South America Ski: Trips & Resorts

Although it works at a different rate compared to North America or Europe, skiing in South America is something worth thinking about and checking out once the opportunity presents itself to give it a try. In this article, we present 10 of the best ski resorts in South America, so you know which one suits you best before you even start your trip. Each of these offers a different experience, so find the one that suits you best and pack your stuff!

1. Portillo Ski Resort – Chile

Since 1966, when it was used as the host city for the World Ski Championships, Portillo has been one of the best and most beloved ski resorts for the vast majority of experienced skiers. One of the main strengths of the Portillo ski resort is its incredibly steep slopes that offer a great sense of excitement, putting it at the top of the skiing spots in South America.

Portillo also offers a one-of-a-kind in-ski-out skiing experience, and it's not as crowded as other places thanks to the fact that avalanches happen regularly, but if you're a seasoned skier looking for an adrenaline rush and the place to further develop your skiing knowledge, this is the right place for you. Especially if you choose to try heli-skiing.

What makes it different?

• Steep slope
• Challenging nature
• Excellent accommodation and ski in-ski out service
• Amazing local food
• Easy to reach
• State-of-the-art fixed tracks
• It's not crowded most of the time.

2. Nevados de Chillán – Chile

Although it may seem scary thanks to its location, Nevados de Chillán is quite the opposite, probably one of the best places to learn to ski. But first, about the location...

The Nevados de Chillán ski resort is located between the Old and New volcanoes, so you'll have the chance to tell the story about the time you've skied in the lava rivers. Off, yes, but still, lava is lava! However, if you'd rather skip the off-piste challenge, you'll be greeted with plenty of free space to practice your skills on probably the best powder snow in all of South America. Combined with ski schools, Nevados de Chillán offers you a great opportunity to learn to ski.

And that's not all. In addition to excellent ski slopes, this ski resort is unique among ski resorts in South America thanks to the fact that it was previously known by the name of Termas de Chillán. The name has changed, but the purpose remains the same, so you'll be able to visit the spas and relax your muscles before heading out for dinner at some of the most amazing local restaurants.

What makes it different?

• Gran historia de fondo
• Lots of quality snow
• Lack of crowd
• Spas
• Good food

3. Valle Nevado – Chile

Valle Nevado is one of Chile's most popular ski resorts among locals, but it has gained some popularity among foreign skiers in recent years, which is why it is now considered one of South America's top ski attractions.

What makes it so great is the well-maintained intermediate-level slopes, while offering challenging but safe slopes for beginners. It is also considered to be the best ski resort for the whole family. There are plenty of activities for kids, great restaurants, lots of places to have fun during the night, so it offers one of the best skiing experiences overall. Not to mention the fact that you'll have the chance to enjoy a great view and ski on some of the best terrain you'll ever see. The potential downside is the price because Valle Nevado is one of the most expensive ski resorts in South America, but on the plus side, you'll get what you paid for, so you'll have a pretty impressive ski trip. from every conceivable aspect. Especially if you're a beginner or intermediate skier looking to improve.

What makes it different?

• High standard of accommodation
• Great service
• Fantastic terrain for intermediates and beginners.
• Great resort for the whole family

4. Cerro Catedral – Argentina

Although the vast majority of visitors to Cerro Catedral are beginners or intermediate, what makes this place and its Bariloche ski resort so great are its advanced, off-piste slopes. Not only thanks to great gunpowder, but also to its pretty, out-of-this-world-looking tracks. And when you get to the area where you can see Lake Nahuel Huapi, you will most likely stand still and admire the beauty of tourism for at least a couple of minutes.

Cerro Catedral is one of the few ski resorts in South America with a base village, it has over 3,000 acres of skiable terrain, but the most impressive fact is this: more than half of those 3,000 acres are off-piste terrain! When it comes to track preparation, of the 120 kilometers about 25 percent are advanced and expert tracks. This resort is also famous for its tree skiing, so if you're planning to visit this place, be sure to learn how to get out of the tree well. It is also one of the busiest ski resorts in South America, and at the same time, it is very economical.

What makes it different?

• Great off-piste terrain
• Amazing for advanced skiers
• Cheap
• Opportunity to learn to ski among trees
• Beautiful grounds
• Plenty of space
• Fun base village with good food

5. Cerro Bayo – Argentina

Not so famous, Cerro Bayo is slowly but surely becoming a big hit with South American skiers. Located in Argentina, this ski resort offers one of the most interesting skiing experiences in South America. It's not as big as the resorts we mentioned above because it only has 25 tracks, but it does offer a chance to test your skills on some of the most challenging advanced tracks in South America.

Until recent years, Cerro Bayo has been used by locals for weekend family ski trips, but has since gained a lot of attention among ski enthusiasts looking for new thrills. And this community offers just that. Astonishing views over Lake Nahuel Huapi, rugged terrain, astonishing forests surrounding the resort result in one of the best skiing experiences overall. Combine that with the lack of an audience and you'll easily learn what makes it so inspiring.

What makes it different?

• Breathtaking views
• Constant development, so visiting twice in a row will probably be completely different in a positive way
• Uncrowded resort
• Fresh Powder
• Ideal for ski touring

6. La Hoya – Argentina

If you're looking for a place with big dust, challenging rides, and interesting off-piste terrain, La Hoya is the place to visit. La Hoya is one of the most popular ski resorts for families thanks to its ease and affordable prices, compared to most other ski resorts in the surrounding area. What makes it even more interesting is its shape that brings all the clues to one area.

However, the real thrill of this resort comes with the first step on its off-piste tracks. Great scenery, beautiful slopes, sunny weather, and cool powder make for a pretty breathtaking experience. It's also not that popular with international skiers, so it will most likely be greeted by the lack of spectators.

What makes it different?

• Great off-piste terrain
• Big Dust
• Not very crowded
• Low Cost

7. Ski Corralco – Chile

If you're not into wild nightlife or aren't looking for a lot of non-skiing activities, Corralco in Chile should be at the top of your "visits" list. At this resort, you'll be able to focus solely on skiing and fully rest and relax when the day is over.

What makes this place unique is the complete absence of any form of noise, although the question is how long it will stay that way because Corralco is one of the fastest developing ski resorts, so it's basically a matter of time before ski enthusiasts from all over the world would want to try this new and unfamiliar place. Before that happens, if you opt to give it a try, you can expect an uncrowded spot that's great for kids and beginners, and where all the excitement comes solely from skiing, whether regular or off-piste.

What makes it different?

• Quiet and calm
• Great for holidays
• Great for families with kids
• Nice cross-country ski areas.

8. Chapelco Ski Resort – Argentina

If you manage to pass the view of the Lanín volcano undisturbed and remain calm, you will find yourself in one of the best and one of the most attractive places for family ski trips. The Chapelco ski resort is among the best ski resorts for the whole family, with special attention to children. It offers many different facilities and activities for both adults and children, while also offering more than enough challenging trails for all levels of skiers. Also, you can check out our guide on how to teach your kids to ski.

It has one of the best ski lift infrastructures among all the ski resorts in South America, so all the trails are easily accessible, while in addition to skiing you will also have the opportunity to participate in many different activities, such as snowshoeing, snowmobiling or feeling the thrill. from Iditarod trying out dog sledding. And when it's time to unwind, you can head out for dinner at some of the local restaurants or relax at the local bars to refuel for your next day on the track. Here you can learn how to go up and down a ski lift.

What makes it different?

• Great for kids
• Lots of different activities to try
• Large elevators
• Best value for money

9. Farellones – Chile

Farellones is not a typical ski resort, but a small ski area that provides access to the resorts of El Colorado, La Parva, and Valle Nevado. From Villa Farellones it's easy to get to these three resorts, making it a great choice for a base location.

What makes this place so great is the fact that in addition to excellent accessibility to those three resorts, Farellones also has a pretty rich nightlife, especially compared to these three resorts, so staying there will give you the opportunity to have fun basically anytime you're away. the snow. When it comes to Farellones ski pros, this is probably the best place to learn to ski thanks to really gentle slopes, although you may have to learn Spanish because there are no ski lessons in English. Another thing that makes Farellones special is the opportunity to really feel the culture of Chile thanks to its more traditional approach compared to most other resorts in South America.

What makes it different?

• Ski area made strictly for beginners.
• Great connection to three other resorts.
• Great nightlife
• An opportunity to learn about Chilean culture and tradition.

10. Las Leñas – Argentina

This Argentinian ski resort is a versatile resort that has everything a skier needs. It has terrain challenging enough for professionals and ski experts, but it also has trails of all other levels, from beginners to advanced skiers. Las Leñas is one of the favorite places for professionals to prepare for important competitions, and it surely offers some of the best trails, but most of them are completely dependent on the weather. If the weather does not allow it, you will not be able to access these races.

Las Leñas powder is considered one of the best in all of South America, and it also offers a wide variety of activities, making it a very popular choice for family ski trips. Last but not least, Las Leñas is a place where you will have the opportunity to really meet the local and Argentinian people and experience one of the best parties of your life.

What makes it different?

• Great nightlife
• Great for families
• The best place to learn about Argentinian culture.
• Great ski slopes for all levels of skiing.

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Conclusion: Go out, travel and live your life to the fullest.

This year, treat yourself to a break from the ordinary and seek an adventure abroad. You'll come back refreshed, rejuvenated and ready to bore all your friends with travel stories.

Any time of year is a good time to travel. Discover the best places to travel by month:

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If you want to read other articles similar to South America Ski: Trips & Resorts. You can visit the category South America.