Chile : Activities : Skiing

Introduction
Basic Aspects
Destinations
Recommendations
Equipment
Books
Services

Traditional Ski
This is the most popular type because it is the easiest to learn and does not require too much physical strength or specialized equipment. Traditional skiing is practiced at ski centers, which maintain the slopes and provide services such as ski lifts, route maintenance, and others such as lessons, crèches etc.. 

Alpine-tour ski or randonne
The equipment needed to practice this type of skiing, allows you to ski up and down hill, so you are not restricted to the ski centers. Besides the skis, the equipment consists of boots and ski supports, which are called sealskins. Sealskin was the traditional material, although nowadays they are synthetic.

These days, you can buy equipment with which you can practice both traditional and alpine skiing. Due to the places where it is practiced, this sport requires knowledge of mountaineering, mountain safety, and orientation skills.

Nordic Ski
This kind of skiing, traditional in the Nordic countries, is practiced mainly in flatlands with small slopes and its main goal is to traverse long distances on snow. Both footwear and skis are different from those used for traditional and alpine skiing. 

History 

The oldest skis come from Sweden and Finland and they are believed to have been first manufactured between 4000 or 5000 years ago. These skis were shorter and wider than their modern variety. Skis were and still are used as a means of transportation in Norway, Sweden, Finland and some rural areas in Northeast Europe. They were also used in war up until the 18th century.

From its beginnings as a means of transportation, skiing was transformed into a sport. Before the middle of the 14th century, it was common to tie the boot to the ski using cloth strips, a very primitive technique which limited skiing as a sport. The strips were replaced by the use of tape around the heel and at both sides of the foot by the Norwegian Sondre Nordhaim in 1860.

In the sport's early days, the skier had to climb to the top of the mountain before skiing down. But in the 20th century cable cars started to carry the skiers to the top. In the 1930's several elevation methods were introduced that began with ropes tied to the feet of the skier to, eventually, cable chairs. This meant that the skier could ski the same mountain several times a day. And, finally, the artificial snow machines arrived ensuring the presence of snow despite nature's occasional stubbornness.

The development of skiing gear promoted the professionalism and popularization of the sport. The original skis were made of a solid piece of wood, usually walnut tree wood, but beginning in 1930, laminated woods started to take over the market. In the 50's increased speed was achieved by the use of plastic surfaces and also with the development of combined metal skies which had a plastic or wood core. These new skis became very popular.

The classic ski model is the curved-edge design of Nordheim, from the 19th century. In 1990, parabolic skies were developed which, along with a great variety of waxes, greatly improved performance.

Skiing in Chile

With more than 4 thousand kilometers (2500 mi) of mountains, our country is known internationally as one of the world's best skiing destinations and the best of South America. This recognition is based on the excellent quality of the slopes, a top-level infrastructure, a beautiful landscape, accessibility and proximity to urban centers.
The main ski centers are located in Central Chile right in the middle of the Andes, at heights that vary from 2400 meters (7872 ft) up to 3000 meters (9840 ft) above sea level. These centers are the ones with the biggest skiing surfaces as well as the best supporting infrastructure.
The centers of Southern Chile are located at lower altitudes and most of them are on volcano slopes. The scenery is normally spectacular, some passing beautiful forests and some with breathtaking panoramic views.

Be aware that skiing is an expensive sport, not only the equipment, but also transportation, accommodation, food and your lift pass, this final item being fairly expensive.
If you are a beginner it is best to rent or borrow equipment until you have some experience, when you can decide on the most suitable equipment for you.

Find more suggestions of where to visit in or Attractions section

Related Articles

• Ski Guide 2005
• Ski Centers: The Privilege of a Narrow Strip of Land

• Do not dump garbage, especially under the snow, because when the snow melts, the garbage obviously reappears. 

Security

• Use sunscreen lotion to protect your skin. 
• Obey the signals and track boundaries.
• Remember that the skier in front cannot see you. Therefore, it is your responsibility to avoid an accident.
• Keep a speed that matches your skill and never stop right on the middle of the run. 
• Ski only on slopes that match your level.
• If you ski outside the slopes it is on your own risk. If you want to, take mountain-safety training. 

When buying or renting your equipment talk to somebody with experience who can help you choose the equipment that best suits your level and needs. 

In the beginning, rent your equipment. When you are sure that the sport is for you, you can invest in your own equipment. Whether your are going to rent or buy, find the shops which offer these services in our Shopping section.

• Lonely Planet Chile & Easter Island
• Adventure Handbook Central Chile

Chile Ski Federation
Vicuña Mackenna Av 40, Santiago
Phones (56-2) 2228733 y 6659369

Ski Center Schools

Ski Portillo
El Colorado-Farellones
Valle Nevado
La Parva
Termas de Chillan
Villarrica-Pucon
Antillanca

>> More Activities