When most people think of snow, they picture the Alps, the Rockies, or maybe Japan’s legendary “Japow.” But does it snow in South America? The short answer: absolutely — and sometimes, in spectacular quantities. South America might be best known for jungles, deserts, and tropical coastlines, but its towering Andes mountains are home to a surprisingly rich snow culture.
In this guide, we’ll bust the equator myth, explore which South American countries get snow, understand why and when it falls, and take a look at the growing winter sports scene below the equator.
The Equator Myth: Why People Think It Doesn’t Snow in South America
It's a common misconception that snow and skiing are impossible south of the equator due to warm temperatures year-round. But latitude is only one factor in snowfall — elevation and local climate are far more important.
The Andes mountain range, which runs along the western edge of South America for over 7,000 kilometers (4,300 miles), reaches staggering heights. Peaks soar up to 6,900 meters (22,600 feet), creating microclimates where temperatures drop low enough to sustain snow, glaciers, and skiable slopes.
In other words, even near the equator, if you're high enough, it snows regularly. This is why South America can boast ski resorts with powder quality and volumes rivaling the best spots in the Northern Hemisphere.
Which Countries in South America Get Snow?
🇨🇱 Chile
Chile’s geography is uniquely suited for snow. The Andes here form a natural playground, with ski resorts spread across a wide range of latitudes and elevations.
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Central Chile near Santiago offers popular resorts like Valle Nevado, La Parva, and El Colorado — all within a couple of hours of the capital. These resorts regularly receive several meters of snow during the winter months, attracting local and international skiers alike.
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Southern Chile hosts resorts like Nevados de Chillán and Puyehue, which combine snow sports with stunning natural hot springs, making them popular for both winter sport and relaxation.
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The climate ranges from Mediterranean in the north to temperate rainforest in the south, meaning snow quality and season length vary significantly by location.
Chile’s ski season typically runs June through September, with July and August being the snowiest months.
🇦🇷 Argentina
Just across the Andes, Argentina offers its own incredible snow zones, especially in the provinces of Neuquén, Mendoza, and Río Negro.
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The town of Bariloche is famous for its sprawling ski area, Cerro Catedral, which is one of the largest in the Southern Hemisphere. The resort receives consistent snow and offers terrain for all skill levels.
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Further south, Las Leñas in Mendoza province is known for its steep, challenging terrain and deep powder, drawing expert skiers and snowboarders.
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Patagonia, extending to the southern tip of the continent, also sees heavy snowfalls and offers less crowded resorts with wild, natural terrain.
The season mirrors Chile’s: June to September with prime snow in mid-winter months.
🇧🇴 Bolivia
Bolivia is less known for ski tourism, but its high-altitude Andes around La Paz and the Altiplano are notable for their cold temperatures and occasional snowfall.
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Snowfall happens mainly between June and August, but it’s generally light and short-lived.
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The region’s rugged terrain is more suited for mountaineering and trekking than for skiing.
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There are no commercial ski resorts, but the spectacular high mountains and occasional snow attract adventure travelers interested in high-altitude expeditions.
🇵🇪 Peru
Though not widely known for snow, Peru does get snowfall — especially in its high-altitude Andean regions. The Cordillera Blanca and Cordillera Huayhuash mountain ranges, containing some of the continent’s tallest peaks, experience snow year-round at the highest elevations.
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The dry season from June to August sees the most snowfall at elevations above 4,500 meters (14,760 feet).
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Cities and lower valleys rarely see snow.
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There are no commercial ski resorts, but Peru is a global destination for mountaineers and alpine climbers aiming to summit snow-covered peaks like Huascarán, the highest mountain in Peru.
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Trekking and glacier exploration are major draws for visitors interested in snowy landscapes.
Snowfall Patterns by Region
Snowfall in South America varies widely depending on latitude, elevation, and prevailing weather patterns.
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Central Andes (Chile and Argentina): This area has the most reliable snowfall. Thanks to winter storms coming off the Pacific Ocean, the ski resorts near Santiago and Bariloche receive steady snow, often with powder conditions that delight powder hounds.
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Northern Andes (Peru and Bolivia): Snow is mostly restricted to the highest peaks. The snow here is less consistent and often thin, limiting ski potential.
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Southern Andes (Patagonia and Tierra del Fuego): The southern regions are colder, with longer snow seasons and heavier accumulations. This makes Patagonia a great destination for deep powder and wilderness skiing, although the resorts here tend to be smaller and less commercialized.
Why Elevation Matters More Than Latitude
One of the most fascinating things about South America’s snowfall is how much elevation matters.
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The Andes’ extreme altitudes mean temperatures fall rapidly with height — by approximately 6.5°C for every 1,000 meters you climb.
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Even near the equator, mountains above 4,000 meters regularly have snow and glaciers.
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This elevation-driven climate allows South America to host snow sports activities all the way up to the tropics, something almost unheard of on other continents.
For example, Volcán Sajama in Bolivia and Nevado Huascarán in Peru are snow-covered year-round, despite their proximity to the equator.
Seasonality: When Does It Snow in South America?
Because South America is in the Southern Hemisphere, its winter runs opposite to the Northern Hemisphere’s ski season:
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June marks the beginning of the ski season, with snow starting to accumulate in the mountains.
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July and August are peak months for snowfall and skiing conditions.
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By September, snow starts to soften, and many resorts begin to wind down their seasons.
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In the highest regions, snow can linger into October or November, extending opportunities for backcountry skiing and alpine climbing.
This seasonal difference makes South America a perfect off-season destination for Northern Hemisphere skiers wanting to ski year-round.
The Growing Snow Sports Culture in South America
South America’s skiing and snowboarding culture has grown significantly in recent years:
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Resort infrastructure has expanded, with modern lifts, better snowmaking, and improved guest services.
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The local freeride and backcountry scene is vibrant, with many riders gaining international attention.
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Events like Freeride World Tour stops in Chile and Argentina highlight the region’s growing reputation.
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Ski schools, equipment rentals, and guiding services have made winter sports more accessible to travelers.
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The local population is increasingly passionate about winter sports, creating a friendly and welcoming atmosphere for visitors.
Final Thoughts: South America’s Snowy Secret
So, does it snow in South America? Absolutely! The continent’s diverse geography and towering mountains make it a hidden paradise for snow lovers.
From the world-class resorts of Chile and Argentina to the snowy high peaks of Peru and Bolivia, South America offers unique, breathtaking winter experiences. Whether you’re a skier, snowboarder, mountaineer, or just curious about snowy adventures below the equator, South America is waiting to surprise you.
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