
Osorno Ski Center
Ski down an iconic volcano with stunning views of lakes and mountains. A must-visit for nature lovers and adventure seekers.

Highlights
Must-see attractions

Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Best chance for snow

Osorno Ski Center
Best Time
Best chance for snow

Highlights
Must-see attractions
Ski down an iconic volcano with stunning views of lakes and mountains. A must-visit for nature lovers and adventure seekers.
"The view from the top is phenomenal and seeing the glacier was really cool."

Check Snow Conditions First
Snowfall can be unpredictable. Verify conditions before you go to avoid disappointment! :snowflake:
Budget for Lift Tickets
Lift tickets are an investment, especially for the summit. Plan your budget accordingly. :moneybag:

Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

Volcanic Slopes
Osorno Ski Center
Ski or snowboard down the iconic Osorno Volcano, offering unparalleled views of the surrounding lakes and mountains.

Glacier Summit Views
Osorno Ski Center Summit
Ascend to the glacier for breathtaking panoramic vistas of the Andes and the Llanquihue Lake region.

Red Crater Hike
Osorno Ski Center Trails
Embark on a hike to the Red Crater for stunning, awe-inspiring scenery along the way.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Timing is Everything for Snow
Lift Tickets & Views
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
Check Snow Conditions First
Snowfall can be unpredictable. Verify conditions before you go to avoid disappointment! :snowflake:
Budget for Lift Tickets
Lift tickets are an investment, especially for the summit. Plan your budget accordingly. :moneybag:
Pack for Wind
The summit can be very windy. Bring warm layers and windproof gear. :cloud:
Consider the Hike
The hike to the Red Crater offers incredible views and is a great alternative to the lifts. :hiking_boot:
Tips
from all over the internet
Check Snow Conditions First
Snowfall can be unpredictable. Verify conditions before you go to avoid disappointment! :snowflake:
Budget for Lift Tickets
Lift tickets are an investment, especially for the summit. Plan your budget accordingly. :moneybag:
Pack for Wind
The summit can be very windy. Bring warm layers and windproof gear. :cloud:
Consider the Hike
The hike to the Red Crater offers incredible views and is a great alternative to the lifts. :hiking_boot:
Cafe Prices
Be aware that cafe prices at the resort can be high. :coffee:
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Osorno Ski Center offers spectacular volcanic landscapes and breathtaking summit views, making it a must-visit for many. While the skiing conditions can be variable, the cable car rides and hikes provide incredible scenery. However, visitors should be prepared for high prices for lift tickets and food, and potentially slow service at the restaurant.
"Looked like a great place to ski with amazing views, but unfortunately not enough snow when I visited in early August 2025. Climate change is more than just a hashtag!!"
Adam Rogers
"Quite nice place to visit. You can drive up to the top by car (in summer). In the winter there is a ski resort. There is a beautiful (and very windy) view and you can even take a cable lift from there to get to the top of this volcanic mountain. Tickets for the sunset are a bit more expensive."
Helena Mládková
"The sky resort was not open when we went there, only the small cafe was open. 5,400 pesos for one cup of hot chocolate, and it tasted like those super cheap hot chocolate, horrible..."
JH Sun
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
You can drive to Osorno Ski Center from Puerto Varas, which takes approximately 1 hour. The route follows Route 225 towards Ensenada, then signs for the National Park Vicente Pérez Rosales.
Some visitors opt for organized tours or taxis.In the summer, you can drive up to a certain point on the volcano. During winter, access is primarily via the ski resort's facilities.
While direct public transport to the ski center might be limited, you can take buses to nearby towns like Ensenada and then arrange further transport or join a tour.
The drive offers scenic views of the surrounding landscape, including lakes and the volcano itself. Be prepared for winding roads as you ascend.
Yes, many tour operators in Puerto Varas and Puerto Montt offer day trips to Osorno Ski Center, often combined with other attractions like Petrohué Falls.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
Lift tickets can be expensive, with prices varying for different stops. For example, tickets to the first stop might be around $17 USD, and to the second stop around $27 USD. Going all the way to the glacier is an additional cost.
It's advisable to check the official website or local tourism sites for online ticket purchasing options, especially during peak season. Some sources mention pasesparques.cl for park entries.
Yes, you can purchase tickets for different sections of the cable lift, allowing you to go to the first stop, second stop, or all the way to the glacier.
While the ski resort operates on the volcano, access to certain areas or activities might have separate fees. It's best to check the official resort information for the most current pricing.
Yes, tickets for sunset viewing at Osorno Ski Center are reportedly a bit more expensive than regular daytime tickets.
🎫 🏞️ Onsite Experience
The views from the summit, especially from the glacier, are phenomenal and breathtaking. Even lower stops offer spectacular panoramas of the lakes and surrounding mountains.
Yes, Osorno Ski Center operates as a ski resort during the winter months, offering slopes for skiing and snowboarding.
Besides skiing, you can take the cable lift for incredible views, hike to the Red Crater, or simply enjoy the stunning volcanic landscape.
The cable lift is typically operational during the winter for skiers and snowboarders, and also in the summer for sightseeing. However, it's best to confirm operating hours.
The hike to the Red Crater is described as amazing, with some breathtaking views along the way. It's a popular activity for visitors.
🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining
Reviews suggest that the restaurant can have slow service, with half the menu potentially out of stock. Prices are also noted as being 'mountain prices,' which can be high.
There is a cafe at the resort, but some visitors found the hot chocolate to be of poor quality and overpriced.
While not explicitly stated, bringing your own snacks or a packed lunch is often a good strategy for saving money at tourist attractions.
Expect 'mountain prices,' which are generally higher than in town. For example, a cup of hot chocolate was reported to be 5,400 pesos.
Based on reviews, the restaurant experience might be disappointing due to slow service and limited menu availability.
📸 📸 Photography
The summit and glacier offer unparalleled panoramic views, perfect for landscape photography. The drive up also provides scenic photo opportunities.
Absolutely! Osorno Volcano's conical shape and its setting overlooking the lakes make it incredibly photogenic, often compared to Japan's Mount Fuji.
Sunset can offer dramatic lighting, but daytime offers clear views of the surrounding landscape. Early mornings might provide softer light and fewer crowds.
Drone regulations can vary. It's essential to check local rules and park regulations before flying a drone for aerial photography.
A wide-angle lens is great for capturing the expansive landscapes. A telephoto lens can be useful for isolating details on the volcano or distant mountains.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
Consider visiting nearby attractions like the Saltos de Petrohué, which are also family-friendly and offer beautiful natural scenery. Packing snacks and drinks is a good idea, as food options at the resort can be limited and pricey.
💰 Budget Travelers
Look for package deals or consider visiting during the shoulder seasons if possible, though this might impact snow conditions for skiing. Exploring the surrounding areas like Petrohué Falls can offer equally stunning natural beauty at a lower cost.
📸 Photography Enthusiasts
Timing is key for the best shots. Consider visiting during the 'golden hours' of sunrise or sunset for dramatic lighting, though sunset tickets are more expensive. Wide-angle lenses are recommended to capture the vastness of the scenery, and a telephoto lens can be useful for isolating details.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The Majestic Osorno Volcano
Visitors can experience the volcano up close through the Osorno Ski Center. While it functions as a ski resort in winter, its accessibility for sightseeing year-round makes it a popular destination. The drive up offers increasingly dramatic views, culminating in breathtaking panoramas from the upper reaches of the mountain. The comparison to Japan's Mount Fuji by some visitors highlights its iconic and aesthetically pleasing form.
Skiing and Winter Activities
Beyond skiing, the winter season offers opportunities for enjoying the snowy landscape. The cable lift operates, providing access to higher elevations for those who wish to experience the summit views even in winter. Visitors are advised to check snow reports and operational status before planning a winter visit to ensure the best possible experience.
Hiking and Scenic Trails
Even if you're not skiing, the trails provide a fantastic way to appreciate the scale and grandeur of Osorno Volcano. The varied terrain and the ever-changing perspectives make each step a discovery. Remember to wear appropriate footwear and dress in layers, as mountain weather can be unpredictable.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit