones, a little over an hour away. Portillo is about 2 hours without traffic.

Can you do Portillo as a day trip?

Yes, but it is a long trip and the road to the Los Libertadores Pass can close with snow. Check the road status before setting off.

Where is it easier to find accommodation?

In Valle Nevado, Farellones and La Parva, or by staying in Santiago. Portillo has very little accommodation and fills up quickly in July.

Do I need chains?

In winter, yes, on both roads when there is snow or ice.