Skiing in Chile: opening of Valle Nevado

While in Europe and the U.S. skiing is available only on few slopes, ski resort of Valle Nevada in Chile is preparing to open the season this week.

Valle Nevado is one of the most popular and well known ski resorts in South America. It is situated at an altitude of over 3000 meters above sea level, just 50 kilometers from the international airport of the capital Santiago. To date, popularity of a summer ski area of Valle Nevado is rising. As you know, happened this year earthquake has seriously affected the reputation of the Chilean tourism. However, in the case of Valle Nevado, status of the leading resort for winter sports in Chile remained steadfast.

The opening of the current ski season in Chile was well prepared. Thus, on the slopes of Valle Nevado during next weekend will be submitted immediately two new lifts. Thanks to them the resort is able to open five new routes, including amateur tracks, as well as professional red and black.

One of the elevators will serve the resort area, which is called Ballicas. It will be a new double-decked elevator. Another, this time the T-shaped lift, will transport skiers to the slopes of skiing area Valle del Inca. The capacity of the two lifts will be 1300 persons per hour.

Accommodation at the resort Valle Nevado is pride of the resort. There are three luxury hotels, 6 restaurants of thematic cuisine, apartments. Modern infrastructure of Valle Nevado, which is equal to similar ski resorts in Austria or Switzerland, is formed by numerous bars, discos and pubs. At the resort are available recreation and treatment in spas, fitness centers, swimming in the heated pool and children's attractions.

It is worth noting that this summer on two American continents is observed unusual for this season activity at ski resorts. For example, a Canadian ski resort in Whistler, which had recently hosted the Olympic Games, announced its intention to open summer skiing season from June 19, 2010. Summer ski season in Whistler, is scheduled to last until July 25, 2010.