Locals in Santiago, Chile awoke to a rare sight this past Saturday: snow. Reportedly the heaviest snowfall the Chilean capital has seen since 2007, the snow measured up to two inches in some areas and blanketed the entire city, turning Santiago into a classic winter wonderland. Residents were quick to embrace the magical scenery, especially those who had never seen snow in the city before during their lifetimes! The day was filled with residents gleefully examining the fluffy, white wonder so close to home, and children building snowmen and having snowball fights.

Many spent the day having snowball fights and building snowmen. Photo: Valle Nevado
Some residents reported never having seen snow before in the city. Photo: Ricardo Alfonso Veloso Barria / Valle Nevado
Santiago was turned into a class winter wonderland over the weekend. Photo: Ricardo Alfonso Veloso Barria / Valle Nevado
At least two inches of snow fell on Santiago Friday night. Photo: Ricardo Alfonso Veloso Barria / Valle Nevado

Santiago wasn’t the only place to receive a hefty snowfall this past weekend, the storm also hit the area’s two major ski resorts: Valle Nevado and Portillo. Valle Nevado alone received almost a foot of snow, blessing skiers and riders with fresh powder this weekend as the South American ski season nears its peak for the year, ending in the beginning of October.

The aftermath was blue skies and freshly powdered slopes. Photo: Ski Portillo
The slopes of Portillo received a much-needed refill of snow. Photo: Ski Portillo
Portillo also reaped the benefits from Santiago’s snowstorm this weekend. Photo: Ski Portillo
Skiers enjoyed the fresh powder this weekend in Valle Nevado. Photo: Valle Nevado
Valle Nevado received almost a foot of snow this weekend. Photo: Valle Nevado