From the east side of Santiago (about 2,800 ft, or 854 m) to the Valle Nevado ski resort at 9,925 ft (3,025 m), it’s 28 miles (45 km) at an average 5.1% and 7,503 ft (2,287 m) of total climbing. It’s the benchmark climb for Santiago’s cyclists: you leave the city and three hours later you’re as high as many Alpine summits, surrounded by the Andes.
What the climb is like
- The first 10 miles (16 km). Out from Las Condes and Lo Barnechea on the Camino a Farellones, at a moderate grade. At km 16 (mile 10) is the junction with the road to La Disputada.
- The Farellones curves. The famous staircase of curves begins, all numbered, from curve 0 (above Corral Quemado) to 40. The grade often goes above 7-8%, with the odd 10% kick; the hardest 100 m reach 10.5% according to Climbfinder. Around curve 23 there’s a kiosk.
- Farellones (km 31-33, miles 19-20.5). The turnoff for Valle Nevado is at km 32, and there’s water in Farellones, at about 7,700 ft (2,350 m).
- The last 7.5 miles (12 km). Above 6,500 ft (2,000 m) the vegetation disappears and the landscape is all rock. There’s a short descent before the final ramp to the resort.
Climbfinder gives 45 km, 2,287 m of climbing and a 3,025 m summit; Pedal North, 45 km at 5.11% to 3,026 m. PJAMM measures from curve 0 (1,370 m, or 4,495 ft) and gives 18.2 miles (29.3 km) at 5.5%. Climbfinder counts 54 hairpins in all and PJAMM “more than 50.” Pedal North mentions a brief 17.5% at km 17.3, which the other sources don’t show.
When to go, weather, water and traffic
Go from October to April. In the austral winter (June to September) there’s snow up high and the road is the access route to the ski resorts, with heavy traffic. Even in summer, at nearly 10,000 ft (3,000 m) it’s cold in the morning and the wind can be strong; the 28-mile (45 km) descent calls for a jacket and gloves. At that altitude the air has about 30% less oxygen: you’ll feel it in the last miles.
There’s water and food at Lo Ermita (km 11, mile 7), at the entrance to Yerba Loca (km 23, mile 14), at a kiosk around km 27 (mile 17), in Farellones (km 33, mile 20.5) and at Valle Nevado. On weekdays outside the season some are closed: stock up at the gas station at the bottom. The road isn’t closed to cars, and on the descent you need to watch for traffic and fallen rocks.
What gearing to use
The grade is moderate but long: a 34x28 is enough at 3 W/kg (watts per kilo of body weight). On 8% you’ll ride about 6.8 mph (11 km/h) at 72 rpm. If you’re at 2.5 W/kg or less, or feel the altitude, a 34x32 gives you margin. Compare options in the gear calculator.
Tips
- If you only want the curves, start at curve 0: that’s the 18-mile (29 km) version PJAMM measures.
- Farellones is a good place to turn around if you’re short on time or energy.
- Start early in summer: at midday the sun beats down on the shadeless curves.
Frequently asked questions
How long does it take to bike up to Valle Nevado?
A 159 lb (72 kg) rider on a 21 lb (9.5 kg) bike takes about 2 h 51 min at 3 W/kg (216 W), 3 h 20 min at 2.5 W/kg and 2 h 14 min at 4 W/kg, with no stops. Work out your own time with your weight and power in the calculator on this page.
When can you bike up to Valle Nevado?
The best time is October to April, the Southern Hemisphere spring and summer. From June to September the upper part is snowed in and the road fills with skiers.
What's the difference between Farellones and Valle Nevado?
They're the same road. Farellones is around km 31 (mile 19), after the 40 numbered curves of the Camino a Farellones; from there you continue about 8 miles (13 km), with a few descents, to Valle Nevado.