Why Ski & Snowboarding in South America Is Unique
Ski & snowboarding in South America offers something that very few regions in the world can match: a full ski season during the northern hemisphere summer. While Europe and North America are in warm weather, the Andes mountains in Chile and Argentina are covered in snow, which makes South America one of the best destinations in the world for summer skiing trips.
This alone makes the region very attractive for keen skiers and snowboarders who want more than one ski trip per year. It is entirely possible to ski in Europe in January and then ski again in South America in August, which is why many serious skiers travel between hemispheres to follow the winter season.
The Andes Mountains run along the western side of South America and contain most of the ski resorts in the region. The main ski countries are Chile and Argentina, and most ski resorts are located relatively close to major cities such as Santiago in Chile and Mendoza in Argentina. This makes access surprisingly easy compared to many other mountain regions in the world, with some ski resorts located only a few hours from international airports.
Another thing that makes skiing in South America different is the landscape. The Andes are very high mountains, and many ski resorts are located at high altitude. This often means dramatic scenery, wide open slopes and long runs, but it also means visitors need to be aware of altitude and weather conditions when planning a trip.
Overall, ski & snowboarding in South America is often less crowded than major European resorts and offers a very different style of ski trip. Instead of purpose-built ski towns everywhere, many resorts are located high in the mountains and accessed from nearby cities. This creates a ski experience that feels more adventurous and less commercial than many Alpine resorts.
Ski Season in South America
The ski season in South America usually runs from June to September, although exact dates vary depending on snowfall and weather conditions each year. July and August are normally considered the peak months for skiing, with the best snow conditions and the most terrain open.
June is the start of the season and can sometimes have limited snow early in the month, particularly in lower altitude resorts. However, some years have excellent early snowfall and early season skiing can be very good. By July, most resorts are fully open and the season is in full swing.
August is often considered one of the best months to ski in South America because snow conditions are usually at their best and most lifts and runs are open. September is considered spring skiing season, with warmer temperatures and longer daylight hours, but snow conditions can still be very good at higher altitude resorts.
One important thing to understand about ski & snowboarding in South America is that snowfall can vary significantly from year to year. Some seasons have excellent snow and long seasons, while others can be shorter. Checking snow conditions before booking and building flexibility into travel plans is very important when planning a ski trip in South America.
Because the season runs during the northern hemisphere summer, South America is often used by ski racers and professional teams for summer training. This means some resorts can be quite busy during certain weeks when training camps are operating.
Ski Resorts in Chile
Chile has some of the most famous ski resorts in South America, and many of them are located close to Santiago, the capital city. This makes Chile one of the easiest countries in the world where you can fly into a major city and be skiing in the mountains just a few hours later.
Some of the best-known ski resorts in Chile include Valle Nevado, La Parva and El Colorado, which are all located in the mountains near Santiago. These resorts are often combined into one ski trip because they are located close to each other and share similar terrain and snow conditions.
Valle Nevado is one of the most famous ski resorts in South America and is known for its high altitude, modern lift systems and wide open slopes. La Parva is popular with more experienced skiers and snowboarders, while El Colorado is often considered good for beginners and intermediate skiers.
Further south in Chile, resorts such as Nevados de Chillรกn offer skiing on volcanic terrain, which is very different from most ski destinations around the world. Skiing on a volcano is one of the most unique ski experiences you can have anywhere in the world, and this is something that makes Chile particularly special.
Chile is often considered one of the best countries for ski & snowboarding in South America because of its high altitude resorts, relatively reliable snow conditions and easy access from Santiago.
Ski Resorts in Argentina
Argentina is the other major ski country in South America, and many of its ski resorts are located in the Andes Mountains near the city of Mendoza or further south in Patagonia.
One of the most famous ski resorts in Argentina is Las Leรฑas, which is known for its advanced terrain and off-piste skiing. It is often considered one of the best resorts in South America for experienced skiers and snowboarders. However, it is more remote than many Chilean resorts, which makes travel slightly more complicated.
Another well-known resort is Cerro Catedral near the city of Bariloche in Patagonia. This is one of the largest ski resorts in South America and has a wide range of terrain for beginners, intermediate and advanced skiers. Bariloche itself is a popular tourist town located next to a large lake and surrounded by mountains, making it a very scenic place to base a ski trip.
Further south, resorts such as Chapelco near San Martรญn de los Andes offer smaller ski areas but very beautiful scenery and a quieter atmosphere. Argentina often offers a more relaxed and scenic ski experience compared to some of the busier Chilean resorts, especially in the Patagonia region.
Many travellers who plan ski & snowboarding in South America actually combine Chile and Argentina in the same trip, crossing the Andes between Santiago and Mendoza or travelling further south into Patagonia for a longer trip.
Costs of Skiing in South America
When planning ski & snowboarding in South America, costs can vary significantly depending on the resort, accommodation choice and how you structure the trip. In general, lift passes can sometimes be cheaper than major resorts in Europe or North America, but accommodation and transport can increase the overall cost if not planned carefully.
One of the biggest advantages in South America is that many ski resorts are located close to major cities like Santiago or Mendoza. This means it is often possible to stay in a city and travel up to the ski resorts each day, which can be much cheaper than staying in mountain hotels. This is particularly common in Chile, where many people stay in Santiago and take transport to Valle Nevado or nearby resorts.
Mountain accommodation in resorts such as Valle Nevado or Las Leรฑas can be expensive because of the remote location and limited hotel supply. However, food and drink in cities like Santiago, Mendoza or Bariloche can be much cheaper than in European ski resorts, which helps balance the overall cost of the trip.
Flights are often one of the biggest costs for international visitors, especially if travelling from Europe or North America. Because of this, ski & snowboarding in South America is often best combined with a longer trip, such as visiting Patagonia, wine regions, cities or national parks.
Equipment rental and lessons are usually available at most major resorts, and prices are often similar to European resorts. Overall, South America is not necessarily a budget ski destination, but it can be very good value if combined with a wider travel itinerary rather than a short ski-only trip.
Chile vs Argentina for Skiing
If you are deciding between Chile and Argentina for skiing, the choice usually depends on travel plans, scenery preferences and skiing ability. Both countries offer excellent skiing, but the experience can be quite different.
Chile is often considered easier for ski trips because many resorts are located close to Santiago. You can land in Santiago and be in the mountains within a few hours, which makes Chile very convenient for shorter ski trips. Resorts such as Valle Nevado, La Parva and El Colorado are the most popular and are often visited together.
Argentina, particularly the Patagonia region, is often considered more scenic and relaxed. Resorts such as Cerro Catedral near Bariloche offer beautiful lake and mountain scenery, while Las Leรฑas is known for more advanced terrain and off-piste skiing. However, some Argentine resorts are more remote and require more travel time.
Snow conditions can vary in both countries depending on the season, but higher altitude resorts in Chile often have slightly more reliable snow conditions. Argentina, especially Patagonia, often offers incredible scenery and a more relaxed ski atmosphere, which many travellers prefer.
Many experienced skiers actually combine both countries in one trip, travelling across the Andes between Santiago and Mendoza or travelling south to Bariloche and Patagonia. This combination trip is one of the best ways to experience ski & snowboarding in South America, as it allows you to experience different resorts, landscapes and cultures in one journey.
Travel Tips for Skiing in South America
Planning ahead is very important when organising ski & snowboarding in South America, especially because mountain weather and snow conditions can vary significantly throughout the season. Flexibility with travel dates can make a big difference to the quality of a ski trip.
Transport is an important consideration. Many ski resorts are accessed by mountain roads, and in winter these roads may require snow chains or organised transport. Many visitors use ski shuttle buses from cities such as Santiago, Mendoza or Bariloche to reach the ski resorts safely.
Altitude is another factor to consider. Many ski resorts in the Andes are located at high altitude, and some visitors may feel mild altitude sickness when they first arrive. Staying hydrated and allowing time to acclimatise can make a big difference, especially if travelling directly from sea level.
Weather conditions can also change quickly in the Andes, and storms can sometimes close roads or lifts. Building extra time into travel plans is important so that weather delays do not disrupt flights or travel schedules.
Finally, many people find that the best way to experience skiing in South America is to combine skiing with other activities. Wine regions in Chile and Argentina, Patagonia national parks, lakes, glaciers and major cities all make excellent additions to a ski trip, turning the trip into a much broader travel experience rather than just a ski holiday.
Rupertโs Handy Travel Tips
Planning a ski trip in Chile or Argentina? These tips will help make your South America ski trip much smoother:
- Stay in Santiago, Mendoza or Bariloche: Staying in cities can be cheaper than mountain hotels.
- Allow extra travel days: Mountain weather can delay transport and road access.
- Watch the altitude: Many ski resorts are very high in the Andes.
- Combine skiing with Patagonia or wine regions: This makes the trip much better value.
Want to meet the reindeer behind our travel tips? Find out more in our page Who is Rupert?.
Frequently Asked Questions About Ski & Snowboarding in South America
When is the ski season in South America?
The ski season usually runs from June to September, with the best snow conditions typically in July and August.
Which countries have ski resorts in South America?
The main ski countries are Chile and Argentina, both located along the Andes Mountains.
Is skiing in South America expensive?
It can be similar in cost to European ski trips, but staying in nearby cities instead of mountain hotels can reduce costs.
Can you ski in South America during European summer?
Yes, the ski season in South America takes place during the northern hemisphere summer.
Is altitude a problem when skiing in South America?
Some ski resorts are at high altitude, so some visitors may feel mild altitude sickness when they first arrive.
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Last Updated
March 2026
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