Termas de Chillán

Termas de Chillán is a thermal-and-ski resort high on the flanks of the active Nevados de Chillán volcanoes in south-central Chile. It pairs one of the country's larger ski areas with a set of natural hot springs fed directly by the volcano.

Volcanic heat powers the springs. Mineral water rich in sulphur and iron surfaces very hot and is channelled into pools and spa baths at comfortable soaking temperatures, typically around 38-42°C, while fumaroles and steaming ground on the mountainside show the source of the heat. Some rustic natural pools and mud sit above the developed resort for those who hike up.

Skiing and soaking share the season. In winter the upper slopes offer long runs and off-piste terrain among volcanic scenery, and the reward at day's end is a soak in hot mineral water as snow falls around the pools. The setting, ringed by araucaria forest and the smoking cones of the Nevados de Chillán, is dramatic in any weather.

It is reached from the valley below. The resort sits above the town of Las Trancas, a drive up from the city of Chillán, and is open across the year, with distinct summer and winter appeals: winter, roughly June to September, for skiing and steaming baths, and summer for hiking, mountain biking and quieter thermal soaks. Note that the volcano is active and occasionally affects access. Combining reliable snow, natural hot springs and living volcanic scenery, Termas de Chillán is one of the most complete mountain-thermal destinations in the Chilean Andes.