The Colorado is located only 50 kilometers from Santiago, in the middle of the cordillera de Los Andes. It offers ski slopes, restaurants and accommodations for you come to enjoy with your family and friends.
Situated in the heart of the Tres Valles we find the Farellones ski resorts (near the village of Farellones) and a little further up, El Colorado. Although today El Colorado is more important and has more presence than Farellones as a ski resort (leaving Villa Farellones for later), talking about El Colorado inevitably leads us to talk about Farellones and its magical history. It all starts in 1932, when the so-called "Pioneers", who went on mules, and paving the way while advancing to investigate the area. They were responsible for discovering the hill that today we know as El Colorado. Villa Farellones (now known as Farellones, or Fare for friends) was founded in the mid-30s, with the construction of the first mountain refuge and in the year 38 is built the first cable car called La Gran Bajada. In 1946 the Colorado ski resort was founded, the Villa evolved and the ski increased its fans allowing the installation of the first double chair in the 50's. Thus El Colorado continued to grow, above Farellones. Today, together, both resorts have 101 tracks that are divided into percentages that tell us that a surprising 51% is for beginners, 28% for intermediate, 8% for advanced and 13% for specialists.
To reach Farellones should take the path G21 (road to Farellones) to the junction with the road to Valle Nevado. Here you should turn left to enter Farellones. Following the main road you will cross the whole village (it sounds longer than it really is), at the end of the village we continue until the intersection to La Parva (left) or El Colorado (right). From here to the top we will find several parking lots. Usually the ones that are higher fill up faster because they are widely used by both resort staff and by owners who arrive early in the morning. Usually the road is in poor condition, the G21 route is constantly in works that are never good enough for the conditions of the place, so it is normal to find large holes in the pavement. It is a narrow winding road; If we add snow and ice, the result is a dangerous route. If it's the first time you climb into the snow, I recommend that you study the road and weather conditions well. If you think you cannot do this, I recommend you take a bus that will leave you at the Parador. El Colorado offers its own bus transfers, from the Omnium building in Las Condes. Although they are not the only ones coming to Colorado, they are the most economical. Right there at Omnium you can check the price offers of different companies. In addition here you can avail to lease equipment if you don't have your own, so you arrive at the top and go straight to skiing.
The people you see in El Colorado is quite different from the one found in Farellones. The Farellones skier is a beginner or intermediate (since here he does not have much more offer); While in Colorado it is much broader and homogeneous (the most pluralistic of the three valleys). You will find beginner tourists, tourists from Santiago de Chile passing the day, people who did not go up to ski, but to see the mountain, families, riders and park skiers. This is mainly because El Colorado is the resort with the lowest prices in the area, thus allowing more diverse public.
Overall, El Colorado does not have much room for expert levels, although the back provides access to good tracks, but that's still not enough. On the other hand, through Colorado we can access an area called Santa Teresita (Important: Currently this sector is closed and if you are caught you will be fined by the police, in addition it is essential to consider that Santa Tere is private property), whose opening usually happens for Freeride competitions such as the Free Ski World Tour. If, despite the warnings you venture into Santa Tere, it is essential to carry a recco system (beacon), a shovel and a probe. If you have an airbag backpack, the better. Santa Tere is an avalanche zone; Usually this is controlled by Valle Nevado (although it is owned by Colorado) because they expose the route from Farellones to Valle Nevado.
It is essential to study the area well, as Santa Tere is characterized by improper cliffs to be skied because of its height (unless you practice ski-base jump). I recommend studying topographic maps and location photographs to identify traps, safety areas, possible avalanche routes, etc. I would recommend bringing a guide, if you decide to visit Santa Tere. Also, when you get off you will have to hitchhike to return to the resort. Sometimes this can be tricky due to the hourly restrictions that the path has, although, since El Colorado has now installed the Snow Park in this area, it is now easier to return.
In terms of service, unfortunately El Colorado is not known to be the best. Proof of this are the bathrooms of Parador, the base of the ski resort. They are always poorly cleaned and finding toilet paper is almost a miracle. Not to mention washing hands with hot water. The lifts are old and slow and the employees are not very friendly; But at least it is more accessible than its neighbors.
As for the restaurants, we have 3 on the mountain: El Olimpo, El Mirador (locally known as El Manolo) and El Yeti. El Olympus is at the back of the resort and is only open on weekends. The menu offers all kinds of sandwiches, creams, tapas and seafood, among others. It is a fairly expensive restaurant, and can only be accessed by skiing (on one side of the top of the La Copa ski lift). El Mirador however, is in the front area of the resort and is a more massive (but certainly not cheaper) restaurant. Its forte is the sandwiches and grilled skewers (prepared in front of you), and the funny thing is that you sit on the terrace watching the mountains up to Santiago. El Mirador is located on one side of the base of the cable car El Léon. It can be accessed by skiing or by El Cururo, a chair that also carries tourists who do not ski.
El Yeti is located next to the snow park. The funny thing is that those who enjoy the snow park can eat there very easily and quickly to continue enjoying and make the most of their ticket.
Off track we have 6 restaurants and food stalls: El Parador, located at the base of the resort. A classic of the ski resort, it works as a casino/buffet and, depending on the time, the food they serve (breakfast, lunch, sandwiches, etc.). On the second floor of the Parador is the newly opened restaurant El Refugio (ex alambique, known for its après-ski), with a slightly more familiar tone, with live music, dishes to share and the best, a spectacular view. I definitely recommend taking a walk at sunset time. Then you'll see why he's called El Colorado.
Also on the fourth floor of the Parador we find the restaurant KL, formerly known as Rocker. It is characterized for being for young people; They have a good bar with beer and dishes to share.
On the terrace of the Parador is the Quincho del Este, artisanal delicatessen. The funny thing is that it is fast and allows you to return to the tracks quickly. They offer drinks and beer to drink.
In the area called Los Zorros is the Wood Stop Pizza restaurant. Its name says it all. It's a stand located in parking lot 4, inside the Dome.
For those who do not ski, El Colorado offers the opportunity to climb up the middle of the mountain on a chair, next to the Mirador restaurant. From here you can enjoy the view of both the mountain and Santiago. Farellones offers many more alternatives for those who do not ski because they have canopy, tubbing, air games and restaurants, among others. Something more interesting is that Farellones has a circuit to walk with snowshoeing, just below Santa Tere. Especially recommended by the view that the tour offers.
If you are interested in climbing up to experience the snow, Farellones and El Colorado have developed the snow park, focused on people who have never climbed the mountain or skied. Usually during the season, they have deals that include tickets, equipment and classes for a very low price so it's very convenient. Attention! It does not include snowshoe rentals, and believe me when I say you do not want to learn to ski in jeans!! You will fall, you will get wet and it will go wrong. Bring clothes from Santiago!
