Snow in Santiago, Chile: Complete Guide for Winter 2025

Planning a trip to enjoy the snow season in Santiago, Chile? See our advice on how to prepare, the best tours, the best ski resorts, when it will start to snow, how to pack, and much more.

Santiago is the most popular Chilean destination for seeing snow and skiing, especially among Brazilian tourists. The city is home to some main ski resorts in South America and offers many snow activities, both for those looking for extreme sports and for those seeking family fun.

In winter, Santiago also offers many other snow-viewing tours beyond the ski resorts. The main one is the classic trip to Cajón del Maipo, which passes through the snowy landscapes of Embalse El Yeso. In addition, Santiago’s winter scenery is stunning, with the snow-covered Andes framing the city’s landscape.

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Simplifying the Snow Season in Santiago

The snow season in Santiago begins in June and lasts until October.

The best place to see snow in Santiago is in the Andes Mountain Range, where the ski resorts and Cajón del Maipo are located.

The main ski resorts in Santiago are Valle Nevado, Los Farellones, El Colorado, La Parva, and Portillo.

The best months to ski in Santiago are from July to September, when the snowfall is heavier.

The most common ways to reach the snowy region in Santiago are by transfer, tours, or private car.

Winter is high season in Santiago. So, book your hotel in advance to get the best accommodations.

Purchase travel insurance that covers sports if you plan to ski or engage in any other sport.

The best tours to take during the snow season in Santiago are skiing and snowboarding, visiting the ski resorts, touring Cajón del Maipo and Embalse El Yeso, visiting Santiago’s viewpoints, and enjoying the view of the snow-covered Andes Mountains.

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When does it snow in Santiago, Chile?

The snow season in Santiago begins in winter, between the months of June and October. Usually, the first snowfalls occur in June, and the snow begins to accumulate in the regions near the Andes and at the ski resorts.

It’s important to remember that snowfalls are natural and unpredictable events, meaning there is no exact period for their beginning or end. In 2024, for example, the first snowfall was recorded in early May in the Andes region, an unusual event caused by the arrival of a cold front.

So, to see snow in Santiago, I recommend planning your trip between July and September. In June and October, it’s also possible to see snow, but it’s usually not suitable for skiing, as the snow layer is too thin and mixed with dirt.

Where to see snow in Santiago, Chile?

It is very rare for it to snow in central Santiago. The last snowfall in the Chilean capital occurred in June 2024, after seven years, but it didn’t snow in all neighborhoods of the city. So, to see snow, you’ll have to go to the Andes region.

The best place to see snow in Santiago is in the Andes Mountain Range, where the ski resorts and Cajón del Maipo are located. This is the highest and coldest region of Santiago, where several snowfalls occur and the snow layer is thicker.

For those who want to practice sports like skiing, snowboarding, sledding, and snow tubing, the ski resorts are the best places to see snow in Santiago. But if you’re just looking to enjoy the snow and the moment, the tours to Cajón del Maipo pass through the beautiful snowy landscapes of the Andes, such as Embalse El Yeso.

Staying at a hotel in one of the ski resorts is a fantastic choice for a more genuine snow experience. That way, you can wake up to snowy mountain views every day and take advantage of ski or snowboard lessons.

Best ski resorts in Santiago, Chile

Santiago is a very popular destination for skiing and snowboarding. The region has good ski resorts with complete infrastructure and slopes for all skill levels.

The main ski resorts in Santiago are Valle Nevado, Los Farellones, El Colorado, La Parva, and Portillo. Valle Nevado and Los Farellones are the most popular and offer the best facilities for snow sports.

The ski resorts charge a daily fee or packages to use their facilities, but you can also book ski and snowboard lessons, as well as rent equipment. Lessons are usually available individually or in groups and are offered to adults and children of all skill levels.

Get to know the main ski resorts in Santiago:

• Valle Nevado: This is the most famous and highest ski resort in Santiago. It has excellent infrastructure with more than 44 slopes, 15 ski lifts, bars, restaurants, a spa, gym, heated pool, hotel, and a ski school for adults and children. The resort offers access for beginners and professionals, as well as rental of clothing, equipment, and cable car rides.
• Los Farellones: A ski resort that resembles more of an amusement park, making it a great option for those who want to have fun in the snow and are looking for a more affordable place. Despite its simplicity, this resort offers a wide range of activities. In addition to providing activities like tubing, sledding, ziplining, snow bikes, and climbing, Los Farellones also has a hotel, restaurant, and café. It also has three areas: base, intermediate, and summit, and offers ski and snowboard lessons.
• El Colorado: A large ski resort in Santiago with 22 slopes for all levels, 11 of which are for beginners. This is a good choice for those starting out in skiing or snowboarding. On-site, you’ll find restaurants, cafés, a hotel, and apartments for rent.
• La Parva: A less popular ski resort, so it’s usually less crowded, with shorter lines for renting equipment and accessing the ski lifts compared to the more popular resorts. La Parva has slopes for all levels and offers ski and snowboard lessons. At this Santiago ski resort, you’ll also find restaurants and cafés, as well as apartments for rent.
• Portillo: This ski resort is the farthest from downtown Santiago, located 160 kilometers (99.41 miles) away. It features several ski slopes for all levels and offers good infrastructure for its visitors.

Here’s a tip! Want to see the snow falling? Keep an eye on the weather forecast and choose days with a chance of snowfall to visit the ski resorts. Just remember that on those days, the sky is cloudy, visibility on the slopes worsens, and it’s not the best time for snow sports. Also, during snowfalls, the views at the ski resorts are not as scenic.

What is the best time to ski in Santiago?

The ski season in Santiago begins when the resorts open, usually between June and September; in cases of abundant snow, it can extend into October. However, the resorts may start operating with little snow, with only a few slopes open.

At the end of the snow season, the resorts also tend to have a lower snow volume, as it is already melting. Therefore, the best months to ski in Santiago are from July to September, when the snow quantity is greater.

How to get to the snowy region in Santiago?

The snowy region in Santiago is located outside the city, so it’s necessary to choose a suitable means of transportation to visit the area. The most popular way to reach the snow region is by booking tours to the ski resorts that include transportation.

The most comfortable and convenient option is to hire a transfer service or rent a car.

When hiring a transfer, you can select between shared or private options. Shared transfers are more affordable, but you’ll be dependent on the schedules set by the agencies. You can choose your own timetable with private transfers, which are more exclusive.

If you decide to rent a car, keep in mind that the roads have many curves, and you should rent a vehicle suitable for driving in the snow. Additionally, on snowy days, traffic becomes heavier and the roads more dangerous. If you don’t have experience driving in snow, it’s not recommended to go there by car.

Advice for trips and transportation to the snowy regions and ski resorts:

• Transfer from Santiago to the ski resorts.
• Portillo Ski Resort Day Trip from Santiago.
• Andes Mountains Sunset and Valle Nevado & Picnic.
• Valle Nevado and Farellones Ski Center Day Trip.
• El Colorado Ski Day.
• Farellones Park Tour.
• Excursion to Cajón del Maipo.
• Portillo Inca Lagoon in Los Andes + Local Vineyard Tour.
• Andes Portillo & Aconcagua Premium vineyard tasting semi-private.
• Car rental in Santiago, Chile.

Weather and temperature in Santiago during the snow season

During the snow season in Santiago, the landscapes are stunning, with the Andes Mountains covered in snow framing the entire city.

On classic tours, such as Cajón del Maipo, you’ll find fully snow-covered scenery. Meanwhile, the vineyards have dry vines set against the beautiful snowy backdrop.

Winter in Santiago is dry, with short and cold days. This is also the period when it rains the most in the city, although rainfall is still low, as Santiago has a dry climate year-round.

The average temperature in Santiago during winter is around 10°C (50°F), with daytime highs around 17°C (63°F). At night, temperatures drop significantly, reaching around 3°C (37°F), or even below freezing on some occasions and in certain areas.

In the ski resort region, it gets much colder than in central Santiago, and subzero temperatures are common. So, if you plan to stay or visit that area, be prepared for intense cold.

We traveled to Santiago in August and found the daytime temperatures quite comfortable, always ranging between 15°C and 17°C (59°F to 63°F). We didn’t experience temperatures below 10°C (50°F) on any day of the trip. In the Andes region, however, the weather was colder, and even on a sunny day, temperatures were around 7°C (45°F).

What to do in Santiago during the snow season?

The tours to the ski resorts are the main attractions of the snow season in Santiago, as they are exclusive to this time of year. However, the region’s classic tours can be done year-round, such as visiting the vineyards, touring Cajón del Maipo, exploring Viña del Mar and Valparaíso, and visiting the main tourist spots in central Santiago.

So, during winter in Santiago, you can enjoy all the city’s classic tours and still visit the ski resorts.

1. Skiing and snowboarding

Santiago has some of the most well-known ski resorts in South America and is a very popular destination for skiing and snowboarding, both among professional athletes and beginners. The most recommended ski resorts for sports are: Valle Nevado, El Colorado, La Parva, and Portillo.

The ski resorts in Santiago offer slopes for all levels, and you can book private or group lessons. Check the ski resorts’ websites for all the information about their opening dates and prices.

2. Visiting ski resorts

Even if you don’t want to practice any sports, visiting the ski resorts is one of the best activities to do in Santiago during winter. At Santiago’s ski resorts, you can have fun in the snow, go sledding, snow tubing, ride the cable car and zipline, among other activities.

The most recommended ski resort for those who just want to enjoy the snow is Los Farellones, which has a structure similar to an amusement park.

• Suggested Tours: Portillo Ski Resort Day Trip from Santiago., Andes Mountains Sunset and Valle Nevado & Picnic, Small-Group Tour to Valle Nevado and Farellones, El Colorado Ski Day, and Farellones Park Tour.

3. Staying at a ski resort in Santiago

Want to experience a full winter adventure with subzero temperatures and wake up every day to snow-covered peaks? I recommend staying at a hotel in one of the ski resorts. Basically, all the ski resorts offer accommodations.

4. Tour of Cajón del Maipo and Embalse El Yeso

This is one of the most classic tours in Santiago, and during winter, the landscapes of Cajón del Maipo gain an extra charm with the presence of snow. It’s the most recommended tour for those who want to see snow in Santiago without visiting the ski resorts.

Cajón del Maipo is located 100 kilometers (62.137 miles) from Santiago and is a paradise with stunning natural landscapes. The most famous attraction in Cajón del Maipo is Embalse El Yeso, a reservoir with breathtaking scenery where water and mountains create a unique landscape.

The tour to Cajón del Maipo also includes a stop at the Termas Valle de Colina, which during winter features outdoor thermal pools surrounded by snow-covered mountains.

As this is a very popular tour among tourists, most agencies in Santiago offer it. It’s possible to rent a car and go on your own, but in winter, the roads become more dangerous due to the snow. So, if you don’t have experience driving in snowy conditions, I don’t recommend doing the tour on your own in winter.

• Suggested Tours: Excursion to Cajón del Maipo, Andes Day Volcano 8K – Cajón del Maipo, and Cajon Del Maipo with Lunch and Vineyard Tour.

5. Taking a vineyard tour

The vineyards of Santiago are a popular tour year-round, so even during the snow season, this is a highly recommended activity.

The vineyards offer beautiful scenery. During winter, the vines are dry, but some have the snowy Andes as a backdrop, framing the winter landscapes. In addition, vineyard tours include wine tastings, which pair perfectly with the colder season.

The most popular way to visit the vineyards around Santiago is by joining organized tours, but you can also visit them on your own if you have a car.

• Suggested Tours: Viña Concha y Toro Marqués Half Day Tour, Visit 4 Wineries Lunch Stop Tanino Restaurant, Casablanca world class wines, 4 vineyards & Tanino lunch stop, Cousiño Macul Vineyard – Maipo Valley, Half-Day Small Group Undurraga Vineyard Tour, and Premium Wine Tasting and Tour at Santa Rita + Private Transport.

6. Visiting Santiago’s viewpoints and enjoying the view of the snow-covered Andes Mountains

Santiago features a variety of viewpoints that offer unique views of the Andes Mountains. During winter, the Andes are completely covered in snow, creating a magnificent visual.

The best viewpoints to visit in Santiago include:

• Cerro Santa Lucia: A free-entry park with a lookout that provides a privileged view of Santiago and the Andes Mountains. Located in the Lastarria neighborhood, Cerro Santa Lucia is 70 meters high, and the ascent is done via ramps and stairs.
• Cerro San Cristobal: This hill is part of Santiago’s Metropolitan Park and rises approximately 300 meters. It offers a beautiful panoramic view of the Andes Mountains and the city. The main access is in Bellavista, and the ascent is made by funicular.
• Sky Costanera: This is the highest viewpoint in Latin America and offers a privileged 360º view of Santiago and the Andes Mountains. The attraction is located at the top of the tallest building in Latin America, the Costanera Center, which stands 300 meters high. In addition to the viewpoint, the building also houses the Costanera Mall, the largest shopping center in Santiago.

7. Shopping for winter clothing

In Santiago, there are good stores for those looking to buy winter clothing, coats, boots, and accessories like gloves and hats. Malls such as Costanera Center and Parque Arauco are the most recommended, featuring both national and international brands that offer a wide variety of winter apparel.

Buying winter and snow clothing is a great opportunity for anyone wanting to put together a complete outfit to face the snow and still take home some stylish pieces.

8. Staying at a hotel with a view of the Andes Mountains

During winter, the Andes Mountains are covered in snow, and waking up to that view is one of the most memorable experiences of a trip to Santiago.

In the city, there are great hotel options with views of the Andes, especially in the neighborhoods of Las Condes, Vitacura, and Providencia (check out the best neighborhoods to stay in Santiago).

Some hotels, such as the Mandarin Oriental and Santiago Marriott Hotel, offer rooms with views of the Andes Mountains. If you’re able to invest a bit more, it’s worth choosing a room with a balcony or large windows to enjoy this unique scenery.

9. Doing the classic Santiago tours

Don’t miss out on Santiago’s most classic tours. The city offers a wide variety of cultural attractions, viewpoints, parks, shopping malls, restaurants, bars, and day trips to nearby destinations. The top recommended tours in Santiago are:

• Free Walking Tour through downtown Santiago.
• Visiting the city’s main museums (La Chascona House Museum, National Museum of Fine Arts, Pre-Columbian Art Museum, National Historical Museum, and the Museum of Memory and Human Rights).
• Exploring the historical monuments and buildings in downtown Santiago. (Metropolitan Cathedral of Santiago, La Moneda Cultural Center, La Moneda Palace, Plaza de Armas, Central Market of Santiago, and Central Post Office).
• Exploring Bellavista and the charming Patio Bellavista.
• Visiting the charming Paris-Londres neighborhood.
• Touring the coastal cities of Viña del Mar, Valparaíso, and Isla Negra.
• Visiting the Bahá’í Temple.
• Exploring the charming Lastarria neighborhood and Forest Park (Parque Forestal).

What to pack for Santiago during the snow season?

To enjoy the snow season in Santiago with comfort and safety, it’s essential to dress appropriately.

In downtown Santiago and at the ski resorts, you’ll find plenty of shops that rent clothing and equipment for snow sports or just having fun in the snow. So, if you don’t have snow gear, there’s no need to worry—you can simply rent what you need for the days you’ll be in the snow.

For everyday use, special clothing isn’t necessary—just dress in layers with garments suitable for low temperatures and intense cold.

Check out our suggestions for essential items to enjoy the cold and snow in Santiago, Chile:

• Thermal base layer: Wear thermal clothing layers to keep heat close to your body. This includes thermal tops, pants, and socks. Choose materials like wool or synthetic fabrics that help retain warmth.
• Middle layers: For the middle layer, go for warm materials like fleece or wool sweaters.
• Waterproof jacket: A waterproof jacket is an essential item for winter outings in Santiago. Choose one that is wind- and water-resistant to protect against the elements such as snow, rain, and wind. During tours, it gets very cold and windy, and you might occasionally face light rain or snowfall.
• Waterproof pants: Essential for those planning to do sports or play in the snow. This is an item worth renting unless you already have one and prefer to bring it.
• Hat, gloves, and scarf: Keeping your head, hands, and neck warm on the coldest days makes a big difference, as these parts of the body are especially sensitive to the cold.
• Sunglasses: Protect your eyes from UV rays reflected off the snow. These rays can be extremely harmful to your vision and make it difficult to see. Sunglasses or ski goggles with proper lenses are indispensable for anyone skiing or playing in the snow.
• Sunscreen: Even on cold days, UV radiation can be intense in the snow.
• Waterproof boots: For snow outings, choose boots suitable for walking in snow—preferably waterproof and with good traction to avoid slipping. Waterproof boots can be rented along with other snow gear.
• Thermal socks: Wear thick, thermal socks to keep your feet warm. Avoid layering multiple socks, as this can compress your feet and cause sweating. Instead, opt for a high-quality sock designed for low temperatures that keeps your feet warm without moisture buildup.
• Moisturizers: The cold can make your skin extremely dry, so don’t forget to bring good facial and lip moisturizers. For your body, choose a quality lotion or oil.

Where in Santiago can I rent ski gear and snow gear?

The ski resorts in Santiago offer rentals for clothing and equipment for skiing, snowboarding, and various snow activities. You can also rent your clothing and equipment in the metropolitan area of Santiago, which has a variety of rental shops. Most rental stores are located in the neighborhoods of Bellavista, Providencia, and Las Condes. Along the way to the ski resorts, there are also some shops where you can rent clothing and gear.

For those planning to ski, I recommend renting equipment directly at the ski resorts. Even if it’s a bit more expensive, you won’t have to carry the gear around. On the other hand, if you only plan to rent snow clothing, the prices in central Santiago are usually more affordable.

For those taking a tour with a travel agency, it’s likely they will suggest a specific shop for equipment rental. On some tours, there’s even a scheduled stop at a roadside rental shop to pick up the gear. However, these stores don’t always offer the best prices or highest quality equipment.

I highly recommend bringing your own gloves, goggles, and hat. The gloves and hats available at rental shops are often sweaty, as they’ve been used before and many places rent them out again without washing. As for the goggles, they often don’t fit well—either too big or too small—making them uncomfortable to wear.

Travel insurance for skiing in Santiago

Travel insurance is always essential, but if you plan to ski or engage in other extreme sports, it’s even more important. That’s because when we practice sports, we’re more prone to accidents, so having reliable medical assistance is crucial.

Most standard travel insurance plans don’t cover adventure sports like skiing and snowboarding. So, when purchasing your travel insurance for Chile, pay close attention to the types of coverage and choose one that includes accidents during sports activities.

Get your travel insurance quote for Santiago here.

Also check out: Where to stay in Puerto Varas with tips on the best hotels.