The ski resort at Nevados de Chillán sits on an active volcano. In winter you ski the flanks and soak in geothermal pools heated by the same system that is still producing visible summit fumaroles.
About Nevados de Chillán
The Chillán volcanic complex has been geothermally active throughout recorded history, with significant eruptions in 1906, 1973, and 2016–2020. The ski resort has operated since the 1940s and expanded around the natural thermal infrastructure the volcano provides.
Overview Nevados de Chillán is a volcanic complex in the Andes, 80 kilometers east of the city of Chillán, that functions simultaneously as an active geothermal zone, a ski resort, a thermal spa destination, and a hiking and mountaineering area. The resort sits on the flanks of a stratovolcanic system that includes several active craters, making it one of the few places in the world where you can ski on a volcano that is visibly fuming.
“The resort sits on the flanks of a stratovolcanic system that includes several active craters, making it one of the few places in the world where you can ski on a volcano that is visibly fuming.”
Nevados de Chillán, Chile
The Story Behind It The Chillán volcanic complex has been intermittently active throughout recorded history, with notable eruptions in 1906, 1973, and a significant eruptive period beginning in 2016 that continued through 2020. The thermal springs that define the spa culture here are a direct product of the geothermal activity — water heated by the volcanic system emerges at temperatures between 35°C and 75°C. The ski resort developed from the 1940s and expanded significantly in the 1970s; it now serves as the primary winter sports destination for Chile's Bio Bío and Ñuble regions.
What You'll Experience In winter (June–October), the resort offers 28 ski runs across multiple volcanic cones, a snow park, and the thermal pools. The combination of skiing and soaking in geothermal water on the same day is genuinely unusual. In summer, the area opens for hiking, mountain biking, and horse riding, with trails through subalpine terrain and access to crater viewpoints on clear days.
Getting There Nevados de Chillán is 80 kilometers from the city of Chillán on Route Q-61. Buses and transfers run from Chillán during ski season; a rental car expands summer access significantly.
“Getting There Nevados de Chillán is 80 kilometers from the city of Chillán on Route Q-61.”
The Experience
Winter skiing on volcanic cones with geothermal pools available on the same day; summer hiking, mountain biking, and crater approach trails through subalpine terrain.
Why It Matters
Nevados de Chillán is one of the very few active volcanic ski destinations in the world and the primary winter sports hub for central-southern Chile.
Why Visit
Skiing with summit fumaroles in view and geothermal pools at the base is a combination that genuinely has no equivalent at most resorts — the volcanic setting is not marketing language but physical fact.
Insider Tips
- 1
Check volcanic activity reports before visiting — the resort closes when alert levels rise.
- 2
The thermal pools are heavily subscribed on weekends; book thermal access separately from ski passes.
- 3
Summer hiking access to crater viewpoints requires good weather; cloud cover can close in quickly.
