La Parva was the highest ski area in Chile until Valle Nevado accessed the Tres Puntas ridge in 1989. Under poor snow conditions, the area operates from the 3,100m level which is reached via the Alpha quad chair. As mentioned earlier, La Parva has a longitudinal orientation. Many runs will thus be accessed with more than one lift. Local skiers shun the comfortable chairlifts for the speedier and less crowded poma lifts which seem to shoot off in every direction on the mountain.
Beginners can ski undisturbed at the northern base of the ski area below the village.
Intermediates seem to enjoy the super-wide Las Flores bowl which boasts a consistent drop for long, cruising, GS turns. Advanced skiers should try the south-facing bowl under the return traverse from the Tortolas chairlift. This is probably La Parva's best mogul and powder area. Experts are advised to venture out on the Manantiales traverse and ski the Mirador and Pared areas which then feed into the Super-G terrain of Barros Negros. The most distinctive chute of any South American ski area taunts skiers from its high perch north of the ski area.