With breathtaking landscapes and winter seasons that draw thousands of tourists every year, Argentina and Chile have established themselves as South America's top destinations for skiing and other winter sports lovers.
With a winter season that's shaping up to be a great one, many people are starting to wonder where to ski in Chile, or which are the best ski slopes in Argentina. Which side of the Andes has better prices? Which resorts have the best slopes?
Beyond the experience of connecting with breathtaking snowy landscapes and miles of slopes for mountain sports, ski centers in both Argentina and Chile offer a wide range of options and services.
To compare quality and prices, you need to factor in several things: for example, where you're starting from and how much it will cost to get there (plane tickets or fuel for driving, and so on); accommodation; promotions with special packages; and, of course, how favorable the exchange rate is for accessing dollars (Argentine pesos versus Chilean pesos). You should also keep in mind that, depending on how and where you pay, tax surcharges may apply.
While there are ski resorts that are famous for their location and quality, it's worth looking into the lesser-known ones too — they're just as great and often have more affordable daily lift passes. Let's take a look at a varied selection of the best places to enjoy the snow in both countries.
Ski Centers in Argentina
With more than 1,200 km² of skiable terrain in the country, Argentina is one of South America's most appealing destinations for high-mountain sports lovers.
Its resorts stand out not only for the quality of their slopes, but also for their long season, which runs from June to October in some areas. All of this comes together with breathtaking landscapes and exceptional weather conditions.
Patagonian resorts like Chapelco offer powder snow and well-maintained slopes, thanks to low temperatures and frequent snowfall between June and September. With its high-mountain resorts like Las Leñas, Mendoza offers dry snow and sunny days, ideal for winter sports.
Ski Slopes in Bariloche and Patagonia
Cerro Catedral (Bariloche, Río Negro)
Argentina's most iconic ski resort. Located just a few kilometers from downtown Bariloche, Catedral has more than 120 kilometers of slopes and a wide range of services. A ski week at Cerro Catedral is the ideal amount of time for expert skiers or those traveling in a group who want to get to know the resort in depth.
Perfect for beginners and experts alike, it offers activities such as snowboarding, cross-country skiing and snowmobile rides. Those who aren't into snow sports can stop by its café and enjoy a treat while taking in a beautiful view. It's also a perfect destination for nighttime sightseeing through the Patagonian landscape, unique in the world.
Cerro Chapelco (San Martín de los Andes, Neuquén)
Surrounded by lenga forests and overlooking Lake Lácar, Chapelco offers one of the prettiest postcard views in Patagonia. It has 28 slopes plus off-piste areas, and stands out for its strong commitment to sustainability. It's also a popular choice for families and skiers looking for peace and quiet scenery.
Cerro Otto (Bariloche, Río Negro)
Just 6 km from downtown San Carlos de Bariloche, and 1,280 meters above sea level, the Cerro Otto Cable Car Tourist Complex is not to be missed. It's surrounded by lenga forests, snowy mountains and crystal-clear skies.
One of the most popular excursions among visitors is the ATV and snow track ride. That said, it's also great for a day of skiing on its 10 kilometers of slopes for all levels.
One of its biggest attractions is the 360° Revolving Café, located at 1,405 meters of altitude, which offers a panoramic view of Nahuel Huapi National Park as it slowly rotates over 20 or 40 minutes.
Cerro Bayo
Across Cerro Bayo's 31 slopes, every skier finds their ideal spot. This boutique resort has 16 lifts and areas for every level. That's why beginners can learn on an exclusive circuit, while intermediate skiers enjoy challenging slopes and experts venture off-piste.
Caviahue (Neuquén)
Set in a volcanic, forested landscape, Caviahue offers a quiet, family-friendly ski resort. The nearby hot springs make it an ideal spot to combine adventure with relaxation. It has wide, well-maintained slopes with low difficulty.
Cerro Castor (Ushuaia, Tierra del Fuego)
The southernmost ski resort in the world. Thanks to its geographic location, it has the longest season in the Southern Hemisphere. Alpine skiing, snowboarding, ice skating and winter trekking circuits are just some of what it offers. Its snow is famous for being dry and of excellent quality.
La Hoya (Esquel, Chubut)
La Hoya is a great option for those looking for adventure and more affordable prices. It offers slopes for all levels and tends to be less crowded than other larger resorts.
Where to Ski in Mendoza
Las Leñas (Malargüe, Mendoza)
Known for its challenging slopes and off-piste terrain, Las Leñas is a favorite among advanced skiers. In total, it has 29 slopes accessible via 14 lifts, so there's also plenty of room to ski if you're a beginner or intermediate.
Its hotel infrastructure lets you stay right inside the resort, at the base of the slopes. It has a ski school and options for the whole family, plus a wide range of dining options and plenty of nightlife during peak season.
Vallecitos (Luján de Cuyo, Mendoza)
If you're looking for a ski resort near the city of Mendoza, this is the option for you. It's just 79 km from the city, and 25 km from Potrerillos. Vallecitos is surrounded by the Andes, and has 12 slopes ideal for alpine skiing and snowboarding. It also has areas suited for sledding, one of the most popular activities among families with kids.
In summer, the scenery attracts mountaineers looking to conquer peaks like Cerro El Plata or train for Aconcagua. You can get there from Potrerillos, taking the International Route to Chile (Vallecitos turnoff).
Ski Centers in Chile
Some of the main Chilean ski resorts have the advantage of being very close to Santiago, so you can easily go and come back in the same day, without needing to stay overnight at the resort.
Others, further away in the southern Patagonia region, offer wilder, more tempting scenery, plus longer slopes. Find out which ones they are and what each has to offer.
Where to Ski in Chile Near Santiago
Valle Nevado (Metropolitan Region)
Just 60 kilometers from the capital, Santiago, this is South America's largest ski resort, and one of the most popular for ski tours and excursions in Chile.
With more than 40 kilometers of slopes, modern facilities and hotels right at the base of the slopes, Valle Nevado is a favorite among families and expert skiers alike. It's also part of the "Tres Valles" ski domain, along with La Parva and El Colorado.
La Parva (Metropolitan Region)
With panoramic views and a more exclusive atmosphere, La Parva is ideal for those looking for peace and quiet, good snow and top-tier accommodations. Its technical and off-piste slopes make it appealing to experienced skiers.
El Colorado/Farellones (Metropolitan Region)
This resort combines sport and fun. With easy access from Santiago, it's very popular among those looking for a quick getaway. Farellones offers recreational activities like tubing and sledding, while El Colorado has slopes for every level and plenty of other special services.
Other Ski Resorts in Chile
Nevados de Chillán (Ñuble Region)
Now, already in Chilean Patagonia, at the same latitude as Neuquén province, in an area of volcanoes and thermal forests, you'll find this Chilean ski resort. Nevados de Chillán stands out for its long slopes, excellent snow quality, and backcountry ski touring options. The nearby natural hot springs and its hotel offerings round out a very appealing destination. Plus, many Argentines take advantage of this destination to shop for different products, thanks to its attractive prices.
Corralco (Araucanía Region)
Also in Chilean Patagonia — at the base of the Lonquimay volcano, 100 kilometers from the Pino Hachado international border crossing in Neuquén — surrounded by araucaria trees and within the Malalcahuello National Reserve, you'll find Corralco, a gem of southern Chile. Its peaceful atmosphere, well-maintained slopes and the chance to ski on the Lonquimay volcano make it one of a kind. Perfect for combining nature and sport.
Antillanca (Los Lagos Region)
Located in Puyehue National Park — at the same latitude as the town of Villa La Angostura in Neuquén, on the Argentine side — the Antillanca ski resort is ideal for those looking for a less crowded experience. It has a good range of off-piste skiing, lake views and forests surrounding the slopes.
Pucón (Araucanía Region)
The Pucón ski resort is a young, adventurous destination. Skiing on an active volcano with a view of Lake Villarrica is an unforgettable experience. On top of that, the town of Pucón offers an excellent home base with complementary activities like hot springs, top-tier restaurants, and a lively nightlife.
Conclusion
We hope this guide to the top ski resorts in Argentina and Chile helps you plan your trip to the mountains. We recommend comparing up-to-date prices and checking snow conditions and other factors before making a reservation. And remember, with Tangol, expert advice is guaranteed!