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7 of the Best Ski Resorts in South America

Originally posted on Powder | By Ian Greenwood | Last updated Mar 8, 2025 8:23 AM ET

Who says skiing can’t be a year-round sport? No, we’re not talking about making laps in a fridge in New Jersey (although that can be pretty fun, too). Instead, should you have dreams of skiing deep powder and sampling pisco sours in August, it might be time to think about planning a trip to South America. These seven South American ski resorts are more than worth checking out.

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1. Las Leñas, Argentina

While Las Leñas has a collection of beginner-friendly terrain in its lower mountain area, this resort truly shines in advanced and expert offerings. Here, a collection of lifts transport skiers well above the treeline into a fantastical alpine realm.

One member of this fleet, the two-person Marte lift, has a legendary reputation and takes skiers to a bounty of top-notch freeride terrain that includes chutes and bowls. Expert skiing devotees the world over dream of hitching a ride on this chair. One word of caution, though—Marte has a reputation for closing regularly when intense weather passes through Las Leñas.

Las Leñas’ reputation includes terrain beyond its boundaries. The resort’s backcountry access is expansive, provided you have your avalanche fundamentals dialed. Above all, if smashing big mountain lines and experiencing Argentinian culture is your aim, it’s tough to go wrong with this destination.

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2. Catedral Alta Patagonia, Argentina

Nestled outside the town of Bariloche, Catedral Alta Patagonia features steeps, gentle runs, and everything in between. For freestylers, the resort features established terrain parks, while those seeking challenging terrain can head for the upper mountain. The Zona La Laguna area, in particular, caters to the more experienced crowd with chutes and bowls. Tree skiing is available at lower altitudes.

In Bariloche, where you can stay off the hill during a trip to Catedral Alta Patagonia, opportunities to sample chocolate—a local specialty—abound at several stores, but a sweet tooth isn’t necessary; nature lovers will be satisfied, too. The town is surrounded by picturesque views and borders the glittering Lake Nahuel Huapi.

3. Ski Portillo, Chile

Portillo may be the most well-known South American resort among U.S. skiers. It all starts with the ski area’s iconic bright yellow Hotel Portillo. At this alpine crash pad, visitors can enjoy an all-inclusive trip with four daily meals, lift tickets and lodging, all for one price. The hostel-style Inca Lodge is perfect for solo travelers looking to find new ski buddies.

What of the mountain, though? Here, Portillo shines, too. North American professional skiers regularly make the pilgrimage to the ski resort, and for good reason—steeps and tricky chutes are all on tap. For a truly one-of-a-kind experience, take a trip on the Roca Jack, a multi-person surface lift that looks like a giant slingshot.

4. Valle Nevado, Chile

Valle Nevado opened in 1988 and was modeled after French ski resorts across the pond. It features destination trappings like slopeside hotels, numerous amenities, and multi-pass partnerships with major providers that include the Power Pass, Mountain Collective and Ikon Pass. Of these three partners, the Power Pass provides multiple interconnected days at Valle Nevado and the bordering La Parva resort, letting skiers access a significant tranche of conjoined trails.

There are plenty of runs to be found within Valle Nevado’s boundaries, but thrill-seeking skiers can also hitch a ride in a helicopter. Valle Nevado Heli Skiing accesses 125,000 hectares of mountainous terrain. The best time to make some helicopter-assisted turns in the Valle Nevado area is between July and September, according to the heliskiing outfit. Packages range in price and start at $2,000 for a full day of heliskiing.

5. La Parva, Chile

Another member of the Tres Valles contingent alongside Valle Nevado and El Colorado, La Parva, is smaller than its neighboring ski areas, but that doesn’t mean it isn’t worth visiting. The ski area supplies ample snow and access to numerous backcountry areas, including McConkey’s, which is named for the late great Shane McConkey.

Plus, thanks to the other nearby ski resorts, a trip to La Parva can include plenty of variety as you check out the additional options in the Tres Valles area.

6. Nevados de Chillán, Chile

Formerly known as Termas de Chillan, Nevados de Chillán sits within a network of multiple volcanoes. Thankfully, the thermal activity isn’t something to fret about too much. Instead, focus on the positives—skiers can unwind after a day at Nevados de Chillán by soaking in the resort’s thermal springs. Given the plentiful freeride terrain and deep snow on offer, your muscles will probably need a break.

Exploring every nook and cranny at this resort isn’t easy, particularly when you account for its cat skiing area—which ranges above the upper mountain Mirador lift—and the surrounding lift-accessed backcountry. For powder-hungry skiers, though, an overabundance of runs is hardly a problem.

7. Cerro Castor, Argentina

If you’d like to venture off the beaten path and ski at the end of the world, Cerro Castor should be on your list. Located in the Tierra del Fuego Province, the resort is South America’s southernmost ski resort. It stands outside the town of Ushuaia, where the sea, the mountains, and unique wildlife, like penguins, meet, making for a different sort of ski trip backdrop. It’s a bit like Juneau, Alaska, except with South American flair. In Ushuaia, you’ll find the End of the World Museum, which highlights the history and culture of Tierra del Fuego.

Cerro Castor’s terrain is neatly bisected by the treeline, meaning if the visibility drops, you won’t be left without any points of reference. The Las Piedras and Del Filo lifts crawl into the more open alpine area, while lower mountain options like the Del Parque access groomed, cut trails. Del Parque is also home to Cerro Castor’s terrain park, which the resort advertises as one of Argentina’s most modern freestyle areas.

This article first appeared on Powder and was syndicated with permission.

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