SAM Magazine—Durango, Colo., Jan. 12, 2023—Mountain Capital Partners (MCP) has agreed to become the majority owner of Valle Nevado, Chile, the largest ski resort in the Americas by acreage. The acquisition is MCP’s first international resort and eleventh ski area.

Founded in 1988, Valle Nevado is located in the Andes 37 miles from Santiago, the capital and largest city of Chile. It has a base elevation of 9,925 feet, an average annual snowfall of 276 inches, and encompasses 23,000 acres (2,200 skiable acres inbounds, more accessible via heli tours). It offers 25 miles of skiing on 44 trails, served by 17 lifts "that make up South America’s most modern lift system," MCP said. The base includes a "world-class village" and three ski-in, ski-out hotels.

“Our company purpose, Give People the Freedom to Ski, truly knows no boundaries, and I couldn’t be more proud to introduce our vision to South America,” said MCP managing partner James Coleman. “I’ve been bringing friends and family to Valle Nevado for years, and I love the incredible beauty, the amazing people, and the unparalleled skiing that this resort offers.”

“We are excited and happy, the entrance of a first-class strategic partner like Mountain Capital Partners is a milestone achievement in our 35-year history and an unprecedented step forward for the Chilean industry,” said Valle Nevado CEO Ricardo Margulis. “MCP brings a unique culture that will strengthen us as a mountain destination and consolidate our regional leadership.”

“James and his team love this mountain, and their vision and strength will be a very valuable asset for Valle Nevado," added Ricardo Senerman, Valle Nevado chairman. "We are sure that having ski resorts in the northern and southern hemispheres with top quality services and products is a win–win for all.”

“I have been truly impressed by the Chilean market, but also specifically the Valle Nevado team,” Coleman said. “The Senerman family, Ricardo Margulis and so many others have been instrumental in creating South America’s most popular—and most impressive—ski resort. Our entire team looks forward to working alongside them.”

Over the past two decades, MCP has acquired, built, developed, and grown 10 resorts in New Mexico, Arizona, Colorado, Utah, and a mountain bike park in Texas. Last fall, MCP expanded to a new geographical region with the addition of Willamette Pass Resort, Ore., its tenth winter resort.

Since 2015, MCP has invested more than $65 million in improvements at its ski areas and bike parks including new chairlifts, Arizona’s first and only gondola, trails, snowmaking, and other capital projects.

Details of investments at Valle Nevado will come in the future, Coleman added. “While we are still getting to know Valle Nevado in this new relationship, there’s no question that we’re committed to maintaining and elevating Valle Nevado’s reputation as the premiere ski resort destination on the continent.”