Summer 2022 | Travel Tips for South American Freeride Series in Chile
Need help planning your trip down to South American for our biggest-ever series with Freeride Sudamerica? We've got you covered...
We recently announced the launch of the 2023 Freeride season [ CLICK HERE FOR INFO ] and our upcoming series with Freeride Sudamerica! We're so excited to support the biggest-ever Freeride circuit in South America and we cordially invite our North American and global Freeride community to join Freeride Sudamerica for events in July, August and September.
Freeride Sudamerica event organizers, Gonza & Focha, are here to provide resources and logistical help for athletes planning to travel to South America and compete. If you have any further questions, please reach out to them by email at: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
CLICK HERE FOR ARGENTINA TRAVEL TIPS
SCROLL DOWN FOR CHILE TRAVEL TIPS
LATEST UPDATES
For current updates, keep tabs on the following channels and check your emails!
FWQ EMAIL HUB - Click Here
JUNIOR / COACH EMAIL HUB - Click Here
IFSA Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/ifsafreeriders/
IFSA Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/ifsafreeriders
Freeride Sudamerica Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/freeridesudamerica/
Freeride Sudamerica Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/freeridesudamerica/
FREERIDE SUDAMERICA SCHEDULE
Chile
July 30-31: La Parva — Junior Regional
Aug 6-8: El Colorado — Junior Regional and FWQ 2*
Aug 13: La Parva — FWQ 2*
Argentina
September 9-11: Cerro Bayo - Junior Regional and FWQ 2*
September 17-19: Cerro Catedral - Junior Regional and FWQ 2*
CHILE - LA PARVA & EL COLORADO
Orientation: La Parva and El Colorado resorts are based high in the Chilean Andes with easy access from downtown Santiago. Once you leave the city, you'll travel a steep road with dizzying switchbacks before reaching Farellones Village, which serves as a fantastic base camp for exploring La Parva, El Colorado and neighboring Valle Nevado Ski Resorts. The three resorts are linked, but a multi-resort pass is required.
La Parva is the smallest of the three resorts in the area and offers incredible backcountry access, a terrain park and night skiing. The terrain at La Parva and its surrounding backcountry includes tight and steep chutes, couloirs, deep powder bowls, large cornices and plenty of features and drops to content any Freerider. Most of the accommodations located at La Parva are ski-in-ski-out and the village is composed of small hotels, chalets and apartments, perfect for families and groups of friends. There are a number of good pubs, restaurants and a discotheque.
El Colorado Ski Resort is a distinctively cone-shaped mountain with almost 360-degrees of skiing! Very popular with local Chileans, it is also connected to the small ski area of Farellones, Chile. The resort looks over the Santiago valley and you can spy La Parva to the west. You'll hear a lot more Spanish speaking skiers and snowboarders on this mountain! The terrain park here is one of the best in South America and the largest in the country of Chile. Expect over 40 features, a freestyle zone and a boardercross zone.
Though only a small portion of the terrain is rated for experts, the best riding for advanced skiers and snowboarders is to the east of the mountain's cone. There are plenty of fun pitches to play on in addition to stellar backcountry terrain.
TRAVEL LOGISTICS 
CHILE TRAVEL & TOURISM WEBSITE - CLICK HERE
Airport: Fly into Comodoro Arturo Merino Benítez International Airport (airport code SCL)
Travel Restrictions:
Canadian and US Citizens are currently permitted to travel into Chile.
Is a negative COVID-19 test (PCR and/or serology) required for entry? No.
Although it is not mandatory, we always advice you to undergo a diagnostic test before traveling.
Travelers will have to present the following documents when boarding their flight to Chile:
A completed “Traveler’s Affidavit” prepared less than 48 hours before arrival in Chile. Visit the Chile Travel website to obtain a Traveler's Affidavit.
Proof of a health insurance policy that provides coverage for COVID-19 and related health issues during the traveler’s stay in Chile.
The health insurance must cover charges associated with COVID-19 during the traveler’s stay, with a coverage of USD $ 30,000 (minimum). See more below in the Travel Insurance section.
Please also note that it will be REQUIRED for riders to display proof of personal
health insurance in order to register or participate for our Freeride events in Chile.
Are health screening procedures in place at airports and other ports of entry?
Yes. The Chilean government conducts random COVID tests for arriving international passengers. A passenger who tests positive will be required to complete quarantine at the address listed on their Travelers’ Affidavit or at a location determined by the Ministry of Health.
Visa Requirements
U.S. and Canadian citizens entering Chile must have a valid passport. Traveling to Chile for recreation, tourism, business, or academic conferences does not require a visa prior to arrival. A Tourist Card will be issued for a stay of up to 90 days.
- Covid-19 Resources from American Embassy in Chile - Click Here
- Canadian Chile Travel Advisories - Click Here
- Additional Information about Travel Restrictions & Current Info - Click Here
Money / Cash
Focha recommends using a credit card for the majority of your transactions here in Chile. He advises this is the way to secure the best exchange rate though it will be helpful to have some small bills of Chilean Pesos on hand for meals, snacks, etc.
TRANSPORTATION
Focha does not recommend renting a car. It's fairly straightforward to use a public shuttle bus to get from Santiago to Farellones, where a car is not needed. Farellones is approx. 5 km from La Parva resort and 4km from El Colorado Resort. La Parva is approx. 45 miles from Santiago.
If you do wish to rent a vehicle, it will be required to obtain an international drivers license to drive in Chile. Pick one up at your local AAA (USA drivers) or CAA in Canada. Know that petrol is quite expensive and the road conditions are often challenging. It is required to carry snow chains, even if you have 4×4 or AWD vehicle. This rule is enforced by the local police.
For additional information, email the crew at: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..
LODGING
Lodging Recommendations: Farellones is a local village with many hostels and houses available to rent. There are also nice accommodations slopeside at both La Parva or El Colorado resorts. Focha highly recommends Refugio UNO if you'd like to stay in Farellones.
Website: https://www.refugiounofarellones.cl/es/
Contact: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
Phone: +56988181446
TRAVEL INSURANCE
We highly recommend purchasing additional travel insurance, however it is imperative to review the fine print to understand what is and is NOT covered, especially considering the implications of Covid-19 and participating in extreme sports. You should strive to find coverage that protects you from trip delays, cancellations, lost or damaged baggage, Covid-19 quarantine or sickness and medical evacuation. BE SURE TO READ THE FINE PRINT!
IFSA, Freeride Sudamerica, Freeride Chile or any of our resort partners cannot be held responsible for covering costs or providing refunds arising from any event cancellation or mishap falling in these categories.
Companies Offering Snowboard & Ski Travel Insurance
The following insurance companies offer holiday and travel insurance for skiers and snowboarders. Before purchasing, please review the fine print of the plan you are considering for what is covered, especially internationally. We *highly* recommend hopping on the phone to speak with an actual human to discuss possible cancellation scenarios and ensure coverage is tailored to your needs.
Travel Guard (AIG) Click here to get started, or call 1-800-826-4919 (ensure backcountry travel is covered) https://www.travelguard.com/
Global Rescue combined with their add-on IMG Signature Travel Insurance for more complete backcountry coverage https://www.globalrescue.com/
Redpoint Travel Protection - Ripcord Plan is recommended by the American Alpine Club. This policy is ideal for travel to remote locations or developing countries without immediate access to quality emergency medical services (ambulance)
https://redpointtravelprotection.com/compare-travel-insurance-plans/
What About Cancel For Any Reason Insurance?
Travel Guard Insurance offers this option which may provide anxious travelers with added confidence. This allows policy holders to cancel for any reason such as a poor snow year, increasing community spread of Covid-19, sudden border closures or a last minute scheduling conflict. This must often be purchased directly after trip plans have been confirmed and paid for.
What Should Be Covered?
- Personal accident
- Medical expenses (including Covid-19 hospitalization or testing)
- Air ambulance (emergency evacuation)
- The country of Chile REQUIRES your insurance to include COVID-19 coverage of $30,000 USD or more. This is mandatory to enter the country for non-residents
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION
Additional helpful info for La Parva - Click Here
Additional helpful info for El Colorado - Click Here
Additional helpful info for Cerro Bayo - Click Here
Additional helpful info for Cerro Catedral - Click Here
