Chapa Verde

Chapa Verde means ‘green grass’ in Spanish, not a particularly appropriate name for a winter playground! Chapa Verde is 78 kilometers south of Santiago in Codelco Chile Lands, el Teniente division. One can take a bus to the mountain from the nearest town of Rancagua. The area is renowned for its beautiful landscapes and the skiing will appeal to all levels of skiers and snowboarders. The greatest attraction for experts here is the outstanding off-piste terrain. There are twenty-two trails at Chapa Verde ski resort culminating in 18 miles of pistes that cover a skiing area of nearly 3,000 acres. The slopes of Chapa are accessed by four lifts.

There are wonderful groomed cruisers near the lifts and the snow conditions are generally ideal during season. A ridge to the skier’s right of the chairlift offers a spectacular view deep into the Andes and its rugged peaks, as well as some challenging skiing. Even further beyond the ridge, above the triple chairlift, there is a peak that is not visible from the ski trails, offering pretty spectacular skiing. One can hike up to the summit or take a ride on a snow cat. There is always plenty of very dry powder or great spring snow. There are several ways to ski to the bottom of the bowl, including a number of extremely steep chutes guaranteed to provide an incredible adrenaline rushe. Chapa Verde has plans to install a chairlift to the summit which will provide the best lift accessible skiing in Chile. The chair will also potentially extend the season until November.

There are only private homes located on the mountain, but the two restaurants at the slopes have a range of international cuisine on the menu and serve food all day. Many people prefer to stay at Rancagua which offers plenty of bars and restaurants too. However, one of the best deals in Chile is at the Coya Country Club, a half hour’s drive from the mountain. Here you can stay cheaply and use the tennis courts and golf course as well, making it possible to ski in the morning and play eighteen holes in the afternoon. Many would consider this to be sheer bliss!