TERRAIN | LESSONS | HELISKIING | LIFTS | DINING | LODGING | GETTING THERE

La Parva, Chile

Internet: www.skilaparva.cl
14 lifts (4 chairlifts, 10 surface lifts), 1040 acres, 3141verticle feet,
1 terrain park                      

Built by some of the wealthiest business men in Chile, La Parva resort quickly became the local elite mountain of Santiago. Today, La Parva is a slope side residential area where the rich and famous come to play for the weekend.  With a world class view of the Andes and the Santiago Valley, along with the steep, long, wide open runs, a trip to La Parva will be unforgettable for even the most traveled international rider.

The most challenging runs and dramatic views at La Parva are off of the Las Aguilas quad. Climbing 1900 vertical feet, this lift leads to the gems of the mountain. Staying rider’s right from the top traverses around to the Aguilas and JC runs, which are the steepest on the mountain. Past these shots and around the corner on the cat track, the famous Manantiales begins. This run is a must on a powder day, and is equivalent to the heli runs in the backcountry.  All 3141 vertical feet can be felt in this sustained shot to the bottom of the resort. Watch out for the low traverse back to the resort, otherwise plan on a long walk to Santiago.  

The other side of La Parva is a little mellower, but still rated intermediate to advance. The upper lifts, Tortolas, Nevada, and Franciscano, all lie in the middle of giant bowls that sometimes take days to get tracked out. Going far rider’s left leads to the crossing point into the other resorts (dual lift tickets are required). From this point, the Valle Amarillo (yellow valley) twists and winds its way down to the main base facilities in a natural halfpipe that drops over 2,000 vertical feet.

On spring days when the snow off piste has not soften up yet, check out La Parva's wide open groomers off of the Las Vegas, Alpha, and Flores lifts. These long runs are at a lower elevation and soak up the sun a little quicker then the rest of the mountain.

The best way to lap the small terrain park at La Parva is to ride the Nevada surface lift. A couple of boxes and rails are set up in succession on one side, and a variety of kickers flow down the other side of the park.

The La Parva ski school and its easiest runs are at the bottom of the mountain, by the Golondrina surface lifts. 2 hour group lessons, minimum 4 people, $24.  All day kid classes ($72), ages 6-12, are from 10:00 to 4:00; half day kid classes, $41.  One hour private lessons are $50 for one person; $10 each additional person. 1½ hour private lessons are $67; $13 each additional person.

Heliskiing:  Andes Heli Ski (www.andesheliski.com) runs flights from La Parva daily conditions permitting. Prices vary depending on how many runs and where riders decide to go. The vertical drop per run is between 3,600 and 5,400 feet.  A day of flying is somewhere between $500 and $1200. Contact Andes Heli Ski for more specific rates.

Lift tickets: Adult high/low season – $43/34; kids 6-12 high/low – $32/27; seniors over 60 high/low – $32/27.

Dining at La Parva:  Marmita de Pericles ($$$)  is a fondue restaurant that also offers quality steaks and occasionally a lamb roast.  The service is excellent along with the ambiance as it sits above the main ticket office overlooking Santiago miles and miles away. 

Also in this area is Saint Tropez ($$-$$$). This slope side spot looks up at the mountain and has an open deck that attracts Chileans looking to soak up some sun. The strong espresso goes well with the tasty empanadas. Be aware of the giant, 150lbs Saint Bernard, who may help himself to anything on the table if given the chance. 

At the top of the Alpha quad is the mid mountain Restaurant 3100 ($). With the music blaring, it is a perfect place to get a head start on the après skiing. Local steak sandwiches, burgers, and even sushi can all be bought for a reasonable price. There also is a natural juice stand that provides a little refreshment if needed. 

The two story El Manzano ($-$$) is above the ski school and at the bottom of the Alpha quad.  The fully stocked bar serves almost everything, from burgers to steaks, to pastas and seafood.  At the very bottom of the ski area and the beginner area, a little shop sells snacks and a few types of sandwiches.

La Cueva del Cururo ($) is the cheapest place to get a quick bite on the mountain.

In the main parking lot, Piuquen ($$-$$$) has dinner only and makes homemade pizzas and pastas.

Right next door the discotheque, Powder, opens at 11:00 and usually rocks out until 5:00 or 6:00 in the morning.

Lodging: With no hotels in the area, the only accommodations available at the resort are the luxurious, ski-in ski-out, condominiums that perch on the stunning mountain side.  Propiedades La Parva (56 2 339-8482, www.propiedadeslaparva.cl) handles all bookings.

Getting there: From Santiago to La Parva: Ski Total (562) 246 0156, www.skitotal.cl, $15 per person. Ski Van (56-2)2192672, www.skivan.cl, $13 per person. These services run daily, and private pick up from hotels can be arranged.

Note: On weekends and holidays up hill traffic is limited to 8:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m., and down hill traffic is limited to 4:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m.

Photos courtesy of La Parva Resort