Ski Resort Guide: La Parva

I have just come back from the 'Tres Valle' area of Chile which includes La Parva, El Colerado and Valle Nevada. This is the first time I've skied in the Southern Hemisphere. It turned out to be a very well kept secret as far as the Brits are concerned. I can't believe how good the skiing is. Incredible snow, dry and powdery. Even as a timid off-pister, I felt like an expert. The terrain is varied and interesting with beautifully kept pistes but not over-groomed. The off-piste is great for all standards. And all in the most wonderful and dramatic scenery. The lift staff are almost all helpful and friendly and even provide tissues by the entrance to the lifts. There were hardly any other people there so we had the whole mountain to ourselves. Weekends though are very busy when the rich and trendy from Santiago come up to their apartments. The standard of hygiene was better than many places in Europe. I can't wait to go back. Accommodation is cheap but of course airfares from Britain are not.