The 5 best ski resorts in South America

If you know where to go and how to time it right, you can ski pretty much twelve months a year. It’s totally doable to hop around the world, slashing pow and slush all year long – from the late-opening resorts in California and the glacial skiing in the Swiss and French Alps to the high peaks of the Andes. For most of us, it’s a pipedream. But for those with a nose for snow, it’s the reality.

And here’s a secret — it’s not that hard. South America is easily accessible for summer laps. And you don’t need to muscle your way onto a Swiss glacier alongside a thousand Europeans to do it. With a selection of upmarket and budget choices available – and snow conditions to rival many North American resorts – there’s no reason not to pack up your gear and head south for the summer.

Pssst - If you are still looking for stylish and functional ski clothing to bring on your next adventure in the mountains, check out our latest collections over at Montec. 

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Best ski resorts in South America

Catedral Alta Patagonia, Argentina

First up on our list is South America’s largest and most developed ski resort (by their own proclamation). Say hello to Cerro Catedral, as it’s known in Argentina. Located just over a 40-minute drive from San Carlos de Bariloche Airport, it’s easily accessible, too, which makes this ski resort an ideal choice for a foray into South American skiing.

The resort covers expansive terrain. In fact, it’s South America’s largest lift-accessed ski area. There are 120 marked trails with a leaning towards intermediate and advanced gradings. There’s also abundant off-piste, with plenty of steep and technical terrain accessible from the top of the ridgeline. And at 7,152 feet at the peak with 3,773 feet of vertical, there’s more than enough mountain to go around. On average, six feet of snow falls here every season, but the last few years have seen it higher than that. A ‌short season means snow comes in big dumps, though. So powder skiing is likely if you time it right. Late July into August is typically the snowiest time to visit.

There are many accommodation options in the pretty resort village of Villa Cerro Catedral, from upmarket hotels to cheaper self-accommodation. There’s also more choice in Villa Los Coihues, a nearby village on Lago Gutiérrez, and even more along the coast of Nahuel Huapi Lake in San Carlos de Bariloche. 

All three towns are beautiful in their own right. However, with views of the lakes from the mountain, Catedral Alta Patagonia should be the top choice for anyone thinking about their first trip to South America. Be aware that the resort is renowned for its long lift lines and crowds around peak times. So, if you’re looking for something quieter, pick a resort further down this list!

Las Leñas, Argentina

Las Leñas sneaks into our number two spot and will check all the boxes for the expert skiers looking for long, steep descents from high peaks covered with powder. With over two-thirds of the terrain graded black, the highest point at a dizzying 11,250 feet, and 3,900 feet of vertical, Las Leñas is known for its thigh-burning pow turns above all else. The official snowfall stats look low, but you only need to check out some videos of to see that the snow dumps in abundance here. The main challenge is reaching it!

You’ll have the choice of flying into Mendoza and driving four and a half hours or getting a connecting flight to a closer, smaller airport from Buenos Aires. Either way, a long transfer awaits. But that also means the slopes won’t be crowded, and you’ll have all those powder turns to yourself. 

Las Leñas offers a massive rideable area. However, the sidecountry is the real prize. Boasting some of the best lift-accessed off-piste in the Southern Hemisphere, Las Leñas is a place many travel to from around the world. Plus, thanks to the terrain’s natural shape and geology, the dry summer climate, and high altitude, there’s a distinct lack of vegetation or trees. And you know what that means  – endless open powder fields to rip through! Just time it right so there’s sufficient coverage. We recommend early to mid-August to ensure the best conditions.

Down in the resort village, things are a little quiet but still lively. There are limited accommodation options just because of the size of the resort. Still, once you’re there, a dedicated crowd of ride-hard-party-harder folks makes it a trip to remember. All the amenities you’ll need can be found on-site, too, with some great restaurants serving authentic Argentine cuisine to keep you fueled for the long riding days ahead. We recommend booking with a package provider to make the logistics easier – but that’s your call!

Chapelco, Argentina

Chapelco in Argentina is next on our list. It’s slightly smaller than the resorts above. Plus, its top elevation is just shy of 6,500 feet. However, it has 2,400 feet of vertical to make up for it! Located in the Neuquén Province, Chapelco is a hugely popular resort. Reach it by flying into the Aviador Carlos Campos Airport via Buenos Aires or into Bariloche, three hours to the south.

The mountain has an interesting layout, with a designated beginner section near the base and more difficult terrain the higher you travel. A forested section gives way to more exposed chutes and steeper runs at the summit, perfect for more advanced skiers. With half the tails graded black for advanced and expert riders, there’s plenty to tackle and push your skills. 

A little way north of Catedral Alta Patagonia, Chapelco enjoys the same snowfall figures, though historically, it’s a little drier, with around three to six feet falling on average every year. Like the other resorts, the snowiest period is around the end of July and into August. However, larger dumps are a little more scarce here, so leaving it towards the end of August will ensure the best coverage. 

The mountain is renowned for the quality of its ski schools, so Chapelco is a good choice for traveling with the family. And there are also lots of great accommodation options at the resort base. So, once you arrive, there’s little need to travel back and forth. Chapelco has many lodges and B&B-type stays alongside a few hotels. There’s an excellent selection of restaurants, too. However, Chapelco isn’t known for its bustling nightlife. If you’d prefer to stay out of the resort, the larger San Martín de los Andes has plenty of hotels and a little more going on and is next to the beautiful Lago Lácar. This stunning lakeside town feels quite alpine in its set-up and is a really vibrant and welcoming place, so don’t overlook the potential of staying (or at least visiting!) if you’re lining up Chapelco for a trip.

Valle Nevado, Chile

We head to Chile for our next choice and the renowned Valle Nevado resort. Its convenient location – just 28 miles from the capital city, Santiago – means it’s one of the most easily accessible resorts in South America. This makes it one of the most popular for international visitors traveling from the States and further afield. It’s also one of the highest ski resorts in the world and featured in our Highest Ski Resorts article, with its top lift-accessible elevation reaching 12,040 feet and the highest point in the massif reaching 17,815 feet at the peak of Cerro El Plomo.

Valle Nevado was founded in 1988 as a joint French-Chilean venture. In fact, Les Arcs, the French ski resort, inspired it – noticeable in Valle Nevado’s infrastructure and architecture. The high altitude guarantees snowfall and continual cold weather. July and August are the snowiest months, and powder dumps on the upper slopes are pretty regular! Still, the dry climate of the surrounding area means the average snowfall depths per season are relatively low, and the window to ski them is short. Remember, too, the conditions at the top and bottom of the mountain can change considerably with such a large vertical and massive elevation. So pack and plan accordingly! 

Because of the natural shape of the Andes mountains, there’s little in the way of easy terrain here, with 36% of the mountain graded red and 54% graded black. So if you’re a freerider on the hunt for high-altitude steeps, or an expert mogul skier looking for a workout, Valle Nevado is an amazing choice!

There are a few accommodation options at the base, with some ski-in, ski-out lodges. But this isn’t really a resort you stay at. Instead, you’ll find lodging along the entry road from Santiago. However, as El Colorado and Farellones (mentioned below) are in the same massif, they get booked quickly. So, for a better choice, value, and ease, staying in the center of Santiago might be your best shout. Plus, plenty of buses run to and from the ski resorts during the day. 

El Colorado/Farellones, Chile

The last entry on our list is a two-for-one. El Colorado and Farellones are interconnected ski areas around the mountain from Valle Nevado. Older than its larger neighbor, joint El Colorado/Farellones was founded in the 1930s, beginning with the Farellones area. It was then expanded when El Colorado was constructed directly above it, and the two areas were linked. They now feature 62 runs and a high point of 10,935 feet.

El Colorado is totally above the treeline, and the exposed resort enjoys the same snow conditions as Valle Nevado – with the best chance of fresh powder being at the end of July into early August. The gradient at El Colorado isn’t quite as vicious as Valle Nevado, with more beginner terrain graded green and blue. This makes it ideal for newbies. Plus, thanks to the gentler slopes, easy terrain is available right up to the peak, making El Colorado/Farellones the best choice in Chile for those looking to improve their skills. 

However, there’s still tons of expert terrain, with lots of marked off-piste available and plenty of sheltered bowls and chutes that collect tons of snow. Timing it right for the best conditions is the big challenge. But, if conditions are looking favorable, El Colorado/Farellones is a freerider’s paradise. And with a dedicated base with plenty of facilities, it’s a resort sure to please everyone.

Accommodation options are also available in resort, with several hotels and lodges offering ski-in, ski-out stays. El Colorado is newer and purpose-built, so it feels a little less characterful. Meanwhile, Farellones is quieter, smaller, and has that classic South American charm you can’t find anywhere else. However, if bustling nightlife or fine dining is your thing, you’ll likely need to book somewhere in Santiago. Thankfully, it’s just 18 miles away, so getting there and back is pretty easy.

FAQs

Below are some frequently asked questions about South America. While we do our best to be experts, these answers are subject to change. So we always recommend doing your homework before booking!

What’s the best time to go skiing in South America?

The South American ski season typically runs from June to October. However, climate change is constantly shortening the window for good snow. So, we recommend the last two weeks in July or the first two weeks in August for freshies. 

Leaving it until late August or early September during drier seasons will ensure the best overall coverage. Just remember temperatures are warmer, with new snow less likely to fall.

Is skiing in South America cheap?

You’ll likely find the cost of goods and services is cheaper once you arrive. However, booking to go might be pricier than expected. That’s because many package providers are US-based, so they’ll charge a premium on top of the actual cost. 

Much like visiting Asia, the costs can be significantly lower if you book directly with the airlines, hotels, and ski resorts. Still, the logistics of doing so are much trickier. Overall, it comes down to a question of convenience and what you want from your vacation.

What’s the best way to get to South American ski resorts?

Flying is the best option. Santiago is the top destination for Chilean trips and Buenos Aires is the right choice for Argentinian adventures. 

However, you can fly into Bariloche via a connection, or to a local airport to your chosen resort. This might require separate bookings directly with the airlines, though.

Is the snow good in South America?

There are always tales of epic, untouched powder coming out of South America, and we can attest to the high points getting doused in fresh snow pretty regularly. Still, it's tricky to rely on as South America has a much different climate compared to North America, and the average figures promise little compared to Utah or Colorado. 

Snow is more infrequent in South America. However, when it does arrive, it comes in spades. Check historical reports for your chosen resort and book when snow is most likely – that’s all we’ll say. 

Are there any travel restrictions to be aware of?

At the time of writing, there are no strict restrictions to be aware of. However, some South American countries have stricter visa requirements than others.

Be sure to read up on the country you’re visiting. And don’t forget to abide by all local laws before arriving.

Is it safe to ski in South America?

All trips carry risks, but South American ski vacations are generally safe. However, the larger cities have areas where tourists should take extra caution when visiting.

South American ski resorts rely on tourism for their livelihoods, though, so they’re well-policed and super friendly. If unsure, book with a travel operator for extra peace of mind.

Wrapping up

Well, there they are – our top picks for the best ski resorts in South America! So while the birds travel north, you’ll be heading south, gearing up for an epic snow-filled vacation in the heat of summer. 

Just remember to do your research, choose your ski resort accordingly, and, of course, lay down some pow turns for us – we’ll likely be stuck working while you’re having a blast. Even so, we’ve got our fingers crossed for snow for you. So happy trails, amigos!

Related reading:

• How to ski in powder
• Men's ski clothing / Women's ski clothing
• The best ski resorts on the East Coast
• How to plan a ski trip