Skiing in South America
When the northern hemisphere basks in summer, the Andes come alive with snow, making South America the go-to destination for out-of-season skiing and riding. Chile and Argentina hold the vast majority of the resorts, strung along the high spine of the Andes where the peaks soar well above 3,000 meters. The season typically runs from mid-June to early October, peaking in July and August.
The terrain here is big, raw, and often gloriously uncrowded. Legendary resorts like Portillo and Las Lenas draw a global crowd of powder hounds and off-piste adventurers, while Bariloche pairs excellent lift-served skiing with an alpine lake-district charm reminiscent of Switzerland. Above the treeline, the open bowls and steep couloirs reward strong intermediates and experts, and heli-skiing and ski-touring operations access truly wild Andean snow.
Conditions are famously variable, swinging between deep storm cycles and sun-baked spring corn, so flexibility pays off. Altitude is a genuine factor, with many bases sitting far higher than European or North American resorts, and package stays are common at destination hotels like Portillo. Come for the novelty of skiing in July, stay for the enormous terrain, and build in spare days to chase the storms.
Top Skiing Destinations#
Portillo, Chile Perched at 2,880 meters beside a frozen cobalt lake, Portillo is the grande dame of South American skiing, an iconic single-hotel resort that has trained Olympic teams for decades. Its steep off-piste terrain and unique slingshot va-et-vient lifts give it a cult following among experts. Weekly all-inclusive packages are the norm, and August typically brings the deepest snow.
Valle Nevado, Chile The largest ski area in South America, Valle Nevado sits high in the Andes just a couple of hours from Santiago, offering modern lifts and vast, sunny above-treeline terrain. Interconnected with neighboring La Parva and El Colorado, it forms a huge linked domain for exploring. Its proximity to the capital makes it the easiest big resort to reach, ideal for a first Andes trip.
Las Lenas, Argentina Remote and legendary, Las Lenas is a mecca for expert skiers thanks to the fabled Marte chairlift, which unlocks a huge expanse of steep couloirs and open backcountry. When it snows and Marte spins, the off-piste here rivals anywhere on Earth. Getting there takes commitment, and patience for wind holds, but the reward is legendary powder with few crowds.
Cerro Catedral, Bariloche, Argentina Overlooking the lakes of Bariloche, Cerro Catedral is the continent’s most complete resort, blending extensive lift-served terrain with a lively town famous for chocolate and craft beer. The views over Nahuel Huapi lake are spectacular, and the varied slopes suit every level. Its resort-town amenities make it the best all-round base for a longer trip.
Chapelco, Argentina Near the charming town of San Martin de los Andes, Chapelco offers well-groomed, tree-lined runs and reliable family-friendly skiing in a beautiful Patagonian lake setting. Views stretch to the Lanin volcano on clear days, and the mountain rarely feels crowded. It pairs well with Bariloche on a northern Patagonia ski circuit.
La Parva, Chile Part of the Tres Valles domain above Santiago, La Parva is a chalet-village resort favored by locals for its sunny, wide-open slopes and excellent off-piste access. Strong skiers use it as a launchpad for backcountry lines high in the cordillera. Its relaxed, residential feel contrasts with the busier Valle Nevado next door.
El Colorado, Chile The most accessible of the Santiago resorts, El Colorado spreads across a broad mountain with gentle beginner zones and plenty of intermediate cruising. Its lower entry price and easy access make it popular with day-trippers from the capital. Higher lifts connect into the wider Tres Valles terrain for those wanting more.
Nevados de Chillan, Chile Set on an active volcano in central Chile, Nevados de Chillan combines long descents, tree skiing, and natural hot springs at the base for the ultimate apres-ski soak. It boasts one of the longest runs on the continent when conditions align. The volcanic steam and forested lower slopes give it a distinctive character among Andean resorts.
Corralco, Chile Tucked beneath the Lonquimay volcano within an araucaria forest, Corralco is a modern boutique resort prized for reliable snow and uncrowded off-piste. Its higher, southern latitude location tends to hold powder well into the season. The single slope-side hotel and pristine ancient-forest setting make it a serene alternative to the big names.
Cerro Castor, Argentina The southernmost ski resort in the world, Cerro Castor near Ushuaia enjoys the longest and most dependable season on the continent thanks to its cold, high-latitude climate. Runs descend through sub-Antarctic forest with views toward the Beagle Channel. Its far-south location means excellent snow quality well into October.
Caviahue, Argentina A low-key resort beside a volcanic lake in northern Neuquen, Caviahue offers uncrowded skiing among araucaria trees and nearby hot springs at Copahue. It suits families and those seeking a quieter, more local experience. The surrounding volcanic landscape is worth exploring beyond the slopes.
Penitentes, Argentina Set on the road toward Aconcagua near Mendoza, Penitentes is a small, high-altitude resort with sweeping views of the highest peak in the Americas. Its convenient location and wine-country base make it a novel add-on to a Mendoza trip. Modest in size, it rewards visitors with dramatic Andean scenery over crowds.