Top Ski Resorts in South America: World-Class Powder in Chile and Argentina

At South America's southern tip, Chile and Argentina deliver breathtaking landscapes of jagged mountains, pristine beaches, turquoise lakes, and verdant forests. Visit anytime, but June through September blankets the towering, volcanic Andes along their border in deep snow, creating some of the planet's premier ski terrain.

South America boasts varied ski destinations suited to all abilities and styles. Discover the standout resorts below.

Best for big lines: Portillo, Chile

Portillo's unique weather delivers massive snowfalls followed by clear blue skies, ideal for its iconic sidecountry runs. Descend vertigo-inducing lines from Roca Jack and Cara Cara lifts to turquoise Laguna del Inca. The legendary Super C, reached via a two-hour hike from Roca Jack's summit, plummets 5,000 feet to the base. With few crowds (capped at 450 skiers daily) and intermediates tackling expert terrain, it's perfect for progression. Elevate your skills at Chris Davenport's Portillo Superstars Camp.

Best for families: Valle Nevado, Chile

Just 90 minutes from Santiago, Valle Nevado joins El Colorado and La Parva in the Tres Valles network, interconnected by lifts and sharing one pass for a seamless European-style experience. Enjoy vast terrain, long runs, and resort heli-skiing. At 10,000 feet elevation, the base offers pubs, spas, shops, diverse dining, and ample lodging. Ideal for beginners and intermediates, though experts won't be bored.

Best tree skiing: Chapelco, Argentina

In Argentina's Lake District near charming San Martín de los Andes and Lanín Volcano, Chapelco shines with gladed runs through lenga forests and lichen-draped beech trees, preserving creamy snow for smooth carves. A gondola and 12 lifts, including a high-speed quad, access 20 groomed trails plus backcountry bowls.

Best for hot springs: Nevados de Chillán, Chile

Apres-ski is effortless at Termas de Chillán, where natural hot springs await. Renowned for the Andes' finest powder, ski slope-side freshies, then skin up or snowcat to Chillán Volcano for more. Off days? Opt for backcountry snowmobile tours or extended thermal soaks to recover.

Best for early and late season: Cerro Castor, Argentina

The world's southernmost ski resort in Tierra del Fuego near Ushuaia offers South America's longest season, bolstered by modern lifts and extensive snowmaking. Drop 2,500 feet without high-altitude acclimation needed, across bowls, chutes, groomers, and trees—many overlooking Beagle Channel. Shuttle from Ushuaia's top dining, lodging, and nightlife, just 30 minutes away (3.5-hour flight from Buenos Aires).

Most lift-accessed skiing: Cerro Catedral, Argentina

In Nahuel Huapi National Park near Bariloche, Cerro Catedral's cathedral-like granite spires rise dramatically. South America's largest, most modern resort features 37 lifts serving 3,000 acres of intermediate/advanced terrain up to 3,700 feet vertical, including sidecountry. Post-ski, enjoy vibrant base amenities and Bariloche's cultural riches.

Best off-piste skiing: Las Leñas, Argentina

Las Leñas delivers Argentina's top lift-accessed big-mountain terrain rivaling heli-skiing—spot pros from Warren Miller films on the lifts. Half the mountain suits intermediates, with cat skiing for untouched powder amid vast bowls, chutes, and cliffs.

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