Travel to Antuco with ski insurance from Essential Travel

Antuco ski resort is a small and unassuming regional ski destination lying within the beautiful Laguna del Laja National Park, about 370 miles south of Santiago. The slopes traverse the northern side of the lofty Antuco volcano and the biggest advantages of skiing here are the quality snow and distinct lack of crowds, giving you more time to home in on your sliding skills.

The resort base in Antuco is located at the foot of the Antuco volcano amid stunning scenery at a height of 4,590 feet above sea level. Facilities are minimal here but include the essentials, such as a ski school, ski rental shop and a café and restaurant, while the bulk of facilities are located in the nearby town of Los Angeles, Chile.

Antuco ski resort does not boast the same choice of runs and lifts as some of the other well known resorts in Chile and the grooming can be a bit rough, yet there is a massive 4,920-feet vertical and some fantastic off-piste terrain. There are three chairlifts at Antuco, two of which are fairly quick poma lifts that have a combined capacity to lift hundreds of people up the slopes every hour.

Antuco offers simple lodge-style accommodation with a cafeteria, restaurant and service bar, while the town of Antuco has other accommodation options and entertainment, as does the farther afield town of Los Angeles.

Away from the slopes, Laguna del Laja National Park is massive and beautiful, and boasts a sparkling emerald green lagoon from where the park got its name. The Antuco volcano dominates the park and all around is dense vegetation interspersed with glaciers and waterfalls.

Antuco ski resort’s ski season runs from late June to late September and prices don’t fluctuate much throughout the season. The easiest way to get here is to fly to Los Angeles via Santiago and then take a shuttle to the ski resort.

Skiing in Antuco

Situated on the north slope of the Antuco volcano in Laguna del Laja National Park, Antuco ski resort is one of the lesser known ski destinations in Chile, but it offers enough pistes to keep you busy and plenty of excellent off-piste terrain.

Antuco’s slopes are mostly reserved for intermediate and advanced sliders, while the outstanding off-piste sections can provide plenty of excitement even for seasoned thrill-seekers. Antuco ski resort encompasses a respectable 4,920-feet vertical slice of the Antuco volcano and three efficient chairlifts provide slope access.

There is not a vast number of alternative activities at Antuco, but snowboarders will find the off-piste entertaining and trekking can also be enjoyed here. For après-ski at the resort, there is a café, restaurant and service bar, while nearby Antuco town and Los Angeles provide further alternatives.

Facilities at the base of Antuco ski resort are limited to a ski school, rental and repair services and a restaurant and café, while accommodation here is in short supply in the form of simple lodgings. Again, Los Angeles has more in the way of accommodation and entertainment options.

July sees the best snow conditions at Antuco ski resort, with the ski season stretching from June to September. The most practical option for getting to Antuco ski resort is to fly to Los Angeles International Airport (Chile), from where the Los Angeles Ski Club operate shuttles to and from the resort daily.

Transportation to Antuco

Antuco ski resort is situated near the Argentinean border in the Laguna del Laja National Park, 50 miles northeast of Los Angeles and 379 miles from Santiago. Options for getting here include flying to Santiago and taking a long distance bus to Los Angeles, or alternatively flying to Los Angeles and taking a shuttle bus or hiring a car.

Cars can be rented at a reasonable rate from Santiago’s Arturo Merino Benítez Airport and the 370-mile route goes via route 5 (south) to Cambrero; Antuco is situated southeast of here via Huepil. From Los Angeles International Airport (Chile), head northeast along route 045 to Antuco; the last 17 miles is unpaved.

Flights from the UK go via New York and Miami before flying direct to Santiago. Due to the distances involved, it is best to fly to Los Angeles (Chile) via air taxi rather than drive down or take the bus to Antuco ski resort. Transfers from Los Angeles International Airport (Chile) to Antuco are via shuttle bus.

If you prefer to take the bus to Los Angeles, Chile or cannot find a flight, coaches are by far the most comfortable and efficient long distance bus transportation option, with their reclining beds and night time travel. Tur buses leave Santiago’s airport to the city centre bus station, from where you can catch a long distance service to Los Angeles.

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