Best snow destinations in South America
Best snow destinations in South America
High Andean powder fields and scenic snow-covered peaks in South America
The Andes run the whole length of South America, and in the south they get enough snow for a proper ski season from June to September.
In Chile, Valle Nevado and La Parva are close enough to Santiago that you can ski in the morning and be back in the city for dinner, while Portillo, with its bright yellow hotel next to a frozen lake, feels much more remote. Across the border in Argentina, Bariloche combines skiing at Cerro Catedral with lakes, forests and a lot of good chocolate shops. Las Leñas is known for steep, challenging terrain, and at the very end of the continent, Cerro Castor near Ushuaia is one of the southernmost ski resorts in the world.
Many resorts sit at high altitude, so it helps to drink plenty of water and take it easy on the first day. Weather can also close the mountain roads, so leave some extra time.
Lists by region
Ski Resort in Chile
Portillo
Alpine elegance meets Chilean winter wonderland
The Alpine World Ski Championships came here in August 1966. Jean Claude Killy won gold in the downhill and combined. The hotel stands at 9,450 feet. Skiers get a 2,500 foot vertical drop, five chairlifts and nine surface lifts. The season typically runs from mid June to early October.
Town in Argentina
Ushuaia
End of the World Adventures
Lying below the 54th parallel south, this city claims to be the southernmost in the world. Cerro Castor opened in 1999 about 17 miles north. It is called the world's southernmost full fledged ski resort and has 28 trails. The season typically runs June to October. Martial Glacier has a chairlift.
Ski Resort in Argentina
Las Leñas
Snow‑kissed peaks and alpine serenity
Construction began in January 1983 and the resort opened that July with a 300 bed hotel. The base lies at 7,350 feet and the summit at 11,250 feet. Fourteen lifts serve a vertical drop of about 3,900 feet. The longest run covers 4.3 miles. Off piste terrain suits extreme skiing.
City in Argentina
San Carlos de Bariloche
Argentina’s Alpine Wonderland
Redesigned in the 1930s to resemble a European alpine town, the city earned the nickname Little Switzerland. It lies on the southern shore of Nahuel Huapi Lake inside the national park. Most visitors arrive from June to September, mainly to ski. The city is also known for its chocolates.
Ski Resort in Argentina
Cerro Catedral
Alpine wonderland with world‑class slopes
Summit elevation here is 6,900 feet and the base lies at 3,380 feet. Thirty nine lift systems move up to 35,000 skiers an hour across 1,500 acres. The resort lies about 12 miles from Bariloche inside Nahuel Huapi National Park. Snow is most frequent from June to August.
Ski Resort in Chile
Valle Nevado
Snow‑kissed peaks and alpine serenity
Founded in 1988, this resort lies 29 miles east of Santiago. Its base is at 9,843 feet. Skiers have 2,224 acres and 34 marked slopes, with 14 rated advanced and 5 expert. Sixteen lifts include a cable car and five chairlifts. The season traditionally runs June to October.
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