Ski Arpa --- Fresh Tracks in the Chilean Andes Ski Arpa is South America's only true Snowcat-serviced resort and provides skiers and snowboarders with untracked powder, no crowds, dramatic views and ear-to-ear smiles typically available only through expensive heliski operations.

 A two-hour drive from Santiago, Ski Arpa sits under the shadow of the western hemisphere's highest mountain, Mount Aconcagua (22,841 feet).

The adventure begins in the tiny town of San Esteban, where a 4x4 vehicle takes skiers up to 8,825 feet to the Ski Arpa base camp, Rancho Avalanchas, a picturesquestone refugio (backcountry shelter) and café. From here, skiers ride Snowcats to the upper peaks of the resort, reaching altitudes as high as an astounding 12,500 feet. Skiers and riders enjoy up to 3,500 vertical feet of intermediate to expert terrain that is entirely above tree line.

Ski Arpa offers a pristine environment that gives skiers the chance to soak in the drama and beauty of the awesome Andean Mountain Range, make turns in virgin powder and quietly watch condors soar overhead or guanacos (a cousin of the llama) slowly making their way across a ridgeline.

Ski Arpa's two Snowcats each have a capacity of 14 passengers. There are no lifts here, and therefore no lift lines, just you, your friends and endless skiing opportunities. Ski Arpa also offers skiers and snowboarders a definitive Chilean-style experience when compared to international-style ski resorts.

Multiple-day packages can be arranged to give you a full taste of Chilean culture, including wine tasting at local vineyards, lodging at a traditional 19th-centuryhacienda or a 4-star spa/hotel, regional cuisine and the chance to share time with local Chileans.

Given its proximity to Santiago, Ski Arpa can be visited for the day, either using transportation provided by the resort or by arriving in your own 4x4 rental vehicle.

A day trip to Ski Arpa is the perfect getaway for visitors with little time in Santiago, or for those seeking an exciting add-on adventure to their planned vacation in Chile.

Ski Arpa Limitada is the lifelong work of Toni Sponar, a native of Austria with a lifetime of ski experience including: ski instructing, ski guiding, ski area management and ski industry consulting. Toni greets and welcomes visitors in German, English or Spanish. Toni first came to Chile in the 1960s and was enchanted by the skiing opportunities available in the Andean peaks. Ski Arpa is a work of love, a place of immense freedom yet intimacy with your surroundings and friends.

Come enjoy Ski Arpa- We can custom build a Ski Arpa holiday with several local hotels ranging from Hostel to Four Star.

Laying claim to the "highest ski resort in the Andes" the popularity is on the rise for breathtaking Valle Nevado which stands 9,925 feet above sea level offering superb snow quality with the advantage of being only 37 miles from the Santiago International Airport, less then 2 hours away.

Valle Nevado is massive in acreage and all above tree line offering 23 miles of groomed pistes distributed on 44 named runs from beginner to expert with a vertical drop of 2,657 feet, all served by 14 lifts including the Andes Express, famous for being the fastest in South America. If this isn't enough, you can indulge in the Snowpark or fulfill your dreams of poaching 6,000 feet of virgin snow on a heli decent offered through the largest heliski operation in South America. Two neighboring ski areas located in the valley just below Valle Nevado, La Parva and El Colorado, are also available by purchasing a lift pass upgrade once at the resort. With Valle Nevado's interconnected lift system, skiers have access to the largest skiable terrain in the southern hemisphere!

New for the 2010 season: Valle Nevado has completely renovated its lounges, guest rooms and restaurants.

This self contained resort offers 3 hotels, 8 restaurants, 3 bars, a fitness center, and a heated swimming pool. Skiers and riders can choose from The Hotel Valle Nevado, The Hotel Puerta del Sol and the Hotel Tres Puntas. Breakfast and dinner are included in all hotel packages with a variety of dining options within your package.