Sledding in Chilean mountains beats the usual day trip. This tour is a straight shot from Santiago to Farellones Park, where you can ride tubing on 250-meter tracks and bounce between activities without needing ski skills. It also includes an organized stop for cold-weather basics so you spend less time hunting rentals and more time in the snow.

My favorite part is how the park is set up in zones, so you can mix thrill rides with scenic breaks instead of feeling trapped in one area. The one real drawback to plan around is that lunch and park-related tickets are not included, so you’ll want to budget a bit extra for food and entry.

Key Highlights You’ll Feel the Moment You Arrive

• Farellones Park’s three zones (Base, Intermediate, Summit) help you pace your day across different attractions
• 250-meter tubing tracks give you longer rides than the typical “one go and done” setup
• The canopy-style rides and sheltered areas mean you can still enjoy the park even when weather shifts
• A panoramic chairlift ride adds height and views without needing to ski
• Tray Sled is a kid favorite, which makes the day more family-friendly than you might expect

A Solid Snow Day From Santiago: What Makes This Tour Work

If you want snow fun without turning the whole day into a logistics puzzle, this tour fits well. You get a group transfer in an air-conditioned coach, a bilingual guide, and a full chunk of time at Farellones so you’re not constantly rushing between stops.

What stands out is that the park isn’t only for skiers. Farellones is built around accessible snow attractions like tubing, sled-style rides, and a chairlift experience, with games and activities spread through multiple areas. That means you can tailor the day to your energy level: big thrills for some, slower sightseeing for others.

One more practical thing: you’re not just dropped at the park and left to figure it out. The tour includes a gear rental stop, which matters because snow clothing is one of the biggest “unknown costs” when you plan last-minute.

Getting There: Start Options, Coach Time, and Your Real Schedule

You’re looking at a 10-hour day, structured around travel time plus a long park window. The ride to the mountains is about 1 hour each way, with roughly 7 hours on-site at Farellones for visiting and free time.

Your pickup and drop-off locations vary by the option you book. Available starting points include:

• Av. Ricardo Lyon 32
• Av. Pdte. Kennedy Lateral 5413
• Monjitas 879
• Av Vitacura 2653

Drop-off points include:

• Encomenderos 260
• Monjitas 879
• Av. Pdte. Kennedy Lateral 5413
• Av Vitacura 2653

Because meeting points can change based on your chosen option, I strongly suggest confirming the exact pickup details when you book. It’s the difference between a smooth morning and a slow start, especially if you’re traveling with kids.

Parque Arauco Stop and the Rental Moment: Plan Your Warmth Like a Pro

Before you reach the snow, the tour stops at Parque Arauco mall, one of Santiago’s major shopping centers. This isn’t just a random break. It’s where you can handle cold-weather needs, including renting ski clothing and/or ski equipment if you want it.

This matters because snow comfort is not optional. Even when you think you’re dressed enough, snow wind plus cold ground exposure can surprise you. If you already own warm layers, great. If not, using this stop helps you avoid spending extra time scrambling for rentals later.

Bring a realistic winter kit even if you rent gear:

• warm shoes
• warm clothing plus layers
• gloves
• scarf and/or hat
• sunglasses and sunscreen

Also, keep an eye on what you rent. The tour doesn’t include ski clothing and equipment, so if you want that setup, treat it as a separate decision you’ll make at the rental stop.

Inside Farellones: Base Sector, Intermediate Zone, Summit

Once you arrive at Farellones, the park is organized into three zones: Base Sector, Intermediate Zone, and Summit. This layout is more than a map trick. It helps you avoid repeating the same experience over and over, and it encourages a natural flow as you move between attractions.

In every area, there are games and activities, so you’re not limited to one “big ride” and then waiting around. That structure is why the day feels full even though you’re not doing skiing.

Base Sector is where you typically start feeling the park rhythm. It’s often the easiest place to build confidence on sled-style attractions and get your bearings before you head into higher or more intense areas.

Intermediate Zone is where you can keep your momentum going. This is also where you’ll likely spend time balancing thrill rides with sheltered breaks, especially if weather conditions change during the day.

Summit is for the views and the “I’m really up here” feeling. If you want the chairlift experience or you simply want the higher vantage points, this is the part of the day that usually delivers the payoff.

Tubing, Canopy Rides, and Tray Sled: The Attractions That Make It Fun

Let’s talk about the rides you came for. Farellones is known as the only snow park in the area, and it leans hard into fun, not technical skiing. The park includes tubing, sledding, and other attractions geared toward different ages and comfort levels.

Tubing on 250-meter tracks is one of the headline activities. Longer track rides matter because they reduce time spent waiting and resetting. You spend more of the day moving and laughing, less time standing in line wondering when your next run starts.

The park also features a canopy experience described as the largest canopy in the area. Practically, that means you’re not always fully exposed. It’s a comfort benefit when the mountain air feels sharp.

Tray Sled is another big one, especially for children. It’s the kind of ride that lowers the barrier to entry, so families can participate together without everyone needing to be brave in the same way.

If you’re the type who likes a mix of “fast and scenic,” this park layout makes it easier. You can do thrill runs, then switch to sightseeing without feeling like you’re abandoning your group’s plan.

The Chairlift and Panoramic Views: Scenic Time That Doesn’t Feel Like Waiting

One attraction worth building your day around is the panoramic chairlift ride. The tour notes this as a ride taken at heights, which is what you want if you’re trying to get real elevation and not just play at the base.

Chairlifts tend to be a good reset. You get a slower moment, views over the surrounding area, and a break for tired legs before you head back for another round of activities.

The tour also includes scenic views on the way in and out of the mountains. That’s important because winter road views aren’t the kind of thing you always notice when you’re focused on rides and tickets. Plan to look out the window on the coach part of the day too, not only once you’re in the park.

Price and What You Still Need to Budget

The tour price is $54 per person, and for a full day that includes round-trip group transport and a bilingual guide, it’s fairly solid value. The key is understanding what’s not included so you don’t get surprised.

Not included:

• lunch
• Farellones Park ticket
• ski ticket (if you plan on skiing)
• ski clothing and equipment
• accident insurance
• hotel pickup and drop-off

That last point matters: you’re using designated start and end points around Santiago, not a guaranteed door-to-door pickup from your hotel.

So the real value equation is this: if you’ll actually use the rentals stop (or you already have winter gear), and you’re comfortable covering park entry and food, the $54 price is more than just transportation. It becomes an organized way to buy time back from planning and searching.

Comfort Tips: How to Stay Warm for Hours Without Fighting Your Own Outfit

You’ll be outside for much of the day, so pack like you’re going to be cold. The tour provides a clear list of what to bring, and it’s right on the mark:

• sunglasses and sunscreen
• gloves
• warm shoes
• warm clothing
• scarf and hat

Layering is your best friend. You want insulation that you can vent when you’re moving, then re-lock when you stop for rides or photos.

A practical trick: protect your hands and keep your scarf secure. Cold air gets in fast around openings, and then the day stops feeling fun. Also, wear shoes you can walk in on snow and uneven ground. You don’t need hiking boots, but you do need traction and comfort.

If you rent gear, do it with enough time to try it on and adjust. A half-frozen rental experience is still a half-freezing rental experience.

Who This Tour Suits (and Who Should Think Twice)

This is a great fit if you want snow entertainment with minimal effort. It’s especially good for families because the park includes attractions like Tray Sled and multiple activity zones, so different ages can enjoy the day.

It’s also a good match if you’re visiting Santiago and don’t want to commit to ski lessons or long planning for a full ski day.

On the flip side, it’s not suitable for people with mobility impairments, so if that applies, you’ll want a different format or a different accessibility-focused option.

If you’re traveling with kids, consider staying flexible. The schedule is built around coach time plus several hours at the park. The smoother your morning (clothes ready, warm gloves packed, meeting point confirmed), the easier it is for everyone to enjoy the day.

Trust the Guide, but Keep One Eye on the Clock

A bilingual guide runs the tour in English, Portuguese, and Spanish, which makes it easier to understand where to go and what the plan is while you’re switching between the mall stop and the snow park.

One name that comes up in the tour feedback is Valentina, and the recurring theme is that she was attentive and kind in how she handled the group. Still, I’d keep your own time awareness. Group tours can be sensitive to weather, road conditions, and how fast people return for departure.

If you’re traveling with a small window for the rest of your day in Santiago, don’t schedule something important too close to the end of the tour.

Should You Book Snow Adventures at Farellones?

Book it if you want a hassle-reduced snow day with real time in the park. The mix of tubing, sled-style fun like Tray Sled, canopy-related comfort, and a panoramic chairlift experience gives you multiple ways to enjoy Farellones even if you don’t ski.

I’d hesitate if your budget is extremely tight, because lunch, park entry, and any ski gear/clothing are on you. I’d also double-check your expectations around pickup/drop-off, since the tour uses specific meeting points rather than hotel door-to-door service.

If you’re a planner and you pack warm, this tour is a very efficient way to get from Santiago to snow thrills.

FAQ

How long is the Farellones Park Tour: Snow Adventures?

The total duration is 10 hours, with about 7 hours at Farellones Park and about 1 hour of coach time each way.

Where are the starting pickup locations?

Starting points can include Av. Ricardo Lyon 32, Av. Pdte. Kennedy Lateral 5413, Monjitas 879, or Av Vitacura 2653, depending on the option you book.

Where does the tour drop off?

Drop-off locations can include Encomenderos 260, Monjitas 879, Av. Pdte. Kennedy Lateral 5413, or Av Vitacura 2653, depending on the option you book.

What is included in the price?

Included are round-trip transfer to the departure point (exclusive for the group), an air-conditioned bus, and a bilingual guide (English, Portuguese, Spanish).

What is not included?

Not included are lunch, the Farellones Park ticket, any ski ticket, ski clothing and equipment, accident insurance, and hotel pickup/drop-off.

Is lunch provided?

No, lunch is not included.

Do I need to bring warm clothes?

Yes. The tour recommends bringing warm clothing, warm shoes, gloves, a scarf, and a hat, plus sunglasses and sunscreen.

Does the tour include ski equipment or ski clothing?

No. Ski clothing and equipment are not included, though there is a rental stop where you can rent what you need.

Is this tour suitable for people with mobility impairments?

No. It is not suitable for people with mobility impairments.