Chilean resorts saw big numbers on their slopes this past weekend.  Three of Chile’s biggest resorts – Valle Nevado, La Parva, and El Colorado – saw around 15,000 people on the slopes each day of the weekend.

Last year, resorts suffered a bad season with poor conditions.  This year, however, they’re optimistic for a much better one.  “The season has come early and if this level snow keeps falling, we could see more than 150,000 people, easily,” said El Colorado manager Eduardo Kuhn.

Some resorts are trying some new things for riders to take a break from the hill.  Portillo will be introduction snow rugby games and La Parva is reinstating their “snow golfing” season – which was very popular with tourists last year.

El Colorado is hosting the International Giant Slalom competition on September 2 and Valle Nevado hosts the Snowboard World Cup September 22-29.