When you think about taking the family skiing, the Alps probably come to mind first. Chile is a rather more unexpected proposition.

Here, winter arrives just as Europe is heading into summer. By June, snow has settled across the Andes and the ski season is underway, opening up the possibility of swapping a week of European sunshine for blue skies, high-altitude pistes and some of the most dramatic mountain scenery in South America.

It also makes for a much bigger adventure than the traditional ski week.

One of our RASK families recently did exactly that, combining time on the slopes at Valle Nevado with a stay at Mandarin Oriental, Santiago afterwards. Mountains first, city second – and a brilliant way to experience two very different sides of Chile in one trip.

Here’s how we’d do it.

First Stop: Valle Nevado

High in the Andes above Santiago, Valle Nevado feels impressively remote considering how close it is to the Chilean capital.

The journey from Santiago International Airport into the mountains takes around 1.5 to two hours in good conditions, climbing through a succession of hairpin bends before eventually reaching the resort. Sitting at around 3,000 metres above sea level, this is skiing on a very different scale to much of Europe.

The season typically runs from June into October, depending on snowfall, making July and August a great option for British families looking for something different during the school holidays.

And then there’s the skiing itself.

Valle Nevado is one of South America’s largest ski resorts, with terrain for everyone from complete beginners to experienced skiers. The altitude and wide-open landscape give the pistes a very different feel, with huge views across the surrounding Andes rather than the tree-lined runs you might be used to in Europe.

For families, the ski school is a big plus. There are more than 150 certified instructors, including plenty who speak English, and a dedicated children’s programme for ages four to 11. Half and full-day options mean parents can head off for their own few hours on the mountain while younger skiers build their confidence.

More adventurous skiers can take things considerably further. Valle Nevado is also known for freeride terrain, touring and heli-skiing, opening up huge stretches of the Andes beyond the marked pistes.

What Else Is There to Do?

This is very much a mountain-first destination, which is part of the appeal. Days naturally revolve around skiing, with time afterwards for the pool, spa, drinks and dinner before doing it all again the following morning.

You don’t need to be an expert skier to make the trip worthwhile, either. Beginners are well catered for and non-skiers can still head up the mountain by gondola and experience the Andes without clipping into a pair of skis.

Our advice? Don’t try to fill every minute. The novelty here is simply being together in the Andes, halfway around the world from your usual family ski holiday.

Then, Come Back Down to Santiago

After several days of ski boots, thermals and early starts, Santiago makes a very good second act.

Coming down from the Andes takes you from snow-covered mountains into one of South America’s most interesting capitals – and gives everyone a chance to slow the pace before flying home.

For our RASK family, that meant checking into Mandarin Oriental, Santiago.

The hotel sits in Las Condes, with views back towards the Andes you’ve just left behind. Despite being firmly in the city, its 25,000 square metres of gardens and huge lagoon-style outdoor pool give it much more of a resort feel than you might expect from a city hotel.

For families, that extra space is a real bonus. There’s space to decompress after the mountains, while parents still have Santiago’s restaurants, shops and neighbourhoods within easy reach.

The hotel has plenty happening inside, too. Senso serves Italian food, while Matsuri specialises in Nikkei cooking, bringing together Japanese and Peruvian influences with ceviches, tiraditos and sushi. AKO Wellness & Spa incorporates Mapuche-inspired elements into its treatments, while the rooms look either across the city, gardens or towards the Andes.

There’s something quite surreal about sitting in Santiago, looking back towards the mountains and knowing you were skiing up there only a day or two earlier.

A Few Days in Santiago

We wouldn’t rush straight to the airport.

Give yourselves a couple of days to explore Santiago properly. Wander through Lastarria, stop at the museums and galleries around the neighbourhood, head up San Cristóbal Hill for views across the city and, if the adults are interested in Chilean wine, use Santiago as a jumping-off point for one of the nearby wine regions.

Food should feature heavily, too. Chilean cooking goes far beyond what tends to make it overseas, and Santiago’s restaurant scene gives you plenty of opportunity to explore it.

And after a week spent largely in ski gear, there’s also something to be said for a little shopping, a long lunch and an afternoon beside the Mandarin Oriental pool.

Why We Love This Trip for Families

The best family holidays tend to be the ones everyone remembers for slightly different reasons.

For the children, it might be learning to ski in the Andes. For experienced skiers, it’s the scale of the mountains and the chance to ski somewhere completely different. For everyone, there’s the sheer novelty of leaving Britain in summer and finding winter waiting on the other side of the world.

Adding Santiago changes the rhythm completely. Rather than flying all that way for a straightforward ski week, you come away having experienced the mountains, the capital, Chilean food and a little more of the country.

And if you have more time? We’d happily take the itinerary further – Chile has rather a lot more up its sleeve.

Planning a Family Ski Holiday to Chile

Chile isn’t a ski trip we’d recommend piecing together without some thought. Mountain transfers can be affected by weather and road conditions, ski arrangements need planning, and choosing the right combination of accommodation, lessons and time in Santiago makes a real difference.

RASK can put the whole journey together, from flights and private transfers into the Andes to ski arrangements, your Santiago stay and anything you’d like to do once you’re back in the city.

Thinking about skiing Chile with the family? Get in touch with RASK Travel, and we’ll plan it properly.