Scott Dunn: ANYTHING ELSE IS JUST A HOLIDAY

Description

Nestled in the Andes at 3200 metres, Valle Nevado is a modern ski resort and the largest ski terrain in the whole of the Americas. The resort was designed with the expertise of the French and is soon expected to be on a par with the top North American resorts. There is on-piste skiing for all abilities and there is much off-piste skiing, as well as facilities for snow boarding and skiers with special needs.

For added excitement there is an excellent heli-skiing programme where skiers can discover glaciers and spectacular descents in the company of expert guides. There is also one of the best Terrain Parks in the Americas, designed for freestyle ski and snowboard tricks, with classes on offer.

Hotel Valle Nevado is centrally located in the base area. The hotel was completely renovated in 2010 and features 47 spacious double rooms and six suites, all with cable TV, room service, living room, sun deck and balcony. Each of the rooms has a terrace with direct access to the slopes. Hotel Valle Nevado serves American buffet breakfasts, après-ski tea and dinner at the elegant La Forchette restaurant, specializing in Mediterranean cuisine and superb Chilean wines.

Guide price £1,995 per person

£1,995 pr person based on two people sharing for 7 nights on a Half Board Basis. Includes international flights and transfers.

Accommodation

Hotel Valle Nevado has 47 rooms and 6 suites, tastefully furnished with earthy tones and wood furnishings. Features include cable tv and WiFi. All rooms have views of the slopes and mountains, with a private balcony and terrace with direct access to the slopes.

Childcare

Children and families are very welcome at Hotel Valle Nevado. Babysitting can be arranged and there is a day centre providing childcare for 3-7 year olds plus the Snow Garden running group ski classes for 4-7 year olds. There is also an indoor Kids' Zone, with games and a cinema. Activities for families include competitions, igloo building, and barbecues at the Bajo Zero mountain restaurant with salsa and dj music. Summer camps for teenagers are also run on selected dates.

Facilities

Hotel Valle Nevado has an extensive range of facilities including a medical clinic, ski rental shop, fitness centre, jacuzzi spa with massage and facial treatments, an outdoor deck with heated pool, extensive lounging space and fantastic mountain views all round. There is also a bar lounge and the most elegant restaurant in the resort, La Fourchette, specializing in Mediterranean cuisine and fine Chilean wines.

Activities

Valle Nevado has the most extensive ski terrain in South America, covering some 7,000 acres. The skiing and snowboarding is suitable for all levels and the instructors are also qualified to give classes to those with special needs. There is a good heli-ski program and the excellent Terrain Park is perfect for freestyle ski and snowboard tricks and runs classes. Hotel guests can also enjoy yoga classes, spa treatments and the torchlight parade.

Services

Skiiers and snowboarders are well catered for at Valle Nevado. There is a ski rental shop and qualified instructors who are able to give both private and group classes and classes for those with special needs. Each year Valle Nevado runs special interest weeks, which typically include a gastro festival week, a wine week with tastings and lectures and a Summer Camp for teenagers, run with the participation of professional skiers.

When to travel

Location and directions

Valle Nevado, Chile

In Valle Nevado, 2hrs from Chile's capital Santiago.

How to get there

17hr flight from London to Santiago, followed by a 2 hr road transfer.