SerpApi.Org
Another day, another transmission from South America bearing news of what you could, perhaps, describe as a snowpocalypse that brought feet and feet of powder in only a few days.
One of the hardest hit resorts, Valle Nevado, Chile, checked in this week, sharing photos that showed a transformed mountain. If there were any barren patches before, they’re gone now.
Valle Nevado is reporting 96 inches (244cm) of snow over the last seven days.
Valle Nevado Storm Photos, July 2026
As is often the case, the latest hammering—which, so far, has seen nearly seven feet of snowfall—put Valle Nevado on the back foot. While big storms are, of course, welcomed by skiers and ski resorts, they can also stymie operations and close roads. Avalanche mitigation, typically, takes time after a lot of snow falls at once.
“As a result of the significant snowfall, Valle Nevado is progressively opening lifts and trails as mountain operations allow,” noted a spokesperson for the resort in an email. “Guest safety remains the resort's highest priority, and additional terrain will open as conditions permit.”
As of Tuesday morning, a smaller-than-usual selection of trails at the ski resort were open.
At the height of the storm, Valle Nevado’s primary access roads also shut down. However, they’ve since reopened with some restrictions. Only 4x4 vehicles are allowed, and all vehicles must carry tire chains. According to Valle Nevado’s website, access is limited to select groups, including resort employees, local residents, and visitors with valid hotel reservations.
North of Valle Nevado, at Ski Portillo, Chile, the roads remain closed.
“The duration and intensity of this storm is very unusual and the forecast is constantly changing, making it difficult to predict when we will have a window of good weather to resume ground or air access to the ski resort,” Ski Portillo noted in a recent social media post.
“Nevertheless, we are continuously monitoring the situation and will share any updates through our official channels,” the post continued.
While the storm appears to have peaked last week, the snow hasn’t stopped falling yet, with well over a foot of additional fluff possible in the coming days.
At some point, Ski Portillo could probably use a break.
“Did we dance too much?” wondered one commenter below the post.
“Haha yes, please stop the snow dances,” replied Ski Portillo.
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