Ushuaia is the southernmost city on the planet and a beacon for those seeking active vacations and a unique connection with nature. At this tip of Argentine Patagonia lie the Atlantic Ocean, the foothills of the Andes Mountains, glaciers, and a stunning forest teeming with fascinating biodiversity within the National Park.
One of Ushuaia's most accessible and enchanting treasures is the Martial Glacier . This frozen giant is part of the protected natural area of the same name. It is also the city's main source of drinking water, as its meltwater feeds the Buena Esperanza stream.
Access to the glacier is open year-round, just 7 kilometers from the town center , and can be enjoyed in many ways. In winter, for example, skiing and snowboarding are popular; and in summer, it's one of the most accessible places for hiking and trekking . There are also good restaurants and an iconic café at its base.
Below is a guide with everything you need to know to get to the glacier and enjoy its best activities. You'll also find the best excursions and tours in Ushuaia to complete your itinerary.
Is there skiing at the Martial Glacier in Ushuaia?
The ski slope at Cerro Martial is one of two ski resorts in Ushuaia, along with Cerro Castor. Martial's slope is gentler, making it ideal for learning or for easy runs.
The best way to reach this slope and learn is with a ski or snowboard lesson excursion at Cerro Martial . You'll be able to take that first step on the snow , no prior experience necessary . From the moment you arrive at the activity center, the staff will be with you every step of the way: they'll provide you with all the necessary equipment, a pass for the chairlift with unlimited use throughout the day, and most importantly: a private two-hour lesson with professional instructors .
After the class, you can continue practicing at your own pace and explore areas like Culipatin Peak , an exclusive spot overlooking the Beagle Channel. The tour includes a packed lunch to enjoy wherever you like.
An alternative and very comfortable way to ascend the slopes is by snowcat on Cerro Martial . The experience begins at the base of the mountain center, where the guide provides the necessary equipment (snowshoes or poles). Then you board the Pisten Bully snowcat cab.
The vehicle travels along the snowy trails of the Fuegian forest while the expert explains the local geography and history. Strategic stops are made at natural viewpoints to photograph the Beagle Channel and the surrounding valleys . Upon reaching the highest point of the route, there is time for a short interpretive hike using snowshoes. The tour concludes with lunch at a mountain refuge.
Trekking on the Martial Glacier
Now, if you want to add more adrenaline to your visit, we also have something to suggest. On the day of Trekking is the most popular excursion to the Martial Glacier in Ushuaia for first-time visitors. The transfer takes you to the Andorra Valley , where the hike begins through meltwater rivers and forests, culminating at Laguna de los Témpanos (Iceberg Lagoon ), with views that reflect the glacier's majesty.
Another more immersive option is the ice trekking tour on Martial Glacier . Equipped with crampons, poles, and a helmet, you'll walk on the ice and Explore caves, sinkholes, and ice formations guided by experts . The tour lasts approximately 8 hours.
And if you're interested in breathtaking visual experiences, your best option is the sunset trek on Martial Glacier . This activity begins at 5:00 PM with the transfer to the base. At 6:00 PM, the hike starts, traversing the ancient trails of the Fuegian forest. The first stop is the Wallner Trail viewpoint , a strategic spot to observe the vastness of Ushuaia Bay.
Next, the hike continues to the Jerman Trail viewpoint, where you can watch the sun set over the mountain range . Around 8:00 PM, it's time to relax in an exclusive dome high in the mountains , where a fire and wine await. The experience culminates with a traditional mountain stew dinner .
How to get to Martial Glacier from Ushuaia
If you're looking for how to get from downtown Ushuaia to Martial Glacier without a tour, keep in mind that you can get there on your own by car or taxi. to the base of the complex . From there, you have to hike up either the main ski slope or the variant that crosses the forest, following the course of the Buena Esperanza stream.
Both paths end at the panoramic viewpoint located on the upper platform. The distance from the base of the ski slope to the upper platform is approximately 1,300 meters . Therefore, the ascent on foot can take about 40 minutes , depending on your fitness level. This climb is of intermediate difficulty . The distance to be covered by the alternative route is slightly greater, at about 1,500 meters.
Once you reach the viewpoint, you can enjoy a panoramic view of the city, the Beagle Channel, and the surrounding mountains . From this point, the trail begins that leads to Martial Glacier itself , a distance of 1,600 meters . It should be noted that this trek is of medium-high difficulty , so extreme caution should be exercised before beginning the ascent.