Where to Ski in South America

Where to Ski in South America: A Side-by-Side Look at Chile and Argentina

South America has delivered some of its best ski seasons in recent years, thanks to powerful storm cycles that dropped record-breaking snowfall across the Andes. After two decades exploring Chile and Argentina, PowderQuest presents a refreshed comparison-style guide designed to help travellers choose the right destination.

Instead of listing resorts, this guide focuses on what truly matters to skiers: the experience, the terrain, the culture, and how each region stacks up against the other.

Why Ski South America? Understanding the Appeal

• Skiing in South America offers something uniquely different from traditional winter destinations. For northern hemisphere travelers, the June-to-October season creates an irresistible “Endless Winter,” letting skiers escape the summer heat while enjoying mid-season snow conditions.
  
  
• But beyond the calendar flip, the Andes stand out for their diversity. Chile tends to offer smoother logistics, modern resorts, and spacious high-alpine terrain shaped by volcanic geology.
  
  
• Argentina, by contrast, delivers deeper cultural immersion, vibrant mountain towns, and some of the most diverse tree skiing in the southern hemisphere. Together, they form a continent where each region delivers a completely different style of mountain experience.

Chile vs. Argentina: Choosing Your Ideal Ski Destination

When comparing the two countries, the first major difference is convenience. Chile is the winner here, with its flagship resorts, Valle Nevado, Portillo, and La Parva, located just a short drive from Santiago International Airport.

These destinations offer modern infrastructure, ski-in/ski-out hotels, and a streamlined experience ideal for travelers who want maximum ski time with minimal transfers.

Argentina requires a bit more travel, but those who make the journey are rewarded with richer culture, charming lake towns, and a more immersive mountain atmosphere.

Terrain variety is another key point of comparison. Argentina excels in natural terrain features, from the glades of Chapelco to the steep lines of Las Leñas and the expansive backcountry around Bariloche’s Cerro Catedral.

Tree skiing rare in Chile is one of Argentina’s strong suits. Chile counters with high-alpine bowls, drier powder, and the unique experience of skiing on active volcanoes, especially in regions like Chillán, Pucón, Antillanca, and Osorno.

Culturally, the countries also diverge in meaningful ways. Argentina’s towns Bariloche, San Martín de los Andes, and Villa La Angostura combine ski culture with traditional cuisine, artisan shops, chocolate cafés, and lively nightlife.

Chile is more resort-focused, offering a quieter après-ski scene but exceptional natural perks such as hot springs in Chillán and wide-open volcanic landscapes farther south.

How the Top Resorts Compare Across the Andes

Valle Nevado and Portillo in Chile are ideal for travelers seeking comfort, convenience, and polished resort experiences. Their easy access, international ski schools, dry snow conditions, and on-mountain lodging make them perfect for first-time visitors or those who prefer smooth logistics.

In contrast, Las Leñas in Argentina caters to expert skiers looking for steep terrain, exposed lines, and one of the most iconic advanced lifts in the Andes the Marte. Although harder to reach, its mix of extreme terrain and lively nightlife gives it a reputation unlike any other.

Nevados de Chillán in Chile offers an entirely different kind of experience, shaped by ancient lava flows, deep snowfall, and natural hot springs. It stands out as one of Chile’s few areas with true tree skiing.

Meanwhile, Cerro Catedral in Bariloche remains one of South America’s most complete destinations, combining alpine terrain, forests, and expansive backcountry access with a bustling lakeside town full of culture, dining, and nightlife.

Chapelco and Cerro Bayo in Argentina bring another layer of comparison. Both offer an upscale, boutique-style atmosphere with dramatic landscapes, moss-lined forests, and a relaxed local vibe.

These resorts contrast strongly with the remote Chilean volcano areas of Pucón, Antillanca, and Osorno, where the experience shifts toward wild Patagonia, fewer crowds, and raw adventure.

Riders who prioritize culture and charm gravitate toward Argentina, while those searching for untapped terrain and solitude often lean toward southern Chile.

Conclusion: Finding Your Perfect Andes Experience

South America’s skiing landscape is defined by contrast between countries, between regions, and even between individual resorts. Chile offers efficiency, high-alpine terrain, and the comfort of modern ski-in/ski-out hotels.

Argentina brings character, freeride energy, deep tree zones, and the kind of culture that turns a ski trip into a story. Travelers seeking remote, exploratory terrain can head deeper into Patagonia, where both countries offer wild, volcanic landscapes far from the crowds.

Whether your ideal trip involves carving groomers under bluebird skies, exploring steep backcountry lines, relaxing in natural hot springs, or experiencing the vibrant culture of Andean mountain towns, the Andes deliver it all. With PowderQuest’s decades of experience guiding travelers across South America, planning your perfect ski trip has never been easier.