First time in the snow: what to expect and how to prepare for your first day on the mountain

October 23, 2026

Tres amigas con ropa de nieve arrendada disfrutando su primer día en la montaña cerca de Santiago

Editor's note: road and ski resort hours are from the 2026 season and may change in 2027. Before heading up, always check the official channels of each resort and of Chile's Ministry of Transport.

The first time someone sees snow up close, the same thing usually happens: they get out of the car, look at the white mountains against a deep blue sky and take off their sunglasses for the photo. It's a small mistake, but it's exactly the kind of mistake that separates a great day from a night with burning eyes.

Getting to the snow from Santiago is easy. Getting there prepared is the hard part. This guide brings together what's worth knowing before your first day on the mountain, whether you're going to ski or simply to enjoy the snow.

Traveling with a tour agency? Your agency will also walk you through the details of your day: what time they'll pick you up, how the transfer works and what your package includes. This guide will help you arrive with everything else sorted out.

The sun on the snow burns more than you think

Snow works like a mirror: it reflects about 80% of sunlight, compared with 10% to 25% for sand and about 20% for water. Add altitude to that: ultraviolet radiation increases by about 10% for every 1,000 meters.

In other words, on the mountain you get sun from above and below, and more intensely than in the city. That's why the cold is deceiving. Your face can feel freezing while it's getting burned.

Chile's Ministry of Health recommends sunscreen with SPF 30 or higher, even on cloudy days, plus sunglasses. In the snow, don't forget the areas the sun reaches by reflection: under your nose, your chin and your ears.

Your eyes need goggles or sunglasses with UV protection

Without protection, your eyes can get burned. It's called solar keratitis, and the tricky part is that symptoms don't show up right away, but 6 to 12 hours later: pain, red eyes, tearing and sensitivity to light. If it happens, see an eye doctor urgently.

Prevention is simple: ski goggles or sunglasses with high UV protection and side coverage, all day long, even when it's cloudy or foggy. This applies to everyone, including if you're just going for a walk or to take photos.

You'll be more than 3,000 meters above sea level

Much of Valle Nevado's terrain is above 3,000 meters, El Colorado reaches 3,500 meters and Farellones sits above 2,300 meters.

At that altitude there's less oxygen. It's a good idea to eat light, avoid alcohol and sleep well the night before, and to skip reading or looking at your phone on the way up to avoid motion sickness. Above all, stay hydrated all day.

Handle the cold with layers, not one giant coat

To give you an idea: on October 23, 2026, in mid-spring, La Parva recorded a low of -4 °C and a high of 3 °C. In midwinter it can be much colder, and wind changes everything.

The key is dressing in three layers:

Base layer: thermal, close to the body, to wick away sweat.
Mid layer: insulating, like a fleece.
Outer layer: waterproof and windproof. That's the jacket and snow pants, or a snowsuit.

Bring the first two layers from home; the outer layer, along with gloves, boots and goggles, is what's worth renting. To learn more about which type of clothing to choose, read Ski, waterproof or fashion clothing?

Signs that the cold is winning

There are two warnings worth knowing. Hypothermia: shivering, exhaustion, confusion, fumbling hands, slurred speech and drowsiness. Frostbite: white or grayish-yellow skin that feels firm or waxy, and numbness. If you notice any of these signs, get somewhere warm and ask the ski patrol or resort staff for help.

A day on the mountain runs on a schedule

This surprises many visitors: the snow isn't a park that's open at any time.

Key times for a day in the snow (2026 season)
What	Hours
Going up the road to Farellones (G-21)	8 a.m. to 1 p.m.
Coming down the same road	3 p.m. to 8 p.m.
Valle Nevado lifts	9 a.m. to 5 p.m.
La Parva lifts	9 a.m. to 5 p.m.

On busy days the trip can be long: in July 2026 there were warnings that it could take up to five hours to reach the resorts. In winter, snow chains are mandatory. We cover your transport options in How to get to the snow from Santiago. If you're traveling with an agency, they'll handle the transfer and confirm the times with you.

The practical takeaway: leave early. At Andes Premier Rental we open at 5 a.m., so you can pick up your clothing and gear the same day, on your way to the mountains. Many agencies stop by with their groups before 6 a.m., to head up with time to spare.

The weather changes fast, and sometimes the road closes

When a storm front arrives, authorities may close the road as a precaution. In July 2026, routes G-21, G-251 and G-249 were closed from the La Ermita checkpoint between July 15 and 20, open only to emergency and snow-clearing vehicles.

It happens up top too: in unstable weather, resorts may suddenly close lifts and runs. So the rule is to check the forecast, the road status and your resort's mountain report the night before and again that morning. If you're traveling with an agency, you can relax: agencies constantly monitor the weather to make sure your trip up to the snow always happens when conditions are right.

If you're going to ski or snowboard: five safety rules

If you're just going for a walk, to play in the snow or to take photos, the right clothing and sun protection are enough. If you're going to hit the slopes, these are the essential rules:

Always wear a helmet on the slopes. It's mandatory for children under 12 who ski or snowboard.
Choose runs that match your level and stay in control of your speed.
Give way to people below or ahead of you.
Don't walk on the runs or cross into closed areas.
If you see an accident, don't move the person and alert the ski patrol right away.

Your first-day checklist

Thermal base and mid layers (no cotton).
Snow jacket and pants, or a snowsuit.
Waterproof gloves and snow boots.
Goggles or sunglasses with UV protection.
SPF 30+ sunscreen and lip balm.
Water and a light snack.
If you're going to ski or snowboard: helmet and gear.
Clothing and gear picked up early, before heading up.
Forecast, road status and mountain report checked (or confirmed with your agency).

Now go enjoy it

With all of this sorted out, the only thing left is to live it. Few things compare to that first moment: stepping onto the snow, feeling the cold mountain air, seeing the Andes completely white under a blue sky and hearing your group laugh during the first snowball fight. For many people it's a dream that finally comes true, and a day they never forget.

You don't need to know how to ski or be a mountain expert: just come dressed warmly and ready to have fun. Take all the photos you want, play, laugh and make the most of every minute. This guide exists so you only have to worry about one thing: enjoying it. Dress to live the snow.

At Andes Premier Rental we rent snow clothing and gear for the whole family in Las Condes, on the way to the mountains, from 5 a.m. See real photos of our clothing in the Winter 2026 Catalog.