Ski Corralco

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Corralco Ski Resort Chile
Corralco Ski Resort Chile
A groomed blue run at Corralco Chile
A groomed blue run at Corralco Chile
Ski Corralco on Lonquimay Volcano
Ski Corralco on Lonquimay Volcano
Valle Corralco Hotel and Spa
Valle Corralco Hotel and Spa
The lower slopes are very mellow
The lower slopes are very mellow
Volcan Lonquimay
Volcan Lonquimay
Navidad Crater
Navidad Crater
Ski Lonquimay Volcano Backcountry
Ski Lonquimay Volcano Backcountry
The beautiful Araucaria trees (monkey puzzle trees)
The beautiful Araucaria trees (monkey puzzle trees)
The access road up to Corralco is a reasonably easy drive
The access road up to Corralco is a reasonably easy drive
Lift accessed off-piste terrain
Lift accessed off-piste terrain
The picnic area at the day lodge
The picnic area at the day lodge
The day lodge at the base of the ski resort
The day lodge at the base of the ski resort
Guided alpine touring with the hotel activity centre
Guided alpine touring with the hotel activity centre
Volcan Lonquimay Backcountry
Volcan Lonquimay Backcountry
There is an abundance of backcountry terrain
There is an abundance of backcountry terrain
Lonquimay Volcano
Lonquimay Volcano
The chair lifts are rather slow
The chair lifts are rather slow
The view from the hotel at dusk
The view from the hotel at dusk
The hotel lobby area
The hotel lobby area

Ski Corralco

Readers Ratings

Corralco

Corralco3/53
Corralco3 out of 5 based on 3 reviews
  • Recommend
    67%
  • Would Revisit
    67%
Arpa Cat Skiing, Chile
Wagner Custome Skis

Ski Corralco Chile

The Corralco Ski Resort in Chile on the Lonquimay Volcano is the antithesis of the ski resorts near Santiago. Corralco is located off the beaten track so it’s very quiet and you can get away from the hordes. However that may change in the near future because Corralco Chile is a new ski resort that is evolving rather rapidly with the development of new facilities, lifts, and a luxury hotel. Build it and they will come!

Corralco Mountain and Ski Resort is mainly frequented by South American families who enjoy the child-friendly facilities and gentle slopes, whilst outside the ski resort boundaries, the extensive slopes lure backcountry powder hounds who are happy to earn their turns.

Pros
  • Corralco is well suited to backcountry riders who are happy to earn their turns.
  • Corralco has no crowds so on a powder day the powder is all yours!
  • Corralco has very mellow terrain for first timers, is very child friendly, and ideal for families that speak Spanish.
  • The Valle Corralco Hotel & Spa offers fantastic accommodation, great facilities, and a range of activities including guided backcountry skiing. 
Cons
  • The chair lifts are very slow.
  • Corralco doesn’t have a large amount of intermediate terrain. 
  • Corralco may not be the best resort for children who don’t speak Spanish, with group ski lessons and child care conducted in Spanish only.
  • The Corralco Hotel is priced at the luxury end so for those travelling on a budget there are no on-mountain lodging options. There is limited lodging nearby and you’ll need a car (or be on a tour) to get between the ski resort and your lodging.
  • The nightlife is close to non-existent at Corralco and the sleepy Malalcahuello.
Experienced riders are likely to get the most out of Corralco Chile by including it as part of a guided Chile ski tour.

Corralco Ski and Snowboard Terrain

Since 2014 and the addition of the Cumbre (summit or top lift), the ski resort has had 2 chair lifts and 4 surface lifts, 25 trails across 500 acres (200 hectares) of skiable terrain, and a vertical drop of 920 metres (1,480 to 2,400 metres elevation).

The base of the Corralco ski resort sits just above the treeline so the slopes are treeless and open; ideal for learning to ski or snowboard. There are a handful of long groomed beginner slopes near the base that are very mellow, whilst further up there are a few intermediate groomed trails. Corralco also has a few “advanced” groomed trails which can be tackled by strong intermediate riders and are lots of fun for some speedy turns. In between the groomed trails are lots of off-piste lines and with some traversing you can access an abundance of interesting terrain features that have resulted from lava flows.

Corralco Chile offers excellent backcountry and mountaineering access and this is the main drawcard for experienced skiers and boarders. An ascent to the “peak” (aka crater) of Lonquimay is particularly popular which is at an elevation of 2,890 metres, 490 metres higher than the new top lift.

Corralco gets huge amounts of snow, and the quality of the snow is often pretty good because the slopes face south to southeast. The Lonquimay Volcano is rather exposed and at the mercy of the weather gods. Whilst the weather isn’t as fickle as it is at nearby Villarrica, there might be days when you need to sit it out.

Where is Corralco?

The Corralco Ski Resort is located on the southeastern side of the Lonquimay Volcano in the Malalcahuello National Reserve, not far from the little town of Malalcahuello. Corralco is 120km to the east of Temuco, whilst Santiago is 700km to the north.

The Corralco Ski Resort is about 90 minutes drive from the Temuco Airport (Maquehue Airport), which receives flights from Santiago. The flight takes just over an hour and there are about 4 flights a day. Guests of the Valle Corralco Hotel and Spa can get transfers from the airport, or it’s possible to rent a car to get to the ski resort.

Lodging

The Valle Corralco Hotel and Spa is a new 5 star hotel at the base of the mountain set amongst the unusual and ancient Araucaria trees (aka monkey puzzle trees). The luxury hotel has 54 hotel rooms and an abundance of amenities such as a day spa, swimming pool, gym, cinema room, restaurant, bar, child care, and activity services. Hotel packages incorporate full or half board, and can include ski lessons and rental equipment, and child care for 2-6 year olds is included in all packages.

The nearby town of Malalcahuello also has some limited lodging options.

Facilities & Activities

The Corralco ski resort has a beautiful new day lodge with a restaurant, sun deck and small skiosk. Other facilities include a picnic area, ski and snowboard rentals, and ski school.

The activity centre at the Valle Corralco Hotel and Spa offers various winter activities such as snowshoeing in the Araucaria forest and snowmobiling on Volcan Lonquimay. The activity centre also offers guided alpine touring (randonee).

The region features various hot springs, which are a fabulous way to relax and rejuvenate after a big day ripping the slopes, or just head to the day spa at the hotel.

Ski Season

The Corralco ski season begins on June 1st and goes until October 15. It’s generally rather stormy during June and July, so the best time to go is from early August onwards when there are more fine weather days.

Why Ski or Snowboard at Corralco?

Corralco Chile is a great spot for a tranquil ski holiday. The ski resort is ideal for beginners and is very family friendly, whilst for advanced and expert riders the main appeal is the off-piste and backcountry terrain.
Tours In/Near Corralco

Safari (Road Trip) Tours

Endless Winter
GUIDED OFF-PISTE ROAD TRIP
9 Days | 8 Nights
Ability: Beginner to Expert
Spring skiing on Chile's biggest mountain volcano playgrounds! Most skiing/riding is accessed via lifts however there will be plenty of opportunities to earn your turns in the backcountry.
Price p/p From price based on twin/double-share room occupancy for 2023 season.
Base/invoice currency is in USD inc taxes.
*Displayed price may vary due to currency fluctuations.
USD 4,895
View Details
 
Chile Volcanoes Tour
GUIDED BACKCOUNTRY TOURING
8 Days | 7 Nights
Ability: Advanced to Expert
This guided ski touring and splitboard journey is open to the advanced skier and rider looking to earn his turns and venture into the spectacular world of volcano ski touring. Climb and descend active volcanoes, experience the local culture and incredible food and more
Price p/p From price based on twin/double-share room occupancy for 2023.
Base/invoice currency is in USD inc taxes.
*Displayed price may vary due to currency fluctuations.
USD 4,299
View Details
 
See all Safari (Road Trip) tours that visit Corralco here

Single-Base, Multi-Ski-Area Tours

Family Freeride & Backcountry Trip
FAMILY FREERIDE & BACKCOUNTRY TOUR
7 Nights | 8 Days | 6 Days Skiing
Ability: Intermediate to Expert
An experience your family will never forget: visiting the very edge of the world to enjoy one of the most beautiful sports surrounded by completely untouched, wild nature. Treat yourself and your family to this experience that few have been able to enjoy. Discover the wild south as a team.
Price p/p Sample price is based on 3 guests in group.
Base/invoice currency is USD
Displayed price might vary slightly from actual due to exchange rate fluctuations.
USD 3,990
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See all Single-Base, Multi-Ski-Area tours that visit Corralco here

Backcountry Skiing Tours

Chile Volcano Ski Touring
SKI TOURING CHILE VOLCANOES
9 Days | Customizable Itinerary
Ability: Strong Intermediate to Expert
On this tour, you will climb to the top of some of Chile's most spectacular volcanoes & ski back down to the low-lands. Some afternoons you will visit relaxing hot springs & along the way you will experience South American cities & towns. PRIVATE GROUPS of 2 - 6 guests or join a fixed date tour as a solo/small group
Price p/p Price is per person based on 9-day tour with min group of 4
Base/invoice currency is USD inc tax
*displayed price may vary slightly due exchange rate fluctuations
USD 3,200
View Details
 
See all Backcountry Skiing tours that visit Corralco here
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