24+ Inches of Snow To Start South America's Ski Season With a Bang

June 13, 2025 — Corralco opening day

Overnight delivers 6–9 in, another inch daytime; SLR around 10. Moderate NW winds early, calming by noon. First turns of the continent—go.

June 14, 2025- Cerro Catedral opening day

Light refresh (≈2 in), but a deep preseason groomed base plus cold mid-20s temps. Good for corduroy laps; powder seekers stay at Corralco for leftovers.

June 15-16, 2025

Storm’s big second pulse hammers Central Andes with 10–17 in across BOTH 24 hour periods. No lifts yet; consider backcountry only if avalanche conditions allow. Corralco keeps accumulating but expect intermittent wind-holds.

Regional Details

Araucanía / Southern Chile (Corralco)

The NW flow’s first punch Wednesday night drapes Lonquimay with 8–10 in of moderately dense snow while snow levels crash to 3,600 ft—well below Corralco’s 5,000-ft base. Winds ease from early 40 mph gusts to sub-20 by Friday afternoon, setting up a smooth opening day. The second wave late Saturday could double the base by Monday, but gusts nearing 55 mph may keep the upper Volcán Express on standby. Pick tree-line gullies for shelter.

Bariloche / Northern Patagonia (Cerro Catedral)

Moist SW flow clips the Lake District with lighter totals—roughly 3 inches by Saturday morning—yet Catedral still presses “go” on June 14. Expect firm groomers early, softening where 1–2 in of storm snow fills in. Cold temps (low 20s °F) will keep the surface fast and grippy through the weekend.

Central Andes (Valle Nevado, La Parva, El Colorado, Portillo)

The mid-week shortwave piles up a foot and a half of high-ratio fluff, then a deeper trough reloads Saturday night–Monday, driving storm totals toward two feet on the upper slopes. Because lifts stay dormant until June 20 (or later), this snow will settle into an immaculate spongy base, shielded by persistent sub-freezing highs and minimal sun. Opening-day crowds should find wall-to-wall corduroy laced with soft wind-buff in lee terrain. Portillo’s high bowls catch slightly more moisture, and its June 21 opener aligns with the potential bluebird break behind the trough.

Maule / Ñuble (Nevados de Chillán)

Chillán sees the sheer depth prize—over two feet Sat–Mon, but pays the price in wind (gusts past 60 mph) and denser snow (SLR 7–10). The resort doesn’t plan to open until at least June 23, giving the surface time to bond, but expect wind board up high and great tree skiing once lifts spin.

Mendoza Andes (Las Leñas)

Models scream “jackpot” Sunday–Monday (up to two feet), yet resort management has delayed the lift opening beyond the initially advertised June 14 date due to thin base. Touring is possible, but the area remains closed to lift-served skiing until further notice.

Bottom line:

• This weekend (6/13–6/14): Check out Corralco for the continent’s first chair and legit powder turns.
• Next week (6/20–6/23): be in the Central Andes for opening days—Valle Nevado & La Parva Thursday, Portillo Saturday, El Colorado Monday—each launching directly into 15–25 in of storm-preserved blower. Pack patience for road closures, keep an eye on wind holds, and you’ll score the season’s first true face-shots from lifts.