Over the next couple of months Pucón will host thousands of visitors who will be donning their ski suits and rushing up to the pistes to enjoy some quality powder time!

We have never denied that there are plenty of other locations in the world where you can take to the slopes and enjoy some great scenery as well as some entertaining après-ski. However, where else in the world can you find fresh powder pistes on live volcanoes? Our lake region of southern Chile has become a firm favorite for ski lovers from the northern hemisphere. Even during their sun filled summers, thousands of "northerners" migrate south of the Equator in search of that fresh powder fix! Add live volcanoes into the equation and you have a perfect mix.

Here in our region we don't just have one, but two, top class resorts to choose from. Read on to find out more!

Ski Pucón resort is just 25 minutes from the center of Pucón itself. With 6 ski lifts connecting 17 pistes, plus a 200m long x 50m wide mini snow park for ski and snowboard games, events, action & acrobatics, there is plenty to fill your winter days. The 17 pistes are distributed as follows: 4 easy (green); 6 intermediate (red); 5 difficult (blue) and 2 very hard (black). Of course there are also classes on offer, personal or group, plus daily activities for your skiing bambinos!

From the pistes the views are simply amazing. On a clear day you can see 5 volcanoes including the Osorno volcano near Puerto Montt. Not to mention Andean lakes tucked in-between ancient forests. Also, as a perfect end to your skiing day, you can choose from one of the main thermal hot spring resortslocated around Pucón and the surrounding valleys. Check out our latest blogfor more information on local hot spring options.

If you are still not convinced, throughout the winter season there are also two internationally renowned events that take place on the Villarrica volcano ski slopes: the free style Big Bang Pucón uniting some of the best skiers and snowboarders from across the country; and the Avalancha en el Volcán (Volcano Avalanche) competition which, due to the immense off piste space, lends itself perfectly for this free ride competition that starts at the crater of the volcano and finishes at the ski center at the base. For more information on the 2016 Avalancha en el Volcán event click here.

For more information on seasons, prices, equipment hire, as well as for daily weather and piste reports contact Sol y Nieve Travel Adventure here.

The other main ski attraction in our region is the Las Araucarias resort located 82 km north east of Temuco on the flanks of the Llaima volcano. This magical ski resort is located within the stunning Conguillio National Park where you find yourself surrounded by ancient araucaria trees and turquoise glacial lakes.

With 1 chairlift and 3 ski lifts, Las Araucarias is smaller than the Ski Centre Pucón, though it does offer 350 hectares of skiable surface area. The main pistes are punctuated by perfect examples of araucaria trees that seem to revel in the spectacle of dozens of winter skiers enjoying their domain.

The journey up to Las Araucarias is an experience in its own right passing through forests of endemic trees and narrow snow ploughed tracks. Do check that you have the right chains for your hire car or truck though as it is usually obligatory to carry them. Sol y Nievecan organize transfers if you prefer to sit back and enjoy the scenery!

So, what are you going to go for in 2017? Skiing on a boring old slope or on fresh powder on the flanks of live volcanoes? No competition! For details on how to arrive, transfers in and out, ski rental and other local information, drop Sol y Nieve a mail hereand let us do the organizing for you.

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