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Escape SoCal’s summer heat and hit the slopes! For dedicated skiers in the Northern Hemisphere dreaming of fresh snow during their summer, a South American ski trip to Argentina presents an irresistible solution.
Skiing in Argentina means access to some of South America’s most impressive mountain ranges, primarily the majestic Andes Mountains. The country is a premier ski destination, boasting a variety of Argentina ski resorts, from internationally acclaimed giants to numerous smaller ski areas like La Hoya or Cerro Bayo near Villa La Angostura.
The Argentina ski season typically kicks off in mid-June, with good conditions often found by early July, and can extend into mid-September or even October, with mid-July and August representing the peak period for optimal snow conditions and vibrant atmosphere.
The renowned snow quality and easy access to diverse slopes attract not only vacationers but also Olympic ski teams for off-season training.
Argentina offers a wide range of winter sports opportunities, with ski resorts in Argentina primarily located in three distinct regions: Mendoza province, home to some of the highest peaks; the breathtaking Patagonia region with its picturesque Lake District; and near Ushuaia in Tierra del Fuego, the world’s southernmost ski resort destination.
Most travelers will find various lodging options available, often making group trips for a ski trip more affordable by sharing costs. While some resorts are remote, many are accessible from major cities, with Buenos Aires often serving as the initial entry point for international visitors before connecting to these snowy paradises.
A South American skiing adventure promises thrilling descents and the unique experience of carving turns in the Southern Hemisphere winter, offering incredible powder days.
MENDOZA
This region, nestled against the high Andes Mountains, is famed for high-altitude skiing in Argentina and offers some of the most challenging skiable terrain.
Las Leñas
Recognized globally as one of the premier South American ski resorts, Las Leñas has been a magnet for serious skiers since its inauguration in 1983, even hosting Alpine Skiing World Cup events. This ski resort is particularly famous for its challenging steep terrain, including pulse-pounding double-black diamond chutes, and offers extensive opportunities for adrenalized backcountry skiing and even heli-skiing for the ultimate deep powder experience. Expert skiers flock here for the legendary off-piste adventures with vast lift-accessed skiable terrain.
An average annual snowfall of 250 inches, supplemented by 30 snowmaking cannons, generally ensures excellent snow conditions and plentiful powder days with abundant fresh powder. Before embarking on the journey, it’s wise to check lift tickets and availability.
The resort boasts a significant lift capacity of 9,500 persons per hour, minimizing wait times for your next chairlift ride, and a famously vibrant après ski scene ensures the fun continues after a day on the slopes. Las Leñas offers several apartment hotels, with accommodations for up to eight guests, alongside the dedicated Apartur apartment building and the swanky Nieve Club. Splitting an Apartur apartment in mid-July can make this world-class ski destination surprisingly affordable, costing less than $3,000 for a week (around $50 per person/night when fully occupied).
Los Penitentes
For those whose Argentina ski trip includes more than just skiing, or for skiers looking to sample multiple ski resorts, Los Penitentes offers a solid, medium-sized ski area. It’s a great option for a shorter stay or even a day trip from the city of Mendoza. Nestled against the looming Andes Mountains, it’s largely a domestic destination.
Compared to resorts that cater heavily to international guests, Los Penitentes may feel more basic, as these other resorts tend to offer more extensive amenities. However, accommodation and the slightly sluggish lifts are budget-friendly. Adding to its appeal for mixed-ability groups, another small ski area, Los Puquios, perfect for beginner slopes, is just three miles away; a good counterpoint since half of Los Penitentes’ runs are rated red or black, catering to more experienced skiers.
Even during high season, lodging options like a three-night stay for six in a two-bedroom apartment at Aires de Montaña, right in Los Penitentes, can work out to just $25 each per night.
Patagonia Lake District
The Patagonia region provides a stunning natural backdrop for skiing in Argentina, characterized by beautiful lakes and lush forests alongside the mountain peaks.
Cerro Catedral
Boasting an impressive 75 miles of runs and cat roads, Cerro Catedral stands as the largest ski resort in the entire Southern Hemisphere. The views of the surrounding lakes and mountains are simply breathtaking.
This well-developed complex, one of the few ski resorts in Argentina with a genuine village at its base, offers outstanding skiable terrain for intermediate through expert skiers, including exciting off-piste options and some opportunities for tree skiing when snow conditions permit. Its proximity – just 11 miles – to the bustling tourist city and major airport of Bariloche in the Bariloche area makes easy access a key feature.
However, Cerro Catedral can get very busy, particularly during peak ski season, so investing in a lift fast pass is highly recommended to avoid long lift lines, especially as the best and most consistent fresh snow and snow quality are typically found towards the top of the mountain after a scenic chairlift ride.
The village itself provides around 7,000 guest beds across various hotels, apartments, cabanas, and houses. Although some lodging options are a good walk from the lifts, renting a 3-bedroom house can be done for $2,100/week during peak season. For those seeking more adventure, the nearby Baguales Mountain Reserve offers incredible backcountry skiing and ski touring.
Cerro Chapelco
Cerro Chapelco is a striking, modern ski resort that is particularly well-suited for families and intermediate-level skiers. While there’s no on-mountain lodging, the charming alpine town of San Martín de Los Andes is conveniently located just miles away, offering over fifty hotels, hostels, and cabins to suit all standards and budgets. Argentina offers diverse experiences, and Chapelco’s slopes cater effectively to a range of abilities.
It features good beginner slopes and a large ski/snowboard school with 200 instructors, alongside excellent side country, tree runs, and backcountry skiing for the more adventurous. The resort provides a wide choice of restaurants and equipment rentals, plus other winter sports like dog sledding, snowmobiling, and snowshoeing.
Though established in 1946, Cerro Chapelco boasts up-to-date infrastructure and modern lifts. However, these can be strained during holiday periods. For most travelers from afar, flying into Chapelco Airport, just 12 miles from San Martín, is a convenient option. In San Martín, two-bedroom apartments start at below $800 for a peak week, and a three-bedroom townhouse can be enjoyed for around $1,500, making it a great ski vacation choice. North Americans often appreciate the developed amenities here.
Ushuaia
Experience skiing at the “End of the World” in the unique Tierra del Fuego province, home to the southernmost ski resort on the globe.
Cerro Castor
The area surrounding Ushuaia, the world’s southernmost city, has gained such a reputation for its reliable snow conditions that it has hosted numerous Olympic ski teams from the Northern Hemisphere for their summer training, including top Swiss, Canadian, and French athletes. This sought-after snow quality is a result of its extreme southern latitude rather than high altitude; the base of the Cerro Castor ski resort sits at only 640 feet above sea level.
This makes it a unique ski destination. Opened in 1999, Cerro Castor is a modern ski resort with contemporary facilities. It’s relatively easy to reach with direct flights from Buenos Aires to Ushuaia, attracting both Argentines and international visitors keen to experience skiing in Argentina at the “end of the world.”
The ski area boasts consistent fresh snow, and Cerro Castor seldom gets crowded, especially on weekdays, meaning fewer long lift lines for your chairlift ride. While a trip here can be pricier than other South American ski resorts, the entire Tierra del Fuego experience is exceptionally memorable.
A peak ski season three-bedroom townhouse in Ushuaia can still be secured for as little as $560/week, which is quite reasonable to ski at the planet’s southernmost ski resort. The early season, starting mid-June, often sees good coverage, with the season extending well into mid-September. The skiable terrain offers a good mix for various levels, ensuring all skiers have a memorable ski trip.
Argentina Skiing
In essence, Argentina presents a fantastic summer skiing getaway for Northern Hemisphere skiers from mid-June to September/October. The Andes host diverse experiences across three key regions: Mendoza’s high-altitude thrills at Las Leñas and Los Penitentes; Patagonia’s vast Cerro Catedral and family-friendly Cerro Chapelco; and Ushuaia’s unique “End of the World” skiing at Cerro Castor, known for reliable snow.
Catering to all abilities with varied terrain and generally accessible resorts offering affordable group lodging, Argentina promises a memorable Southern Hemisphere adventure with excellent snow and vibrant ski culture.
