Valle Nevado in Chile has fully opened after fresh storms brought 2.1m (7 feet) of new snow to the centre, only 60km (37 miles) from the capital, Santiago.

This season the resort has renovated its five star Hotel Valle Nevado, following the renovations of its four star Hotel Puerta del Sol and three-star Hotel Tres Puntas in 2009.

On the mountain the resort has added two new lifts and five new runs.

The improvements are all part of a $150 million in upgrades planned through the next decade according to the resort’s ambitious Master plan.

Valle Nevado currently offers access to 7,000 acres of skiing and in 2012 the resort plans to install the first ski centre gondola in Chile, with access to a newly developed day visitor parking lot that will feature shops, ski rental, a ticket booth and restaurants.

www.vallenevado.com