After a few days riding Termas de Chillan (Nevados de Chillan) it was time to head back north to the capitol.  The resorts surrounding the city are really high in elevation and you can see them from parts of the downtown area on a clear day.  We made a decision to head up to the resort Valle Nevado.  This resort being one of Chile's most well known and most popular with visiting snowboarders to Chile since it's so close to the city.  The road to get up to Valle Nevado has more then 75 switchbacks and takes you higher then most resort bases in Chile with the hotels and chairlifts starting at 3000 metres.  Once arriving it was straight up the mountain and into the backcountry surrounding the resort.  There is plenty of terrain to use and even heli if you have the budget for it.  My time here would be spent riding the resort and waiting out a massive storm that dropped more then a metre of snow while I waited in the hotel.  Sun broke out on my second last day and it was yet again perfect timing in South America for summer powder. Vamos por Polvo Chileano!!!

Back in Santiago.... Mountains are pretty much just outside of the city limits... get me up there!

Turning a swtichback every 20 metres... chugging water to help with the rapid elevation gain is crucial.

Hola Valle Nevado.. and Hola altitude.

A huge part of toursim here is the visiting Brazilians... they love snowboarding and pool parties, Valle Nevado, CHILE

Went for a small hike right away to find some fresh snow and check out some new lines, Valle Nevado, CHILE

Some awesome snow still to be found even after a week with no snow. Valle Nevado, CHILE

Like most places in South America, sunsets are pretty epic, Valle Nevado, CHILE

Plenty to do in Valle Nevado at night. The Tres Puntas pub is open all night and has pool tables with the worlds smallest pockets... the most challenging pool you'll ever play. Valle Nevado, CHILE

Tres Puntas Pub.  Rocking all night... Some of the best cover bands I've ever heard... Rolling Stones and GnR are alive and well here in South America, Valle Nevado, CHILE

Meat is huge in South America. Be prepared to eat alot of it.  First time visitors will be suprised at how good the food is here in South America, Valle Nevado, CHILE

A couple days of grey weather kept us riding pretty mellow stuff and just hanging around mostly.  Things change quick in the South American Andes though.  I went out to get something from the truck and thought.... it can wait. Valle Nevado, CHILE

Out of the hotel first thing in the morning to see socked in skies and pounding snow. yes!!  Valle Nevado, CHILE

Couldn't see much but it was deep, deep and deep... Valle Nevado, CHILE

Powder or no Powder...the pool party goes on at Valle Nevado, CHILE

7am the following morning... today might be a good day to ride. Valle Nevado, CHILE

Let the powder madness begin... first chair at Valle Nevado, CHILE. After more then 80cm of fresh in less then 48hrs.

David Owen snaps one off a deep lip at Valle Nevado, CHILE

The VALLE DEL INCA lift on the backside has some sweet terrain, Valle Nevado, CHILE

Just after lunch and still plenty left to track out. Valle Nevado, CHILE

The spanish word for powder is "POLVO" and this is what it looks like at Valle Nevado, CHILE

Just off the VALLE DEL INCA chair on the backside of Valle Nevado, CHILE

Riding back to the hotels at Valle Nevado, CHILE after a long day of powder.

Mandatory sun deck action after riding at Valle Nevado, CHILE

The views at sunset... Mucho Gracias (thank you) and Buenos Noches (goodnight) Valle Nevado, CHILE

We headed down back to the capitol Santiago to plan our next move. The usual scene, call friends, check forecasts and make a call.  Could be anywhere.... Still plenty of time left in the season for more powder sessions.

Flights to CHILE: www.lan.com 

Tours of CHILE: www.powderquest.com

Resort info: www.vallenevado.com

Rolling around South America with wheels on your bag is a must: www.dakine.com

Info: www.chasingwintermedia.com