FIS Alpine Racing Returns to Chile with the 2026 Chile Winter Series

The 2026 Chile Winter Series officially began on 6 August at El Colorado, marking the start of one of the Southern Hemisphere’s most important FIS Alpine Ski competition calendars.

The opening races got off to a strong start, with more than 62 competitors from ten countries taking to the slopes of El Colorado in pursuit of valuable points toward the international rankings. An exceptional snow season has created the perfect stage for the competition, with outstanding conditions, spectacular sunshine and a high-level race course welcoming athletes from around the world to Chile’s mountains.

The El Colorado races mark the beginning of a busy international calendar that will run from August through October, with more than 15 competition days across three of Chile’s leading ski resorts. More than 600 athletes from over 40 countries are expected to participate throughout the series, competing for valuable FIS points and gaining high-level racing opportunities during the Northern Hemisphere summer.

Following the opening races at El Colorado, the circuit will move to La Parva for the traditional South American Cup speed races. The La Parva Grand Prix will bring together some of the world’s leading Alpine skiers for a full week of competition in the speed disciplines on a challenging course.

The series will then conclude at Corralco Ski Resort, where athletes will compete on the slopes of the Lonquimay Volcano. In addition to Alpine Skiing, the 2026 Chile Winter Series will feature FIS Ski Cross and Snowboard Cross competitions, creating a diverse programme of internationally sanctioned winter sports events.

Following a successful 2025 edition, the Chile Winter Series is once again attracting a strong international field. Last season’s competitions featured Olympic and World Championship athletes including Henrik von Appen, Sam Morse, Felix Monsén and Jan Zabystřan, alongside members of the Chilean national team and Olympians Tomás Holscher and Matilde Schwencke.

Former Chilean Olympian Henrik von Appen also emphasized the international reputation Chile has built as a destination for Alpine ski racing.

“Seeing the world’s best athletes return to Chile every season is proof that our mountains, our snow conditions and our race organization meet the highest international standards. Chile has become a true world-class destination for Alpine ski racing.”

The 2026 edition of the Chile Winter Series will also support athletes in their preparation for the 2027 FIS Alpine World Ski Championships, while contributing to the continued development of Alpine Skiing in South America through a consistent calendar of internationally sanctioned competitions.

Competition Director Nicolás Carvallo highlighted the importance of the circuit for international teams.

“The combination of exceptional snow conditions, world-class ski resorts, high-standard athlete services and outstanding race organization has established the Chile Winter Series as one of the leading FIS competition circuits in the Southern Hemisphere. We are proud to welcome athletes from around the world to compete in Chile.”

With an exceptional start at El Colorado and excellent snow conditions across the country, winter in Chile could not be off to a better start. The coming weeks will see more of the world’s best athletes arrive in the Chilean Andes, with the action now moving to La Parva for the next major stop on the 2026 calendar.

The Chile Winter Series is organized by the Chilean Ski & Snowboard Federation in partnership with the National Sports Institute (IND) and produced by Snow Animal.