South American Ski Destination Announces Planned Opening Day

Is it too early to start thinking about skiing in South America? 

During any other season, we might say yes, but with the wild temperature swings and fewer than usual powder days out West, a little fantasizing couldn’t hurt. 

Valle Nevado, Chile, one of South America’s best-known ski resorts, has announced when it plans to open and shared the details of its $3.3 Million in pre-winter upgrades.

The mountain, conditions permitting, aims to open on June 14, 2026, and keep the lifts spinning through October 4. 

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The upgrades include the debut of the Aconcagua Ski Residences, a new collection of 39 apartment-style accommodations that, according to Valle Nevado, are meant for families and small groups who want more space.

And yes, you can still hit Valle Nevado’s heated pool and spa if you’re staying at the Aconcagua.

The investment also covers expanded snowmaking, lift modernization work, and new grooming equipment.

The headliner for skiers, though, is that Valle Nevado and its neighbor, La Parva, will be more closely integrated. Those staying at Valle Nevado’s hotels can ski both mountains on a single ticket, accessing more than 4,000 acres of terrain, 87 trails, and 30 lifts.

Mountain Capital Partners bought the two resorts in recent years. The company, based in Durango, Colorado, mainly owns ski areas in the American Southwest, offering access to them through its multi-pass, the Power Pass.

But in expanding its footprint to South America, MCP gave Power Pass holders more options: the 2025-26 Power Pass included ten interconnected days at Valle Nevado and La Parva during the 2025 South American season.

The acquisition of La Parva, which came after Valle Nevado, marked “another step towards MCP’s goal of creating the world’s largest lift-served ski area,” according to a blurb on the company’s site. 

Last winter, Valle Nevado planned to open on June 20, but thanks to early-season snow, it got the party started a week early on June 13. 

Now that the resort’s planned opening day is June 14, does that mean skiers can expect a June 7 opening? We have no idea, but we hope so.

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