Santiago ski resort Valle Nevado is investing US$25 million this year as part of its overall development plan. Launched two years ago and scheduled for completion in 2022, the project aims to convert the resort into a full operating "PuebloMontaña” (mountain town).
This year will see the opening of the new access point, 1.5km before the current base. It will offer more than 800 new parking spots, various ski lift ticket sales points and service zones, and direct access to pistes in sector El Prado.
The end of 2011 should see the first ski gondola in Chile, with 70 six-person cabins. It will cover 980 meters, connecting curve 19 with restaurant Bajo Zero, which is in the middle of the pistes.
Two new chairlifts will be opened,
hotel Tres Puntas will undergo renovation, and work will start on a new premium level hotel that will be completed in 2014.
There is a big focus on real estate, and the center will continue to develop apartment buildings Valle Blanco y CerroPintor. Two new blocks will be built this year: Valle de Condores Uno y Dos.
The longer term project plans for 19 new buildings with a total surface of 80.000m², with apartments to be sold, and managed as part of Valle Nevado’s rental pool.
Valle Nevado has contracted American architecture firm Jack Johnson Company, specialised in the planning of ski centers including the recognised Deer Valley.
The resort expects 150,000 visitors this winter, half of which are foreigners (70% Brazilians and 20% North Americans). Located just 1.5 hours from the airport, Valle Nevado is one of three main
Santiago ski areas making up the "Tres Valles".