Farellones, Chile

Farellones, is the entry village to the Three Valleys ski area located just above Santiago, Chile. The Three Valleys – comprising the three linked ski areas of Farellones and El Colorado, La Parva and Valle Nevado - is the largest and most accessible (under one hour from the capital city Santiago) ski area in South America.

Pioneers of Chilean skiing have been coming to ski in Farellones since the early years of the 20th century (at which time the access for the last half of the journey from Santiago, was only by mules). All the early development was in Farellones (Posada de Farellones, University Ski Club of Chile, etc). El Colorado ( in effect a higher base area for Farellones was next area developped – and then in the early 80’s Valle Nevado – a purpose built, French designed resort, and La Parva - a local development of weekend home apartments, followed.

Farellones remains the only village in the mountains that has a sense of village community, a significant year round population, and with the interlinking of all three ski resorts, remains the best location for a ski trip to explore the three valleys.

Ski Season is June to October. Spring Season (some fantastic mountain flora) is December and January. Summer brings dryer weather with warm days and cool nights – and a welcome respite from the summer heat of Santiago. Walking, Mule trekking and for the more dedicated, assents of the higher Andean peaks such as El Plomo are popular summer activities.

Written by William Pinsent - Owner of Property 64439 in Farellones, Chile