Termas de Chillán, 80 kilometres east of the city in the Andes, is Chile's best combination of ski resort and thermal spa. In winter (June–September) it offers 28 runs across three peaks reaching 2,700 metres, with reliable snow and less crowds than the resorts near Santiago. In summer the ski lifts carry hikers up to mountain trails with panoramic views over the Andean cordillera and the Chilean central valley far below.
The thermal pools are the year-round draw. Heated by volcanic activity beneath the mountains, they range from warm family pools to scalding outdoor pools in forest clearings. The largest complex has both indoor and outdoor options. The resort has hotels at various price points; day access to the pools is also available. Getting there requires a car or the resort's own bus service from Chillán — the road climbs steeply through native forest before reaching the resort at altitude.