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Travel to Corralco-Lonquimay with ski insurance from Essential Travel

Lying south of Santiago and situated in the centre of the Araucanía region, Corralco-Lonquimay ski resort is an intermediate ski destination on the south facing side of Lonquimay Volcano. Corralco-Lonquimay is surrounded by forests of araucaria trees and the excellent quality of the snow here, together with a smooth underlying surface, makes for great sliding.

The resort base of Corralco-Lonquimay ski resort is situated at 5,249 feet above sea level and facilities here include a ski school and rental shop offering alpine skis, touring skis, cross-country skis and snowboards.

Corralco-Lonquimay has 3,212 acres of total ski area, of which 520 acres are served by a ski lift which runs up a 1,053-feet vertical, while the remaining acres are reserved for cross-country and Alpine touring. There are nine pisted runs, 65 per cent of which are aimed at intermediate level skiers and snowboarders, while the longest run is a commendable two miles. Four ski and chairlifts provide slope access.

The Corralco Hotel at Corralco-Lonquimay ski resort only provides 20 beds, but it is very personable and cosy; an excellent restaurant and a bar provide après ski here. The nearby town of Malalcahuello has additional lodgings, while Temuco has an array of excellent hotels, restaurants and bars.

Away from the slopes and amid the beautiful araucaria forests are plenty of natural distractions worthy of a visit including Malalcahuello National Reserve in Corralco, the outstanding Conguillío National Park, imposing Llaima Volcano and the mountain village of Malalcahuello. The hot springs spa just outside Malalcahuello is ideal for relaxation after a hard slog on the slopes, or alternatively you may like to try the nearby ski resort of Llaima to the south.

The ski season at Corralco-Lonquimay ski resort runs from mid-June to late October, with the best snow during the first two months of the ski season and the cheapest rates from mid-September to the season’s end. The easiest way to get to Corralco-Lonquimay is to fly to Temuco and hire a car.

Skiing in Corralco-Lonquimay

Corralco-Lonquimay lies east of Temuco in the region of Araucanía and is one of Chile’s newest ski resorts, with plans to expand 500 acres into pisted terrain. The skiing and snowboarding at Corralco-Lonquimay ski resort greatly favours intermediate skiers and off-piste specialists, while the breathtaking views from the top of the volcanoes are outstanding.

There are nine trails spread over a 1,053-feet vertical and 520 acres of terrain at Corralco-Lonquimay, with 10 per cent suitable for beginners, 65 per cent for intermediates and 25 per cent for advanced sliders. The longest run at Corralco-Lonquimay ski resort is nearly two miles and four ski lifts feed the slopes, while the excellent cross-country trails here stretch for 11 miles.

Alternative, non-piste activities at Corralco-Lonquimay ski resort include randonee skiing (Alpine touring), snowshoeing, mountaineering, Ecotrax riding and Nordic skiing (cross-country skiing). There is not much après-ski to speak of at the slopes, apart from the bar and restaurant at the Corralco Hotel, but nearby Malalcahuello and Temulco offer good entertainment options.

Resort facilities include a ski school and a well-stocked rental shop, while limited accommodation at the base is provided by the Corralco Hotel, with its 20 or so beds. Additional accommodation options can be found at the nearby town of Malalcahuello and Temuco.

Corralco-Lonquimay ski resort’s ski season extends from June to October and sometimes into November, with the late June to early August high season offering the best snow conditions. The cheapest rates are in October, with discounts available for children and seniors. Flying domestic from Santiago to Temuco and taking a shuttle bus direct to Corralco-Lonquimay is the most practical travel option.

Transportation to Corralco-Lonquimay

Corralco-Lonquimay ski resort is about 60 miles northeast of the Araucanía town of Temuco and 372 miles south of Santiago, and is easily accessible by car from both places. Most people fly to Temuco or Concepción and hire a car, while shuttles are also available from Temuco’s airport and centre.

The road from Temuco to Corralco-Lonquimay ski resort is paved most of the way, except for the last four miles. Corralco-Lonquimay is 76 miles and about 90 minutes’ drive from Temuco-Maquehue Airport, four hours from Concepción Airport and seven hours from Santiago.

The most efficient alternative is to fly from Santiago to Temuco aboard LanChile and hire a car from there, or alternatively take the shuttle bus or a taxi into Temuco. The next best option is to fly to Concepción and drive to Corralco-Lonquimay ski resort.

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