Getting to Valle Nevado Ski Resort in Chile during the winter involves several steps, typically starting from Santiago, the capital city. Here’s a detailed guide:

From Santiago International Airport (SCL)

By Car:

1. Rent a Car: Car rental services are available at Santiago International Airport.
2. Driving Directions:
   • From the airport, take Route 68 east to Santiago.
   • Merge onto Costanera Norte (Route 70), a major east-west highway through Santiago.
   • Take the exit for Avenida Las Condes and continue on this road.
   • Follow signs for Camino a Farellones, which becomes Route G-21.
   • Continue on Route G-21 up the mountain. The road is winding and steep, with 60 switchbacks, so be prepared for a challenging drive, especially if there is snow.
   • Valle Nevado is about 46 kilometers (approximately 29 miles) from Santiago, and the drive typically takes 1.5 to 2 hours, depending on road conditions.

Requirements and Tips:

• Chains: Carry snow chains, which may be mandatory depending on weather conditions.
• Driving Experience: Ensure you are comfortable with mountain driving in potentially snowy and icy conditions.

By Shuttle:

1. Ski Shuttles: Several companies, such as SkiTotal and Transantiago Ski, offer shuttle services from Santiago to Valle Nevado. These shuttles can be booked in advance, providing a convenient and stress-free way to reach the resort.
2. Hotel Shuttles: Some hotels in Santiago offer shuttle services to Valle Nevado. Check with your accommodation for options.

From Downtown Santiago

By Car:

1. Driving Directions:
   • Follow the same directions as from the airport: take Costanera Norte (Route 70), exit onto Avenida Las Condes, and then follow Camino a Farellones (Route G-21) to Valle Nevado.

By Shuttle:

1. Ski Shuttles: Book a shuttle from a company like SkiTotal, which picks up from various locations in downtown Santiago.
2. Hotel Shuttles: Inquire if your hotel provides shuttle services to Valle Nevado.

Public Transportation

Combining Metro and Bus:

1. Metro: Take the Santiago Metro to Escuela Militar station (Line 1).
2. Bus: From Escuela Militar, you can catch a bus or a pre-booked shuttle service to Valle Nevado.

Additional Tips:

• Weather Conditions: Check the weather forecast and road conditions before departing. Winter weather can significantly impact travel times and road safety.
• Altitude Sickness: Valle Nevado is at a high altitude. Make sure to acclimatize properly to avoid altitude sickness.
• Booking in Advance: Especially during the peak winter season, book your transportation and accommodations well in advance to secure availability.
• Travel Insurance: Consider travel insurance that covers winter sports and road closures due to weather.