Skiing in South America offers a one-of-a-kind experience. It’s defined by dramatic Andean peaks, high-altitude snowfields and a rhythm of life that feels distinctly different from North America and Europe. As winters wrap up in the Northern Hemisphere, the ski season is just beginning in the Andes. Between June and October, ski resorts in Chile and Argentina come alive with visitors chasing powder.
Chile and Argentina are home to some of the Southern Hemisphere’s most celebrated ski resorts, blending modern lift infrastructure with expansive terrain and deep Andean snowpacks. In Chile, resorts sit above the capital city of Santiago, offering access to steep alpine terrain and legendary storms. Across the border in Argentina, ski towns combine European-inspired charm with Patagonian wilderness.
A South American ski vacation in Chile or Argentina is different from any other ski vacation. It can involve skiing on volcanoes, extending trips to explore cities and wine regions and diving deep into rich culture. The vacations are fit for any ski level and any group, from families to couples. And while a ski vacation in South America is one you won’t forget, navigating new lift-ticket structures, flight schedules, cities and resorts can be confusing. Ski.com’s team of Mountain Travel Experts can eliminate the stress and confusion and send you off on a dream ski vacation and down ski slopes you won’t ever forget.
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Portillo is perhaps the most iconic ski resort in Chile. It features legendary powder, a striking yellow lodge and the famous Laguna del Inca backdrop. But Portillo isn’t just a ski resort, it’s a ski destination. The resort and accompanying hotel are all-inclusive, so vacation packages include accommodations, food and lift tickets. It’s also a standout resort for skiers seeking empty slopes since guests make up the majority of skiers on the mountain.
Valle Nevado, just a short drive from Santiago, boasts the largest skiable terrain in South America, along with high-altitude slopes and a lively après scene. It’s known for its modern lift system and a high-speed express lift. It’s also part of Chile’s Tres Valles ski area, which includes neighboring resorts La Parva and El Colorado. Visitors can access all three resorts’ combined 7,000 acres of terrain.
Corralco, nestled in the southern part of the country, remains a hidden gem with long groomed runs, reliable snowfall and the breathtaking sight of Lonquimay Volcano towering over the resort. Corralco is perfect for those seeking a more peaceful, nature-immersed skiing experience with fewer crowds, and it’s a backcountry skier’s paradise with access to 1,235 inbounds acres and 7,500 backcountry acres.
Cerro Catedral Alta Patagonia, located in Bariloche, is Argentina’s premier ski resort. It offers a mix of breathtaking lake views, rolling slopes and charming Swiss-inspired architecture. The resort features over 75 miles of trails, backcountry access and a welcoming ski village. Bariloche isn’t just a ski hub, it’s a winter wonderland with a thriving chocolate industry, stunning national parks and warm Argentine hospitality.
The Southern Hemisphere’s ski season runs from June to October, making it a prime destination for those looking for a continuous winter. With most resorts opening in mid-June, our Experts recommend planning your South America ski vacation between mid-July and early September to take advantage of the region’s snow.
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Across South America, novice skiers and snowboarders can discover a winter wonderland fit for learning. Most of South America’s resorts have great ski schools with English-speaking instructors. Standouts include Valle Nevado, which has a well-established ski school and wide, open slopes for learning. Portillo is especially family-friendly with a welcoming ski and snowboarding school, plenty of beginner runs and weekly events off the slopes.
Intermediates will also thrive in South America. Most resorts have an extensive network of runs offering progression opportunities. Valle Nevado, for instance, is a top choice for intermediate skiers, while Bariloche Cerro Catedral has vast, tree-lined runs that range from gentle to challenging.
South America is a retreat for advanced skiers with steep, high-altitude terrain. In places like Portillo, there are plenty of technical chutes like the Super C Couloir, along with its unique Inca Lake traverse. Over in Argentina, Bariloche boasts world-class extreme skiing off the famed Piedra del Cóndor ski area. At most resorts, you’ll find ample backcountry areas and well-trained guides ready to show you deep powder stashes.
Chile’s ski resorts are accessible from Santiago International Airport (SCL). For many travelers, this is an ideal opportunity to expand their ski trip into a full-blown South American vacation. Adding a few days in Chile’s capital allows time to explore a rich fine-dining scene, historical architecture like Plaza de Armas and lively neighborhoods. Or skiers and snowboarders head to the coastal city of Valparaíso, known for its street art and funiculars.
In Argentina, travelers will often fly into Buenos Aires, where there are ample opportunities to join tango dinner shows and embark on culinary tours of the city's famous parrillas, steakhouses.
And of course, there’s plenty of wine to be sipped in both Argentina and Chile. In Chile, ski vacations are often paired with tours of the Maipo or Colchagua valleys. And in Argentina, skiers often end their trips in Mendoza sipping Malbec and staying at boutique wine lodges.
South American ski vacations fall into a “Goldilocks” price range. Compared to destinations like Switzerland, Colorado and Utah, South American ski trips are a steal. On the other hand, they’re not nearly as affordable as a ski trip to budget European destinations.
One way skiers and snowboarders often save is through ski passes. Daily lift tickets typically cost between $115 and $140, but some South American ski resorts are featured on popular passes like Ikon and Epic. For example, international skiers can use the Ikon Pass or Mountain Collective Pass at Valle Nevado, making it a great way to save money on lift tickets.
Lodging can vary widely between resorts, and flights can also range depending on where you travel and when you visit.
A Mountain Travel Expert can help you maximize your budget in South America. Through tips and tricks like booking early and knowing accommodation options, they’ll create a dream ski vacation in your price range.
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