Ski Argentina

Argentina isn’t just about the magical tango dance. Argentina is the world's eighth largest country. Away from the bustling metropolis of Buenos Aires, and the dry arid heat of the expansive deserts in the north, Argentina has extremely cold and wet conditions in the south in the wild remote areas in Patagonia. Argentina also possesses some of the world's tallest mountains and the majestic Andes provide the perfect backdrop for skiing in Argentina.

Skiing in Argentina

Argentina has about 9 main ski resorts, plus half a dozen tiny ski areas, dotted along the Andes. Skiing in Argentina occurs in three major regions: the ski resorts near Mendoza (wine country); the Lakes District and Patagonia ski areas in the south; and Ushuaia way down south.

Mendoza Argentina Ski Resorts

Las Leñas is renowned for its steep terrain and adrenalin pumping double-black diamond chutes. Whilst it has something for everyone, it has become a mecca for extreme snowboarding and skiing in Argentina and lift-accessed backcountry. Las Leñas lifted terrain reaches altitudes of nearly 3,340 metres (11,253ft) with a base elevation of 2,240m (7,394ft) making this the highest ski field in Argentina. The annual snowfall at Las Leñas is around 6 metres (250 inches) and the powder is renowned for being pretty good. Las Lenas is trendy and the nightlife is vibrant, so if partying is your thing you can dance the night away (and half the next day as well!).

Los Penitentes ski resort sits on the international highway between Santiago in Chile and Mendoza, 183km (114 miles) west of Mendoza and only 25km (15.5 miles) from the Chile border. Penitentes is a mid-sized ski resort that’s good to visit for a day or two of skiing or snowboarding if driving between Las Lenas and Portillo in Chile.

And 4.5km (3 miles) down the road is Los Puquios, a small cheap ski area that is ideal for families and beginners.

Ski Patagonia – The Lake District

Much of the snowboarding and skiing in Argentina occurs in Patagonia which includes the provinces of Neuquén, Río Negro, Chubut and Santa Cruz, and part of Tierra del Fuego.

The Lake District is in the north of Patagonia, with Bariloche being a common gateway to the ski resorts in this area.

Starting in the north of Patagonia is Caviahue (Centro de Ski Cerro Caviahue) which sits near Copahue and takes skiers up to the peak of Volcan Copahue at 2,953 metres. Copahue is 978 km (608 miles) south of Mendoza and 554km (344 miles) north of Bariloche. The little beginners' hill of Batea Mahuida is near Villa Pehuenia.

Cerro Chapelco is located near the town of San Martin de los Andes, a 262km (163 miles) drive north of Bariloche. Cerro Chapelco is a modern ski resort with some good lifts, tree skiing and good sidecountry and backcountry.

Cerro Bayo is a medium-sized ski resort near Villa La Angostura which is one hour north (70km – 43mi) of Bariloche.

Cerro Catedral is the local Bariloche ski resort, only 20km (12 miles) from Bariloche. Cerro Catedral (aka Catedral Alta Patagonia) is a large, modern and bustling ski resort.

At the other end of the spectrum is the small Perito Moreno ski area near El Bolson, a hippie town 121km (75 miles) south of Bariloche.

South of the Lake District is La Hoya ski resort, a step back in time where lift tickets are cheap. La Hoya is located near the town of Esquel which is 282km (175 miles) south of Bariloche.

In Patagonia the climate is much cooler than near Mendoza and the ski resorts are at lower altitudes. With the exception of Caviahue, the top elevations of the ski resorts are only about 2,000 metres (6,500 feet).

Ski Argentina- Ushuaia

And way down south at parallel 54 degrees is Cerro Castor. This southern ski resort is located near Ushuaia in the Tierra del Fuego. The base of the ski resort sits at only 195 metres (640 feet) above sea level.

Heli Skiing in Argentina

Argentina heli skiing is somewhat rare but slowly growing. There are a few options for day heli skiing and multi-day trips.

El Azufre Heli Skiing is located near Los Molles, which is in the vicinity of Las Lenas Ski Resort and about 260 miles from the wine-famous Mendoza.

Down in Patagonia between Bariloche and La Hoya Ski Resort is Heli Ski Argentina, that offers day heli skiing and multi-day packages.

Cat Skiing

Snowcat skiing is available at the Baguales Mountain Reserve south of Bariloche and also at El Azufre in the vicinity near Las Lenas.

Or for a really unique backcountry skiing experience, Mallin Alto offers sled (snowmobile) skiing with overnight stays in a remote refugio in the Bariloche area. This is a bucket list style trip!

When is the Argentina Ski Season?

The ski season begins in mid-June and runs to October. However the best Argentina skiing conditions are generally mid July to early September.

A great way to explore the Argentina ski resorts is to go on a multi-resort tour or camp, and some itineraries also incorporate snowcat skiing. You don't need to be an expert or advanced rider as there are some intermediate trips available, and some tours incorporate instruction or coaching.

See the Argentina ski tours pages for more information. For tour dates and an indication of availability, check out the South America ski tours schedule page.