Guide
Skiing in Chile for the first time: a beginner's guide
Which resort to choose, what to wear, how long a lesson lasts and how to avoid altitude sickness on your first snow day.
Farellones and El Colorado are the best starting points: gentle slopes, ski schools and services a few steps from the parking area.
Clothing and gear
Layers: thermal, fleece and a waterproof jacket. Gloves, goggles and factor 50 sunscreen are mandatory — the sun at 3,000 m burns far more than in the city.
Lessons
A 2-hour group lesson is enough to master the basic stance and the snowplough stop. Book the lesson together with equipment rental to save time in the morning.
Altitude
Go up slowly, drink water and skip alcohol on day one. If you get a persistent headache, descend and rest.