SOUTH AMERICA
ARGENTINA
Bariloche / Cerro catedral - European influence, South American flair!
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With a Swiss and German influences the beautiful town of Bariloche feels like part of Europe.
Located right on the lake side, with the ski resort of Cerro Catedral 20km’s up the hill, you can choose to stay in the town or in ski in, ski out accommodation at the resort.
The extensive terrain is incredibly well suited to intermediate and beginner skiers and consists of a range of alpine bowls at the top, which merge into tree terrain at the middle of the resort and beginner terrain at the village.
Originally two separate resorts the two sides of Cerro Catedral offer some of the most extensive terrain in South America.
Accommodation at the resort ranges from basic to 5 star with a couple of good ski in, ski out options, or you can stay in the town of Bariloche.
MAD STATS:
Ski terrain: 15% Beginner | 60% Intermediate | 5% Advanced
Vertical Drop: 1,150m
Base Elevation: 1,030m
Summit Elevation: 2,180m
Skiable area: 3,000 acres
Longest Run: 9km
37 lifts
MAD TIPS
Combine your ski holiday with a stay in Buenos Aires and take a city tour to experience the whole of Argentinian culture.
Enjoy Argentinian asado ( BBQ), this unique south American experience consists of a bottle of Malbec and a steak!
CHILE
Portillo - Ski the incredible Andes Mountains!
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Located in an incredibly beautiful valley right on the border with Argentina. Portillo feels like a private club in the mountains. Everything you need is at the one hotel and you’re completely looked after for your whole stay. The food and level of service is incredible.
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The terrain ranges from long, fast groomed runs to steep and deep face run’s where they have developed a unique “va et vient” type of removable lift system. Similar to a T bar the ability to ride drag lifts is essential in Portillo and its the only place in the world where I’ve ridden a chair lift which travels over a major international highway.
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There is a range of accommodation options ranging from backpacker to modern comfortable rooms with an incredible view of the lake and resort.
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Portillo offers an amazing experience with a distinct Chilean flavour.
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MAD STATS:
Ski terrain: 18% Beginner | 24% Intermediate | 58% Advanced / Expert
Vertical Drop: 762m
Base Elevation: 2,548m
Summit Elevation: 3,310m
Skiable area: 1235 acres
Longest Run: 2.5km
14 lifts
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MAD TIPS
Make Chile more than just a ski trip by spending time in Santiago and enjoying the many wine areas.
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Hire a car and explore the surroundings.
Valle Nevado - The top of the world!
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Perched at the tip of a ridge line in the Andes, Valle Navado is one of the most epic places I’ve ever skied. One of the most incredible experiences is the drive from Santiago (570m) to Valle Navado (2,860m) where you ascend 2,200m in just 1.5 hours.
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Part of the Tres Valles Ski Resorts, made up of El Colorado, La Parva and Valle Nevado. Valle Nevado is the main international resort and the highest. The ski terrain consists of a front face and several back bowls with 2 other faces leading into the other two resorts.
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You do need to be able to ride T bars if you choose to travel here, as most of the lifts into the back bowls are long fast T bars.
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Packages are fully inclusive and 3, 4 or 7 nights. The pass system allows you to ski the other resorts if you stay for 7 nights or more. The accommodation ranges from basic hotel rooms and condo’s to a 5 star hotel and all the accommodation has epic views to enjoy the sunset from. The food and service is awesome.
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MAD STATS:
Ski terrain: 10% Beginner | 36% Intermediate | 54% Advanced / Expert
Vertical Drop: 810m
Base Elevation: 2,860m
Summit Elevation: 3,670m
Skiable area: 2,223 acres
Longest Run: 2.3km
14 lifts
MAD TIPS
Make Chile more than just a ski trip by spending time in Santiago and enjoying the many wine areas.
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Stay for 7 nights and enjoy the resorts of El Colorado and La Parva.
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Appreciate the road on the way up!