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  1. #1
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    Ski Chile 2020, one rider down

    What with Chile ground down beneath the Four Horsemen of the Apocalypse, as in violent political/social turmoil, economic bust up, ravaging drought, and now plague, everywhere looks up. So at least this thread can start on a positive note, as the drought has taken a hit, and thus, one rider down.

    Unfortunately, given all of the above, the recent rainfall has a dampening effect just the same. Some floods, homes and roads damaged, and soaked people camping out in the city (migrants that cannot return home and other poor souls), always go with the big storms. I will go into the covid situation later, suffice to say the shitstorm is raging and you better have a good excuse to be anywhere but inside your normal residence, so the rain can just make things gloomier too.

    I was going to wait til there was actually snow stuck on the ground, AND a light at the end of the quarantine tunnel, to start this thread. There is no light yet, just signs of a possible plateau, but here goes anyway.

    Santiago, where half of Chiles ski lifts are, went from a 90% YTD deficit in early June, (after an 80% deficit last year), to a 30% deficit today. Twice as much rain has fallen this month as in all of last year. The forested mountain above my home in Santiago was mostly dead from 11 years of meager rainfall. I hope the forest, the water tables, reservoirs, and farmland can recover somewhat.

    This was the scene at the aduana in Portillo today:

    https://twitter.com/UPFronterizos/st...450405376?s=20

    And in La Parva, where around 80-90cm have accumulated at the base.

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    The green lines are where our apt sits, forlorn. Now, with the packing they can be seen doing, somebody is relatively optimistic, but nobody wants to even suggest a possible opening date yet.

  2. #2
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    ^^^

  3. #3
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    looks like one of my properties sold, may be wandering around down that way

  4. #4
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    Yay, a Casey thread!


    Sad to hear Chile having trouble, but with the USA circling the drain, guess i'd be willing to take my chances there when things get opened up.

  5. #5
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    This is the ACESKI (ski area association) communication from 15/06/2020. In summary with google translate it says:

    "it is still not possible to speak of losses or to take stock," but he does assume that "it will be very difficult" for the 400,000 foreign skiers that normally arrive in the country each year. The bet will be on the other 600 thousand national visitors."

    They have presented an ""extensive protocol" that has already been submitted to the Ministry of Health for its analysis and eventual observations. As for the detail of instructions included in the protocol, Sotomayor highlights the exclusively online sale of tickets to avoid crowds. Another provision is the operation of lifts at 50% of their capacity and with permanent sanitation and separation in the rows. Ski classes are also restricted to those over the age of six and snowboarding to those over 10 years old and in small groups. Likewise, visitors are recommended to arrive equipped and only incorporate boots and skis when getting out of the vehicles and not to use the dressing rooms. As for the staff of the centers, accommodation and food will be divided into larger shifts, with fewer people, with transport at 50% of their capacity and daily health checks."

    And... "while the countries of the northern hemisphere were caught in the middle of the pandemic in operation and had to close the season, we have had time to reflect and propose measures to function safely."

    We shall see.

    Centros de esquí esperan que Salud apruebe protocolo con medidas para su operación – por EL MERCURIO
    Publicada el 15-06-2020, en Noticias,Prensa
    Si las propuestas del sector son acogidas por la autoridad, enfatizarán el turismo local. Del millón de esquiadores que anualmente llegan a estos recintos, un 40% son extranjeros.

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    La incertidumbre respecto del inicio de la temporada de invierno es algo que cada año viven los centros de esquí del país. Sin embargo, hasta ahora solo era atribuible a la mayor o menor presencia de nieve. Pero esta vez, la falta de claridad está relacionada con las restricciones que imponen las medidas sanitarias para frenar la expansión del covid-19.

    Aunque el invierno oficialmente comenzará el próximo fin de semana, el gerente general de la Asociación de Centros de Ski (Aceski), Francisco Sotomayor, advierte que ha habido años en que recién en julio se abre la temporada y esta ha logrado extenderse hasta octubre. Por lo tanto, pese a la falta de certeza, recalca que ‘todavía no se puede hablar de pérdidas ni hacer balances’, pero sí asume que ‘será muy difícil’ que en 2020 lleguen al país los 400 mil esquiadores extranjeros que cada año lo visitan. La apuesta estará en otros 600 mil visitantes nacionales.

    Sotomayor destaca la elaboración de un ‘extenso protocolo’ que ya fue entregado al Ministerio de Salud para su análisis y eventuales observaciones. Explica que las medidas ‘ponen énfasis en donde se presenta algún grado de cercanía entre personas, ya que en el resto y mayoría de las actividades las condiciones son óptimas’. Agrega que ello obedece a que ‘se realizan en espacios abiertos y extensos donde, por razones climáticas, las personas siempre han usado mascarillas y guantes’.

    En cuanto al detalle de instrucciones que contempla el protocolo, Sotomayor destaca la venta exclusivamente online de boletos para evitar aglomeraciones. Otra disposición es el funcionamiento de andariveles a un 50% de su capacidad y con permanente sanitización y separación en las filas. También se establece clases de esquí restringidas a mayores de seis años y de snowboard a los que tengan más de 10 años y en grupos reducidos. De igual manera, se recomienda a los visitantes llegar equipados y solo incorporar las botas y esquíes al bajar de los vehículos y no usar los camarines. En cuanto al personal de los centros, el alojamiento y la alimentación se dividirá en turnos más amplios, con menos personas, con transportes al 50% de su capacidad y controles de salud diarios.

    Por su parte, José Pablo García, director comercial de El Colorado y Parques de Farellones, recuerda que en 2015 la temporada se extendió hasta noviembre. Sobre los visitantes foráneos, asume que la misión será ‘suplirlos con turismo interno’.

    Desde la gerencia de Nevados de Chillán aseguran que ‘no damos por perdida la temporada, pero será diferente y más corta y de mucho esfuerzo para brindar seguridad’ y garantizan que de conseguir la autorización para funcionar, ‘los centros de esquí adoptaremos todas las medidas aplicables a nuestro rubro, con el fin de proteger la salud de nuestros colaboradores y visitantes’.

    En cuando a la situación de turistas que ya tenían reservas confirmadas para la temporada, en Nevados de Chillán explican que ‘hemos tomado distintas medidas: desde cambios en las fechas de esas reservas, devoluciones (de pagos) y cancelaciones sin penalización, para quienes pensaban viajar’.

    Pese al actual escenario, Sotomayor hace notar que ‘mientras a los países del hemisferio norte la pandemia los sorprendió en plena operación y tuvieron que cerrar la temporada, nosotros hemos tenido tiempo para reflexionar y proponer medidas para funcionar de manera segura’.
    Portillo says:

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    The state of emergency was extended another 90 days, to mid-September.

  6. #6
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    The US embassy says:

    https://cl.usembassy.gov/covid-19-information/

    Level 4 Travel Advisory for American Citizens: Do Not Travel

    The Department of State advises U.S. citizens to avoid all international travel due to the global impact of COVID-19.
    As of May 1, LATAM has resumed commercial flights between Santiago and the U.S. As commercial flight options and availability may change with little notice, the U.S. Embassy continues to encourage all citizens who are not prepared to remain in Chile for an indefinite period of time to take advantage of commercial flights to the U.S. while they are available. The Department of State is not currently organizing an evacuation of American citizens from Chile. Please note that evacuation flights are not free of charge. Learn more about evacuation flights here.
    Please see the Travel Advisory for more details: https://cl.usembassy.gov/alert-the-d...t-of-covid-19/
    Country-Specific Information:

    As of 11:00 am June 29, 2020, Chile has 275,999 confirmed cases of COVID-19 within its borders. Chile remains in Phase 4 of the outbreak, i.e., uncontrolled and widespread community transmission.
    Chile has declared a preventative quarantine for parts of Santiago and nationwide curfew requirements. See important details below under “Quarantine Information”.
    Chile is under a daily nationwide curfew from 10:00 pm to 5:00 am. To obtain a permit (salvoconducto) to leave your residence during the curfew period, visit the Comisaria Virtual or the nearest police station.
    The Chilean government has declared a 90-day state of emergency, which took effect March 19. The declaration was renewed on June 16 for an additional 90 days.Travelers should be prepared for further travel restrictions to be put into effect with little or no advance notice at the local, regional, and national government levels. The Chilean armed forces are present at ports of entry to ensure compliance with these restrictions."
    Effective March 18, Chile’s borders are closed for entry. Chilean citizens and permanent residents are exempted and may still enter Chile at this time. All foreigners and Chileans entering Chile are subject to a mandatory 14-day self-quarantine.

  7. #7
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    Dang. Sorry to hear about the situation down there, Casey. If it's any consolation at all, I still remember the day you styled me out with an awesome tour around La Parva from back in 2015 very fondly. It was such a great experience and I'm hopeful you've got some good fortune headed your way soon!

    Sent from my Pixel 4 XL using Tapatalk

  8. #8
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    Click image for larger version. 

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    El Colorado yesterday as viewed from cerro Calan in Santiago, by Roberto Antezana

    https://www.facebook.com/1133273518/...141823958/?d=n

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    Trying to get to the aduana at Paso Pehuenche, Maule recently

    Snowing again today....

  9. #9
    Join Date
    May 2015
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    50
    Damn Casey!, now you got me all hot an bother'd!
    Stupid question, but how do you think the snow will be in October? South will be better I guess, Corralco? Looks like I can change my booked (August) flights for 1st to 22nd October.

    BTW, any chance you can give us beta on the ranchito development?
    And how does the land purchase, house approval, zone system work in Chile?
    I'm interested.

    Y si yo vaya Santiago este año, compro cervezas, vale?

  10. #10
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    Portillo’s pool froze up

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    And La Parva is trucking snow out from the roads. I don’t remember the last time that happened.

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    This year was supposed to be about as dry as last year.

    Rumor has it the central zone ski areas are now aiming for an August 18 opening, after the Asunción de la Virgen holiday.

  11. #11
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    Wow; that looks like some serious snow. Glad to hear it is helping with drought you guys have been in. Would love to spend a winter down in Chile.

  12. #12
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    The mountains just east of Santiago, last year and this year

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  13. #13
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    May 2014
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    Ski Chile 2020, one rider down

    Anyone wanting a condors eye view of those mountains, and many more, check out

    Last edited by Casey E; 07-01-2020 at 07:49 PM.

  14. #14
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    Sunset in La Parva today, with the lights of Farellones in the distance, and the front range Cerro San Ramon.

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    The forecast is for more...

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    I sleep better knowing all that snow has fallen, and at least I can smell it here, I think.

    But boy do I have the "pidulles" to get out there.

  15. #15
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    Corralco today. No tracks as far as I can see....

    Click image for larger version. 

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    We can dream can’t we?

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  16. #16
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    Quote Originally Posted by Casey E View Post
    Corralco today. No tracks as far as I can see....

    Click image for larger version. 

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    We can dream can’t we?

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    Oh, it stings!

  17. #17
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    May 2014
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    Volcanos popped out today, for a brief lull. They are getting clobbered..

    Nevados de Chillan, volcan nuevo

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    Chillan is still active, this shot is from earlier in June.

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    The cats are rolling there now....




    Volcan Callaqui

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    All I could get from Antillanca was this, looks like the tree skiing could be ok (for about 100 vertical meters....

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  18. #18
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    Valle Nevado has given up clearing the snow from the hotel..

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  19. #19
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    Finally got out long enough to take a few shots of the mountains that frame Santiago.

    The Marriott Hotel and the Rio Clarillo front range to the SE.

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    The “Chilean Sanhatten” with the Cordillera de la Costa “Altos de Cantillana” range

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    Folks actually skied the Coastal Range back in the 30’s and 40’s, out of Valparaiso, as in the German Ski Club, under Heinz Rasmussen (hows that for trivia?).

    The Costanera Norte Freeway and the Cordillera del Quempo (right) and El Cono of El Colorado (left arrow).

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  20. #20
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    La Parva, abandoned to lord winter

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  21. #21
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    wow..

  22. #22
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    The time is coming to start to talk about loosening of restrictions in Santiago, as several positive trends are raising hopes. Other regions, such as the far north, have rising cases and are tightening up, and the south is a mixed bag, but mostly under control.

    Chile testing is the highest in LA, and continues with fine tuning of strategy.

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    Positivity has been very high, reaching 30%+ for a few weeks, but it has been falling, to below 20% in Santiago.

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    Ugly counting adjustments aside, the cases per day is falling slowly but steadily

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    Deaths per day are high and steady, but the case fatality rate is very low. In part this is from government procurement and coordination, and a health system that has responded reasonably well considering the avalanche of hospital admissions.

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    So, people are talking....

    The government has established the criteria for opening, summarized as 4 clear trends and better testing/tracing. With a new Health Minister, it looks like consensus is forming.

    Rules for de-confinement - https://www.latercera.com/nacional/n...C2CA7UESJDZII/

    The word is that sometime in the last week of July, Santiago restrictions could start to be lifted. I doubt ski areas or access to the mountains will be loosened in that stage, but they may be as soon as early August. I know people are skiing in uncontrolled areas in the Araucanía, and my friend Slava (stranded in Chile) has his sights on a cabin up the Maule Valley. But the Cajon del Maipo has quarantined its communal capital, San Jose de Maipo, and the main road goes straight through town (and is closed).

    La Parva, if permitted, will likely open for season pass holders only initially (the top 0.01% of Chileans), which is currently at $750 for a SENIOR. Count me out. But as La Parva has no hotel, just lots of apartments, and does not depend on Brazilians, they may open. And foreign ski teams could theoretically hunker down in a group and train.

    Enough speculation...

  23. #23
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    I know a bit of stoke hurts, but what the hey, eh?

    La Parva is looking like even north faces are skiable.
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    Chillan is digging out

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    Corralco is getting rude, again. They boast a meter at the hotel and 4 up high.

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    A nice shot from the Cuesta Las Raices, in late June.

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  24. #24
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    Part 2 stoke

    Volcan Antuco ski area late June

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    Volcan Casablanca and Antillanca Haique ridge yesterday

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    Laguna del Maule road

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    Last edited by Casey E; 07-08-2020 at 09:21 AM.

  25. #25
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    Jun 2020
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    Tremontaine
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    Wow, Chile has some real natural beauty to it and looks great with a fresh coat of snow! Hopefully Corona subsides and you can get out for some turns!

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