Argentina is a beautiful, wonderful country, full of amazing sights and experiences. There is no shortage of reasons to visit the silver treasure of South America, and winter sports enthusiasts may find this the most exciting reason of all: Argentina has ski resorts to fit all tastes and experience levels, a place where thrill-seekers can come to get the absolute most out of the snowy landscapes and exciting Andean mountains
When To Go Skiing In Argentina?
Yes, so while Switzerland might have some of the most famous ski resorts in the world - Argentina is here to challenge its place as the ultimate winter destination. Perfect for the real winter lovers, or, alternatively, the summer haters, the winter season in the Southern Hemisphere is flipped, starting in June through to September. Don’t go looking for snow in Argentina in December!
The best time periods to go skiing in Argentina are from late June to late September or early October (depending on the mountain, the winter season can be longer), when snow is practically guaranteed.
What Are The Best Ski Resorts In Argentina?
From the new and promising to the historic tried and true resorts, Argentina has something for all the skiing wants and needs.
Cerro Catedral - Bariloche
First things first, let’s get the obvious out of the way: Bariloche is Argentina’s most popular winter destination, and it is so for good reason; one of the mains ones in nearby Cerro Catedral, a scenic mountain that houses Argentina’s - and South America’s- biggest ski center. Cerro Catedral has 53 ski, snowboard, and alpine ski tracks for all skill levels.
The structure fits families with kids and seasoned skiers alike, with plenty of restaurants, lodgings, and tracks that stay open even during the summer. From the top of Cerro Catedral, the breathtaking view of the amazing Nahuel Naupi lake are sure to make a lasting impression.
Las Leñas - Mendoza
The site of the 1990 Winter Pan-American Games, Las Leñas, in the Mendoza province, is one of the most important South American Cities when it comes to winter sports. The ski area has a peak of over 3,000 meters above sea level, with a drop of 1,200 meters; as such, its slopes are revered by skiers, both local and visiting.
Las Leñas counts 29 slopes diverse and signalized snow tracks for different ski levels, classes for children and adults, a wide arrange of rentals, ample off-piste areas for extreme skiing, and a snow park. Beyond that, the five-star mountain hotels, nightclubs, a vibrant gastronomical scene, and casinos make Las Leñas the perfect place to get the absolute most out of a ski vacation.
Cerro Chapelco - San Martín De Los Andes
A 20 km trek away from the charming San Martín de Los Andes’ downtown and overlooking the beautiful Lake Lácar, Cerro Chapelco is often a strong contender for the best ski resort in Argentina. With a state-of-the-art structure, Cerro Chapelco has 28 ski tracks of various difficulties and over 1600 hectares of skiable area. Ski and snowboarding lessons are available for sports lovers of all ages.
Beyond skiing and snowboarding, Cerro Chapelco also offers sledding (with huskies), racket trekking, and snowmobile rides. It has become famous for its 5-star resort accommodations and charming après ski options, including traditional Andean restaurants and artisanry.
Cerro Bayo - Villa La Angostura
On the side of the stunning Nahuel Huapi Lake, Cerro Bayo Ski Boutique is a tremendously fun stop. Only 9 km of distance from the charismatic mountain village Villa la Angostura, Cerro Bayo attracts visitors from all over to enjoy its ski facilities, with 6000 meters of uninterrupted pistes, and freestyle snowboard slopes, and over 1500 meters of off-track ski areas in between the unique Andean forests.
Argentinian wine and cheese spreads and the traditional empanadas are winner treats for the après ski, and at Villa la Angostura visitors will find an exciting mix of cool bars, fun stores, and cozy restaurants to visit after a day of skiing.
Caviahue - Copahue
Ever thought about skiing down a volcano? Well, Caviahue has got that covered. At the heart of Patagonia and bordering Chile, the Caviahue Ski Resort is at the base of the - still active! - Copahue Volcano, right by the crystalline Copahue Lake. With 1000 hectares of skiable area, Caviahue has 20 slopes for four different levels of experience, with freestyle tracks, as well as a skiing school structure.
The ski resort counts with rentals, parks, hotels, and lodgings, but visitors can also stay in the small city nearby. Beyond skiing, Caviahue offers guided treks amidst the South American pine tree forest (Pehuenes or Araucárias), sledding with dogs, and thermal springs.
Cerro Castor - Ushuaia, Tierra Del Fuego
And to finish off, why not a ski resort at the End Of The World! The southernmost ski resort on the planet, state-of-the-art ski resort Cerro Castor is one of Ushuaia’s main attractions, and host of the Freestyle Slopestyle World Cup. Like Caviahue, in Ushuaia, the skiing and winter sports season is longer (June - October) due to its colder temperatures and proximity to the interesting continent of Antarctica - which also ensures an impressive area of smooth and thick snow, perfect for cross country skiing.
Cerro Castor has 31 tracks for all levels, as well as ample off-track skiable areas for more experient skiers. Beyond skiing and snowboarding, other winter activities such as ice skating, sledding, and snowmobiling are very popular, as well as treks and tours through the snowy landscapes of Tierra del Fuego. The mountains also count with a diverse array of cuisine for après skiing and tax-free shopping in Ushuaia.