Located in Las Trancas, the MI Lodge is the place to pull your boots off at the end of the day. The TGR crew stayed here 2 years ago and you can understand why. The living and dinning room has open rafters, high ceilings, an open fire and couches giving a great ambience for apre ski drinks and kicking back to put your feet up. The bar is as quiet or rowdy as the guests make it, with world famous Chilean wine, as well as local and imported beer.






Built 4 years ago by Jerome and the husband and wife team of Bertran and Maylis, the MI Lodge has developed a strong returning clientele of rippers from around the world. Originally from France, they have spent the last 9 years in Chile and call Las Trancas home. Both Bertran and Maylis ski and snowboard, and you’ll find them in the lift line with you right after breakfast. Their 2 kids are from the same mold and give the Lodge more of a homely feel than a hotel.






Las Trancas is the actual town below the ski resort, a 20 minute shuttle (included) ride up the road and with good coverage, you can actually ski back to the lodge from the resort. It is a picturesque village with houses and shops scattered along the road to the ski hill. The infamous Snow Pub is nestled in the village and a good place to party with the locals on the weekend.






While there are good restaurants in town, it is hard to go past the kitchen at the MI. With trained cooks and a Franco-Chilean menu, once you arrive, there is no need to leave, except to ski that is. Breakfast and dinner are included in the price, which is extremely reasonable for what you receive and in comparison to other accommodations in Las Trancas and on mountain at Termas de Chillan.






Within the Lodge, there is a pro shop, which stocks all the latest gear and equipment from Burton, Rossignol, Nidecker, Dakine, Smith, Bern helmets and others. Another huge bonus is the rental shop. If you want to get out and ski tour, MI has a range of randonee skis and split boards. Coupled with a guiding service from PowderQuest and Philippe Gautier, you are free to explore the incredible backcountry that can be seen from the deck of the Lodge.






The lodge is heated by geothermal water from the hot springs that give Termas de Chillan its name and MI recycle all their rubbish, somewhat of a novel idea to Chileans. There are 2 outdoor Jacuzzis to soak up any aches from the day's skiing with the best view of the evening alpin glow. Along with a gymnasium, climbing wall, wireless internet and comfortable beds, we never wanted to leave.






The lodge has 35 beds and 8 rooms for 2-6 persons with all the creature comforts like MI slippers and massage services. Even if the ski hill doesn’t deliver the world class powder it is famous for, you will have no problem filling the day with things to do. The staff are a mix of nationalities and stoked to ride with guests and show them around the mountain and share a drink in the evening.

All in all, the Mission Impossible Lodge is hard to beat no matter what your budget. With all services included, the only thing you will have to worry about is not getting too much snow down your jacket on powder days, which by the way, happen on a regular basis.






Thanks to Bertran and Maylis for their hospitality and we will be sure to visit again soon.

For more information, prices and to make a reservation, visit www.milodge.com

For guides and all inclusive trips, check out
www.southamericaski.com
www.powderquest.com

Photos: Todd Weselake Photography