Punta Arenas' Andean Club (Club Andino)

Club Andino de Punta Arenas is located 9 km. W. from the city, on the slopes of Mount Fenton, better known by the name of Cerro Mirador. This small Winter Center, open throughout the year, is nestled within the Magallanes National Reserve, a place of very easy access, full of typical trees of the region. The beautiful setting is complemented by an amazing view of the city, the southern part of the Brunswick Peninsula and the Island of Tierra del Fuego. In addition, it is one of the few places in the world where you can ski with a view of the sea, in this case, the Strait of Magellan. The sports and recreational center has its highest point at 600 meters above sea level. 

This mountain center has a history of more than 80 years and offers various sports and recreational activities related to the mountain, both in winter and summer. There are 14 ski runs for all levels, a chairlift, a refuge, cafeteria and equipment rental. 

The club is a non-profit organization that seeks to promote sport, health, competitive skiing and camaraderie among its members and visitors.  

How to Get There

The distance from the starting point, generally Plaza Muñoz Gamero (Main Square) of Punta Arenas is 9 Km. The travel time is roughly 20 minutes by paved road, in very good condition, recently inaugurated. In times of snow or ice, the use of chains or studded tyres is mandatory. The cost of a taxi fare (one way) is about US$ 10.

Ski Center Facilities 

Image: estrechomagallanes.com

 The area suitable for skiing is approximately 18 hectares, with 14 pistes among forests of the Reserve, from training level to medium difficulty, a First Aid Post and a two-seater Chairlift of 1200 meters with a capacity to transport 600 people per hour, the travel time between the base station and the summit is 8 minutes. One of the facilities houses the Training Center for beginners (Ski School), Equipment Rental and Custody. The Club's heart is the 420 m2 Refuge/Cafeteria, with capacity to serve 120 people.

 

Club Andino in Summer

Entrance to Reserva Nacional Magallanes

Winters in this latitude are generally quite harsh and benefit the snow related sports, but with the thaw and the arrival of the Spring-Summer season, several other options of entertainment and sightseeing appear. This time of the year is great for locals and also hundreds of foreign tourists that disembark from the cruise ships. 

 

During this time of year, certain activities are in high demand, such as chairlift rides, hiking the beautiful trails of the Reserva Nacional Magallanes, bordering streams through forests of Lenga, Coigue, and Ñirre. Additionally, there are rides and competitions in mountain biking, for which the Club always ensures bikes are in good working order. 

The main hiking trails are Sendero Movilidad Reducida (Reduced Mobility), Sendero Bocatoma, Las Lengas, Los Ñirres and Los Coigues Trekking Circuits. Camping inside the Magallanes National Reserve is not allowed.

Another summer attraction is the Canopy ride through the eleven platforms, supported by experienced guides. The views of the surrounding forests, the city of Punta Arenas, the Strait of Magellan and Tierra del Fuego Island including the Darwin Mountain Range in the distance, will turn out to be unforgettable.

Address: Club  Andino Ski Center

Cerro Mirador no number

Telephone: (56) 612241479 

Punta Arenas, Chile