Eight kilometers west of Lonquimay [1], Los Arenales de Lonquimay (Casilla 5, Lonquimay, tel. 045/891911 for lodging, tel. 099/3132208 for service) is a promising new ski area where the Fondo por Solidaridad e Inversión Social (Fund for Solidarity and Social Investment, FOSIS) has created a joint venture between the Hungarian owner and the local Pehuenche population, but management has been erratic. If all works well, the Pehuenche will build and operate 10 cabañas, but for the moment the only accommodations are in town.
Los Arenales presently has two beginner, two intermediate, and four expert runs for skiing and snowboarding but anticipates expansion; there is also child care, a ski school, and a café-restaurant. Lift tickets and rental gear are inexpensive.
Links:
[1] http://www.moon.com/destinations/chile/sur-chico/-upper-cautin-and-biobio/lonquimay