At the southernmost tip of South America, Chile and Argentina are dramatic places punctuated by craggy mountains, sparkling sandy coastlines, and rippling turquoise lakes surrounded by lush forests. Moreover, there is no bad time to visit; however, a trip from June through September will allow you to experience the snow-capped, volcanic Andes that dip and soar along their shared border, offering some of the best skiing in the world.
South America has a multitude of diverse skiing destinations with plenty of slopes to accommodate your individual skiing needs and desires. Below are the top places to strap on your skis.
Best for big lines: Portillo, Chile
Portillo has a unique winter storm cycle. Big dumps are routinely followed by blue skies and sunshine, creating stunning conditions for skiing Portillo’s legendary sidecountry runs. Lines off Roca Jack and Cara Cara lifts plunge steeply towards a beautiful lake, the turquoise Laguna del Inca. Moreover, the Super C, accessible by a two-hour climb from the top of the Roca Jack lift, drops a heart-pounding 5000ft to the base. With few bumps, intermediates often enjoy skiing the challenging runs here, and Portillo is never crowded (the resort is limited to 450 skiers per day). If you wish to hone your skills while you’re here, consider registering for Chris Davenport’s Portillo Superstars Camp.
Best for families: Valle Nevado, Chile
Ninety minutes from Santiago, Valle Nevado and neighboring El Colorado and La Parva resorts constitute Tres Valles, a ski area complex linked by lifts. Consequently, the three resorts can be skied on a single ticket for a European-style alpine experience. Valle Nevado boasts extensive terrain, long runs, and resort-based heli-skiing for those seeking an extra thrill. After skiing, the base, situated at nearly 10,000ft, offers everything that international skiers expect, including a pub, a spa, shopping, various restaurants, and an array of accommodations. While you won’t encounter South America’s most challenging terrain here, beginner and intermediate skiers will find endless options.
Best tree skiing: Chapelco, Argentina
Part of Chapelco’s appeal is its location in the Lake District, close to the quaint village of San Martín de los Andes, nestled in the shadow of Lanin Volcano. Chapelco offers open bowls, but its best runs weave through lenga forests and lichen-covered beech trees that blanket its enchanting forest slopes, keeping the snow extra soft for carving. Twelve lifts, including a new high-speed four-person lift and a gondola, grant skiers access to Chapelco’s 20 groomed trails and backcountry bowls.
Best for hot springs: Nevados de Chillán, Chile
It’s easy to decide what to do après at this ski area, also known as Termas de Chillán – the hot springs are calling. There’s no need to rush through your ski day; many skiers claim that Chillán receives the best powder in the Andes. Once the fresh snow is enjoyed slope-side, grab your touring gear or a seat on a snowcat to reach the peak of Chillán Volcano for more fresh tracks. If you prefer a day off, consider taking a backcountry snowmobile tour or indulging in an extended session in thermal pools to soothe your muscles.
Best for skiing early and late season: Cerro Castor, Argentina
The world’s southernmost ski resort not only boasts South America’s longest ski season but also features some of the continent’s newest lifts and the most advanced snowmaking technology to help ensure excellent conditions continuously. Located in Tierra del Fuego near Ushuaia, Cerro Castor offers approximately 2500ft of vertical drop without the need for altitude acclimatization. The resort features bowls and chutes, complemented by groomed and tree skiing, with most runs providing views of the Beagle Channel, which connects the Atlantic and Pacific Oceans. Stay in town to enjoy the finest dining, lodging, and nightlife, and catch a shuttle bus to the slopes, roughly 30 minutes away. Although it’s a 3.5-hour flight from Buenos Aires, it’s undoubtedly worth the journey.
Most lift access skiing: Cerro Catedral, Argentina
Cerro Catedral rises dramatically in Argentina’s Lake District. Nestled within Nahuel Huapi National Park, it is named for its granite spires that resemble church steeples. This resort is one of the largest and most modern ski areas in South America, featuring 37 lifts that service 3000 acres of primarily intermediate and advanced runs, some with an impressive 3700ft of vertical, including sidecountry and backcountry runs. Furthermore, even after a full day of skiing, the fun doesn’t stop; food, lodging, shopping, and nightlife abound, and the nearby area of Bariloche provides even more cultural experiences to explore.
Best off-piste skiing: Las Leñas, Argentina
Skiers suggest that Las Leñas has Argentina’s premier lift-access big mountain terrain, with runs that rival those of heli-skiing; thus, don’t be surprised if you share a lift with a skier featured in a Warren Miller production. Despite its reputation for extreme terrain, half of the mountain caters to intermediates who prefer cruising, and in fact, the majority of skiers at the resort are intermediates. For those in search of untracked powder, cat skiing tours provide access to even more terrain. The open bowls, narrow chutes, and cliff drops are legendary.
