"The Ultimate Day Trip: Ski the Andes While sitting at dinner one night in Santiago with my brother, it occurred to us that we should try to ski and snowboard the Andes while we were there for a few days. A quick ask at our hostel, and we were set up for the ultimate day trip, complete with gear and transportation to and from the Valle Nevado ski resort. There are numerous outfitters in Santiago that will put together an inexpensive day trip to the slopes at a moment's notice. After a long, yet scenic 46-kilometer ride from the city, you will exit the van and gaze longingly at the majestic Andes mountains. Valle Nevado is one of the more modern ski resorts, and it even played host to the World Snowboarding Championships in 2005. And with over 800 hectares of ski-friendly area, even the most elite athlete will not get bored on this terrain. If you're in Santiago, and have some time on your hands, this is the ultimate day trip."