Ski slopes of Chile

Ski resorts of Chile are again safe for tourists

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Ski Resorts of Chile recovered from one of the most devastating earthquakes in February this year and once again ready to receive tourists.

Devastating earthquake in February this year in Chile was one of the most powerful over the past fifty years. The epicenter was located about 500 kilometers from the capital, Santiago, and spread to the popular Chilean ski resorts. Despite the relative distance from the epicenter of the earthquake, a number of resorts have suffered a certain loss.

Some of the most popular resorts such as Valle Nevado, Portillo and El Colorado conducted a thorough inspection of the slopes for cracks, as well as the technical condition of lifts and hotels in the region. Despite the fact that some ski resorts suffered the earthquake without significant damage, almost all require repairs of different complexity. In addition to the considerable financial costs for the reconstruction of ski resorts, tourism in Chile lost millions due to numerous cancellations of booked ski tours.

It should be noted that since the mid 60-s in Chile came into force anti-seismic legislation that strictly regulates the construction of new buildings of appropriate seismic standards. The main damage from the latest earthquake in February fell on the buildings and structures built in the late 19, early 20 century.

According to the managing staff of ski centers, infrastructure of winter resorts in Chile was created in a hard compliance with anti-seismic legislation and is absolutely safe during earthquakes with the magnitude of 9 points. Also they say that the epicenter of the February earthquake was located at a considerable distance from the ski resorts of Chile and didn’t cause it significant damage.

Despite the earthquake happened, ski resorts in Chile not only did not stop the flow of tourists, but also significantly improved the infrastructure of the resorts. Thus, in Valle Nevado were installed 2 new lifts, refurbished major roads, five-star hotel and restaurant. El Colorado resort also enacted new lifts and rental equipment and also developed a series of activities for night skiing.

According to the experts of the tourist industry, today Chile's ski resorts are in excellent condition and are not dangerous to the tourists and are ready to receive hundreds of thousands of new tourists.

Alesia Belaya

Date: 20/05/2010