Chile and Argentina Unveil Epic Ski Resorts: Powder-Perfect Slopes, Luxury Experiences, and Jaw-Dropping Views Await in South America’s Skiing Paradise!

Published on July 16, 2025

For avid skiers looking to extend their winter season, the allure of South America’s ski resorts offers a perfect escape. While those in the northern hemisphere are enduring the warmth of summer, skiers from the north can enjoy fresh powder and pristine slopes in countries like Chile and Argentina, which are home to some of the continent’s best ski areas. Located in the Andes, these destinations offer a thrilling combination of world-class skiing and the chance to explore the unique culture and landscapes of South America.

The Andes: South America’s Skiing Hub

Chile and Argentina are at the heart of South America’s ski scene, with the Andes mountains offering some of the most dramatic and exciting terrain for skiing enthusiasts. These countries have developed their ski areas over the years, making them attractive destinations for both seasoned skiers and those new to the sport. The towering peaks of the Andes resemble the Alps, with much of the terrain lying above the tree line. This creates expansive slopes and breathtaking views that captivate visitors from around the world. The natural beauty of the region is complemented by the thrill of skiing in such a remote and wild environment, where the soaring condors overhead only add to the sense of adventure.

Skiing in Chile: Portillo’s Tradition and Exclusivity

One of Chile’s most famous and historic ski resorts is Portillo, located about 100 miles northeast of Santiago. As Chile’s oldest winter resort, Portillo has been attracting international visitors since 1949, offering a traditional yet exclusive ski experience. The resort is known for its intimate feel, with a maximum of only 450 guests allowed to stay at the property, ensuring that skiers can enjoy uncrowded slopes and ample opportunities to carve through fresh powder.

Portillo offers 35 runs that span across 1,235 acres of above-treeline terrain, providing options for skiers of all skill levels. From beginner-friendly groomers to more challenging and steep sections, such as the Roca Jack lift, the resort offers diverse slopes for every type of skier. Portillo is known for its pristine conditions, especially with the limited number of guests, allowing everyone to enjoy the beauty of untouched powder. For those seeking even more exclusive experiences, helicopter rides are available to transport skiers to untracked slopes just 15 minutes away from the resort, offering views of the towering Aconcagua, the highest peak in the Western Hemisphere, which lies on the border between Argentina and Chile.

Portillo also has a reputation for its après-ski culture. After a day of skiing, guests can relax in the resort’s bar, enjoy a glass of Chilean wine, or take part in the nightly social activities. The resort has built a loyal following of repeat visitors who appreciate the unique charm and social atmosphere of the hotel, where everyone dines together, dances in the same bar, and shares their love of skiing.

Valle Nevado and El Parva: Chile’s Expanding Ski Resorts

Chile’s Valle Nevado and El Parva resorts are located just 40 miles from Santiago, making them accessible for both international travelers and local skiers. These two resorts, which are now owned by the Colorado-based resort operator Mountain Capital Partners, offer 5,000 acres of skiing terrain combined. Recently, the resorts received a $4 million investment for lift, hotel, and dining improvements, further enhancing the experience for visitors.

Valle Nevado and El Parva attract a range of skiers, from beginners to experts. Valle Nevado’s terrain is especially popular for its expert routes, including those accessible via the Tres Puntas lift. The resort also offers heli-skiing experiences, where skiers can reach runs that extend down three valleys for up to 5,000 vertical feet. For those looking for a more relaxed experience, El Parva provides exhilarating groomed runs for intermediates.

The resorts’ après-ski options are equally impressive. Valle Nevado boasts three hotels, condos, and several restaurants. Visitors can enjoy stunning sunsets while relaxing in the hot tub or have a drink at the Valle Lounge terrace. The resort is also known for its vibrant nightlife, with a hotel disco where guests can dance to reggaeton music late into the night.

Argentina: Las Leñas and Catedral Alta Patagonia

Argentina’s ski resorts provide some of the most challenging and exhilarating terrain in South America. Las Leñas, located approximately 200 miles from Mendoza, is known for its steep expert slopes, which are among the most demanding in the region. With vast bowls, chutes, and elevator-shaft steeps spread across 23,000 acres of terrain, Las Leñas attracts serious skiers, including participants in the Freeride World Tour. While advanced skiers enjoy the backcountry terrain, beginners and intermediates can also find suitable runs on the lower mountain.

Las Leñas is remote, with domestic flights arriving at a small airport two hours away from the resort. Despite the isolation, the ski area’s expert-level terrain and stunning natural beauty make it worth the journey. The resort also offers off-piste and backcountry skiing, with the option for guided cat-skiing trips for those seeking to explore untouched powder.

The après-ski scene in Las Leñas is lively, with the resort’s casino and bars like UFO Point, where the party doesn’t start until after midnight. Guests can enjoy drinks, dance, and socialize in a vibrant atmosphere, adding to the unique energy of the ski experience.

Catedral Alta Patagonia, located in northern Patagonia, is another major ski destination in Argentina. Known as Cerro Catedral, it is Argentina’s first ski area, having opened in 1938. The resort features 58 runs spread across 1,480 acres, offering a range of terrain from wide-open bowls to tree skiing routes through old-growth forests. Cerro Catedral’s location within the Nahuel Huapi National Park provides stunning views of the surrounding mountains and Lake Nahuel Huapi, making it a visual delight for skiers.

The resort’s proximity to the town of Bariloche, a popular tourist destination, makes it easy for visitors to access amenities and accommodations. Bariloche, with its Swiss-German heritage, offers a multicultural vibe, with numerous restaurants, bars, and shops for visitors to explore. The ski area has undergone significant renovations in recent years, including the addition of new lifts, ensuring that visitors have an improved experience each year.

Skiing Beyond the Slopes: Cultural and Social Attractions

In addition to exceptional skiing conditions, both Chile and Argentina offer rich cultural experiences that complement the outdoor activities. Skiers can enjoy the local cuisine, which includes Argentine steaks, Chilean seafood, and traditional dishes like empanadas and asado. Many ski resorts also offer opportunities to relax and socialize after a day on the slopes, with local wines, pisco sours, and live music often featured in après-ski events.

For many, the après-ski experience is as much a part of the adventure as the skiing itself. Whether enjoying a drink with fellow skiers, dancing to local music, or sampling the region’s famous wines, the social side of skiing in South America is vibrant and engaging. This cultural experience is a unique aspect of skiing in the Andes and adds to the appeal of the region for international visitors.

The Future of Skiing in South America

As the ski industry in South America continues to grow, both Chile and Argentina are investing in their infrastructure to accommodate more visitors. With new lifts, expanded snowmaking capabilities, and improved accommodations, the region is poised to become an even more popular destination for winter sports enthusiasts. The combination of challenging terrain, beautiful landscapes, and a rich cultural experience makes South American ski resorts a must-visit destination for skiers from around the world.

In conclusion, skiing in the Andes offers an unparalleled combination of adventure, stunning natural beauty, and cultural immersion. From the intimate and historic Portillo in Chile to the challenging expert terrain of Las Leñas in Argentina, skiers can find a destination that suits their abilities and desires. Whether it’s the thrill of fresh powder, the social aspect of après-ski, or the chance to experience the unique culture of the Andes, skiing in South America offers an exciting and memorable winter adventure.