MercoPress. South Atlantic News Agency

Chile forecasts 15% more visitors for ski season

Although they are still worried whether or not sufficient snow will fall by the time the ski season begins, Chile's ski industry expects are predicting a 15% increase in visitors during this year's season in Chile.

Massive investments during the off-season and strong preseason ticket sales suggest a lucrative season well into October.

"The lack of rain has not affected us. In roughly 50% of our years of operation, we have not had any snow by June 1" said Ski Center Association President Miguel Purcell.

Purcell also stressed that most ski resorts already have a solid 60 centimeter snow base as a result of last weekend's heavy rainfall, and are expecting greater precipitation within the next few days.

Ski resorts in and around Santiago have some of the most positive forecasts about the amount of expected skiers. Valle Nevado expects140.000 visitors this year, of which 50.000 will stay for an extended period of time at their hotel. American pop star Britney Spears is even rumored to be coming to Chile on holiday.

"For this season, we expect more than 90% occupation," said Jaime Vial, a commercial manager at Valle Nevado.

El Colorado's general manager Eduardo Kuhn anticipates similar results at his resort, especially since preseason ticket sales are up a solid 30% over this time last year.

Outside of the Santiago area, employees at Region VII's Chillán hot springs are also looking forward to a strong ski season. Rodrigo Bravo, commercial manager at Chillán Hot Springs, emphasizes his resort's advantage as the "only ski and spa resort in the area."

Chile's Andean ski resorts attract visitors from all over the world but the majority comes from Brazil, the United States and Argentina.

By Matt Malinowski The Santiago Times - News about Chile