Captivating snowy scene in Villa La Angostura, featuring mountains and leafless trees in winter.
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Skiing in South America: Where to Find Snow From June to September

ByJordan

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When the Northern Hemisphere is in flip-flops, the Andes are buried in snow. Skiing in South America runs roughly from June to September, and it offers something the Alps and Rockies cannot: summer-vacation timing, huge above-treeline terrain and the chance to pair a ski week with wine country or Patagonian lakes.

Near Santiago: Ski Close to the City

Chile’s capital is one of the few major cities in the world with big-mountain skiing within day-trip range. Valle Nevado is the largest and most resort-like of the cluster, with on-mountain hotels, ski school and wide-open bowls. Next door, La Parva has a more local, chalet-village feel and terrain that rewards confident skiers. The two connect with El Colorado to form one of the largest skiable areas on the continent.

Further north, near the Argentine border, Portillo is South America’s oldest ski resort and a legend among serious skiers. Its yellow hotel on the shore of the Laguna del Inca is part of the appeal, and the steeps are the rest. Stays are traditionally booked by the week, which gives the place the feel of a private mountain club rather than a day-trip resort.

Southern Chile: Volcanoes and Forests

Nevados de Chillán sits on the flanks of an active volcanic complex, with tree skiing, natural hot springs nearby and a slower pace than the resorts near Santiago. Further south in the Araucanía, Corralco spreads across the slopes of Lonquimay volcano, with views over ancient monkey-puzzle forests that make even a traverse feel cinematic.

Argentina: Steeps, Lakes and the End of the World

Las Leñas, in southern Mendoza, is famous for its off-piste and freeride terrain, along with a lively purpose-built village. It is remote, so most visitors stay for several days rather than dropping in. Snow can arrive late in dry years, so keep travel dates flexible if you are aiming for early season.

Bariloche’s Cerro Catedral is one of the largest resorts in South America, with long runs looking straight out over Lake Nahuel Huapi. It is family-friendly and easy to combine with chocolate shops and lakeside dinners in town. Up the road near San Martín de los Andes, Chapelco debuted a new gondola in 2026 and is known for forested runs and a relaxed atmosphere.

At the bottom of the map, Cerro Castor outside Ushuaia often enjoys one of the continent’s longest seasons thanks to its southerly latitude, and you will be skiing with the Beagle Channel region at your back.

Beyond the Slopes

Part of the pleasure of a South American ski trip is everything around it. From Santiago, it is easy to add a few days in the Maipo or Casablanca wine valleys, or to spend a final night on the coast. Mendoza pairs Las Leñas with malbec country, while Bariloche offers lake cruises, craft breweries and a famously serious chocolate scene.

Lodging styles vary widely. Valle Nevado and Portillo let you sleep on the mountain and ski from the door, which is ideal for families and anyone who dislikes mountain driving. In Bariloche and San Martín de los Andes, most visitors stay in town and drive or shuttle up each morning, trading convenience for restaurants and nightlife.

Expect a different culture on the hill, too. Lunch is long and social, terraces fill up on sunny afternoons and the slopes often quiet down well before closing. Ski schools offer lessons in English at the larger resorts, and rental shops are easy to find in base villages and nearby towns.

Who Each Resort Suits

  • First-timers and families: Valle Nevado and Cerro Catedral, with big ski schools and plenty of gentle terrain.
  • Experts and freeriders: Portillo and Las Leñas, known for steep chutes and off-piste.
  • Scenery seekers: Corralco and Chapelco for forests and volcano views; Cerro Castor for the far-south setting.
  • City-and-ski combos: La Parva and Valle Nevado as easy add-ons to a Santiago stay.

When to Go

  • Late June to early July: openings depend on snowfall, and some resorts start partially; 2026 saw several late starts.
  • July: Chilean and Argentine winter holidays bring crowds and peak demand.
  • August: often the sweet spot for snow depth and fewer families.
  • September: spring skiing, sunnier days and quieter slopes, especially in the far south.

Pairing a ski week with a city or wine stop is easier when the whole route is on one map. Save routes and plan the journey in Rallii, and see more ideas in our Scenic Journeys hub.

Plan your visit

  • Best time: August for reliable snow; September for spring conditions and lighter crowds.
  • Getting there: Santiago resorts are reached by road from the city; Argentine resorts fly into Bariloche, Chapelco, Malargüe or Ushuaia.
  • Where to base: Santiago for the Andes cluster and Portillo; Mendoza as the gateway to Las Leñas.
  • Booking tips: reserve lodging early for July holidays, check chain requirements for mountain roads and confirm opening status before you fly.

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