Nevados de Chillán Shuts Down Ahead of a Atmospheric River
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Nevados de Chillán has announced a temporary closure as a massive weather system—an incoming category 3–4 atmospheric river—heads toward southern Chile, with up to 3–4 feet of snow possible by Sunday, August 3. The pause in operations is a precaution to protect staff and visitors from dangerous conditions. We're hoping the air stays cold enough to make this storm work.
Storm Details & Forecast Highlights
- Powderchasers predict 19–28 inches in the initial storm phase, followed by another 11–18 inches of cold, lighter snow, bringing potential totals to 30–40 inches over the next few days.
- As seen across central Chile, resorts like Portillo, Valle Nevado, and La Parva will also get roughly a foot each.
Chillán Presses Pause
Temporarily shutting down is standard when risk is high:
- Chairlifts become unsafe under high winds and icing.
- Avalanche risk spikes. Patrol teams need clear windows of time to perform mitigation work.
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Conditions Leading Up to the Storm
Nevados de Chillán started the 2025 season with disappointing snowfall: a 22″ base, with only 12 of 15 lifts running as of July 30-- just below average depth for that date. The storm is overdue and could completely reset the snowpack.
What Happens Next?
- The resort will remain closed until conditions stabilize.
- Officials have pledged regular updates via the resort’s official channels as the storm progresses.
- Return-to-ride timing will depend on avalanche danger mitigation and how quickly ski patrol deems terrain safe. Avalanches occur most commonly during or after a storm.
Bottom Line
With potentially 3‑4 feet of snow headed into southern Chile, Nevados de Chillán is bracing for a mega storm that will change the course of the season. While the resort resets, the Andes will see a monumental powder pick-up.
