Don's Pictures

         After realizing in the summer of 2002 that it would never snow again in Colorado, Bob and I decided to fly to Chile to enjoy the end of one of the best seasons they've had in several years.  Valle Nevado was reporting 10 meters of snow fall through the season with a 10 ft base and still frequent snow storms.  September would mark the start of their spring season with less crowds, cheaper prices and an abundance of snow.  We flew out on Sep 3 for seven days of skiing and two days touring the capital of Santiago. 

          Arriving in Santiago early the next day, we located our shuttle and headed up to the ski area through heavy commuter traffic.  Two hours and sixty five hairpin turns later we arrived at the Valle Nevado resort.  People recommend that while it's cheaper to stay in Santiago and commute back and forth to the ski area, the drive is obnoxious, if the road is open.  It can often be closed due to weather and had in fact been closed for a time the week prior to our trip because of snow.  We decided to stay in one of the three lodges at the area and spend the time saved in EATING and skiing.

        Well, the skiing was terrific.  Unfortunately, the visibility was often less than optimum.  Even though the altitude was comparable to most Colorado ski areas we were entirely above tree line (at 37 degrees south latitude).  With most days overcast, if not completely socked in, the terrain was often difficult to see.  We had a big storm on our second day followed by a sunny clear day the next day.  That was probably the best day with fifteen inches of fresh powder and not many people skiing off piste.  It continued to snow periodically through the rest of our trip though visibility remained a problem.

        We ended up skiing six days and touring Santiago for three days.         

	Valle Nevado ski map with thumbnail ski pictures
	Santiago Pictures.
	Palacio Cousino.  This is an elaborate 19th century mansion built by a Chilean family with money from wine and mining businesses.  We toured the mansion but were not allowed to take pictures so I scanned in the following pictures from a series I bought.