In the Northern Hemisphere, summer signals the end of the ski season. But it doesn’t have to be that way.
With June bringing a start to winter in the Southern Hemisphere, summer is a great time to plan an international ski getaway. For North American tourists, there’s no better place to avail yourself of the snow and cold weather than the Andes.
Extending across Chile and Argentina, the mountain range is home to numerous ski areas that regularly draw international travelers. Wondering which of these destinations is right for you? Keep reading to learn about the top ski resorts in the Andes.
1. Cerro Catedral
Looking for a destination that caters to skiers of all levels while offering all of the modern amenities that you and your family could desire? Look no further than Cerro Catedral in Argentina.
Spanning 3,000 acres of skiable terrain, this high-altitude resort attracts advanced skiers with a wide variety of black- and double-black-diamond runs. Intermediate skiers will find plenty to enjoy in the form of moderately challenging groomed runs, and beginner areas located close to the mountain’s base means that new skiers won’t have to encounter tricker terrain until they’re ready.
For those looking for the ultimate challenge, Cerro Catedral is home to world-famous off-piste and backcountry skiing. With thrillingly steep descents that will leave your heart in your throat and rugged, highly technical terrain that will make your legs feel like jelly, the jaw-dropping couloirs and treacherous tree runs will test the skills—and nerves—of even the most advanced skiers.
After an exhausting day out on the slopes, nearby Bariloche is the ideal place to retire. A charming, Swiss-inspired village, it offers an après experience that’s unrivaled in the Andes. Cinema, theater, stunning views—it’s all here. For those who didn’t leave all their energy out on the slopes, Bariloche’s discos, casinos, and all-night parties will help you to blow off any remaining steam.
2. Las Leñas
While the UFO Point disco is a deservingly popular draw in this resort’s modest village, après activities are not why people come to Las Leñas. Nor, for that matter, is convenience. Located on the Chile–Argentina border approximately 750 miles from Buenos Aires, Les Leñas is difficult to reach.
Why, then, do travelers make the effort to venture to this remote resort? The answer is world-class off-piste and backcountry skiing.
For the steepest, most rugged terrain, skiers should take the Marte chairlift up the mountain. If inclement weather has forced its closure (a frequent occurrence), the runs off Caris and Vulcano lifts are good secondary options. Snowcats, meanwhile, open up seemingly endless freeride options.
With a perch above the tree line, Las Leñas boasts stunning views of the Andes. And with groomed, beginner-friendly runs at the base of the mountain, there’s no reason not to bring your kids along.
3. Nevados de Chillan
Nevados de Chillan sits at the base of a volcano several hundred miles south of the Chilean capital. Rugged and remote, it offers some of the highest-quality snow in South America.
Advanced skiers can enjoy the deep powder in resort-accessed backcountry areas, while beginners can ski through what feels like an enchanted forest in the Snowy Forest area. Boasting a vertical drop of 3,300 feet, Nevados de Chillan is home to South America’s longest lift—one that takes a whopping 22 minutes to reach its destination.
When your legs will inevitably feel tired, there’s no better place to relax than the resort’s volcano-heated hot springs. And if your sleepiness is too much to bear, grab some shut-eye in the quiet town of Las Trancas. While you’re eating breakfast the next day at one of the village’s restaurants, hit up one of Trancas’ many locals for tips.
4. Ski Portillo
This all-inclusive resort in Chile brings together every type of skier to its high-cordillera perch. Ski bums, wealthy tourists, little kids, professional racers—you’ll find all of these and more at the Andes’ most legendary ski destination.
With all the options of a cruise ship—in fact, it’s called the Cruise Ship of the Andes—Ski Portillo gives visitors plenty to do, both on and off the slopes. Ski through an actual train tunnel, then enjoy lunch at Tio Bob’s. Take Portillo’s signature slingshot lift up the mountain, then descend down the slopes that receive an average of 320 inches of powder each year. When you’re feeling about done for the day, grab a beer at the Portillo Bar, then retire to the resort’s iconic canary-yellow hotel.
Like other Andean resorts, Ski Portillo gives off-piste skiers access to backcountry terrain. Among the most impressive runs here is the Super C couloir. Other renowned options include the Lake Run, so named because skiers need to navigate across a frozen lake, though there’s also an alternate trail that bypasses the lake.
5. Valle Nevado
Conveniently located, Valle Nevado is only 40 miles from the Santiago Airport. With 7,000 acres of skiable terrain, it’s also big. And when factoring in that the neighboring resorts of El Colorado and La Parva are accessible via a multi-area lift ticket, the amount of skiable terrain here is even more massive.
Valle Nevado offers options for skiers of all levels, but it is particularly welcoming to those who are still getting comfortable on the slopes. With renowned ski schools and wide groomed runs, beginner and intermediate skiers will find plenty to enjoy.
Advanced skiers will likewise find challenging slopes and expansive off-piste terrain across the three resorts. Regular storms not only provide deep powder, but frequently allow for ideal “bluebird day” conditions.