5 Best Ski Resorts in Argentina, 2023/24
Whether it’s a quaint and quiet mountain or South America's largest ski resort, you'll find it in Argentina; where the Andes Mountains rise out of the legendary Patagonia region. We’ve teamed up with the locals to scope out the top five ski resorts with the best powder and slopes!
1. Las Leñas
Why Ski Las Leñas
While it may take a commitment to get there, the epic terrain at Las Leñas makes it worth the effort for many skiers and riders. It serves up Argentina’s best lift-accessible big mountain terrain with plenty of runs for intermediates to enjoy. Beginners may have limited options, but it’s still a popular choice for families, partly because all the trails eventually lead back to the village making it difficult to get too lost. The après scene and village is vibrant here with nightclubs that close at 4:00 am (early by Argentinean standards) and even has a small casino.
Known for
A popular destination for everyone as it serves up crowds and big mountain viewsHighlights
- Plenty of slopes for intermediates and freeriders
- Lodging and lively après scene at the base of the slopes
- The best lift-serviced big-mountain terrain in Argentina
- Difficult to access from Buenos Aires
23/24 Ski Season:
- Opening Date: Jul 08 2023
- Closing Date: Sep 20 2023* (Estimated close date based on historical data)
Closest airports
Why Ski Las Leñas
While it may take a commitment to get there, the epic terrain at Las Leñas makes it worth the effort for many skiers and riders. It serves up Argentina’s best lift-accessible big mountain terrain with plenty of runs for intermediates to enjoy. Beginners may have limited options, but it’s still a popular choice for families, partly because all the trails eventually lead back to the village making it difficult to get too lost. The après scene and village is vibrant here with nightclubs that close at 4:00 am (early by Argentinean standards) and even has a small casino.
Why Ski Catedral Alta Patagonia
In Argentina’s lake district, Catedral Alta Patagonia (Cerro Catedral) offers the most lift-accessed ski terrain anywhere in South America. The resort has had a reputation for crowds and long lift lines, which is the reason for all the investment in lift capacity. Cerro Catedral is now a modern resort that offers trails for skiers of every ability level. The resort is also one of the few in South America to have an actual village, similar to destination resorts in other parts of the world. And if that’s not enough, there’s even more available in the city of San Carlos de Bariloche, 12 miles away.
Known for
Argentina’s largest resort with one of the better base villages in South AmericaHighlights
- Expansive acreage and terrain for everyone
- Several lodging options at the base of the slopes
- Good selection of food and shopping on the mountain
- Popular resort sees large crowds all season long
23/24 Ski Season:
- Opening Date: Jun 29 2023
- Closing Date: Oct 09 2023* (Estimated close date based on historical data)
Closest airports
Why Ski Catedral Alta Patagonia
In Argentina’s lake district, Catedral Alta Patagonia (Cerro Catedral) offers the most lift-accessed ski terrain anywhere in South America. The resort has had a reputation for crowds and long lift lines, which is the reason for all the investment in lift capacity. Cerro Catedral is now a modern resort that offers trails for skiers of every ability level. The resort is also one of the few in South America to have an actual village, similar to destination resorts in other parts of the world. And if that’s not enough, there’s even more available in the city of San Carlos de Bariloche, 12 miles away.
3. Cerro Castor
Why Ski Cerro Castor
At the very southern tip of Argentina, Cerro Castor offers you the opportunity to ski at “the end of the world” and practically guarantees a good, long season. That translates to modern lifts and extensive snowmaking in case the natural stuff is slow in coming. In terms of size, Cerro Castor’s 1,600 acres might seem medium sized, but the 2,516 feet of vertical will definitely keep you busy. Although there are small cabins available at the mountain, most travelers stay in the town of Ushuaia, where a wide variety of hotels, dining, bars, and shops cater to tourists.
Known for
Argentina's newest, and world's farthest south ski resort!Highlights
- Top-notch ski lifts
- Excellent snow conditions
- The longest season in South America
- Limited lodging at the base of the resort
23/24 Ski Season:
- Opening Date: Jun 23 2023
- Closing Date: Oct 02 2023* (Estimated close date based on historical data)
Closest airports
Why Ski Cerro Castor
At the very southern tip of Argentina, Cerro Castor offers you the opportunity to ski at “the end of the world” and practically guarantees a good, long season. That translates to modern lifts and extensive snowmaking in case the natural stuff is slow in coming. In terms of size, Cerro Castor’s 1,600 acres might seem medium sized, but the 2,516 feet of vertical will definitely keep you busy. Although there are small cabins available at the mountain, most travelers stay in the town of Ushuaia, where a wide variety of hotels, dining, bars, and shops cater to tourists.
Why Ski Cerro Chapelco
Cerro Chapelco combines modern lift infrastructure with some of the most picturesque views in South American skiing, with stunning vistas of Lácar Lake and Volcán Lanin. In recent years, Chapelco has invested in upgrading its lifts, including a gondola and a high-speed quad. There's terrain to suit just about everyone, from beginner slopes to bowls and gullies as well as tree-skiing. There's no lodging at the base of the mountain, so travellers hoping for ski-in/ski-out access will be disappointed. Instead, stay in the nearby town of San Martin, for a vast array of lodging, shopping, dining, and bars.
Known for
A modern resort with some of the best views in the AndesHighlights
- Upgraded lift system and gondola
- Mellow tree-skiing available
- Terrain for a wide array of abilities
- Relatively small skiable area and can be hard to get to
23/24 Ski Season:
- Opening Date: Jul 01 2023
- Closing Date: Oct 02 2023* (Estimated close date based on historical data)
Closest airports
Why Ski Cerro Chapelco
Cerro Chapelco combines modern lift infrastructure with some of the most picturesque views in South American skiing, with stunning vistas of Lácar Lake and Volcán Lanin. In recent years, Chapelco has invested in upgrading its lifts, including a gondola and a high-speed quad. There's terrain to suit just about everyone, from beginner slopes to bowls and gullies as well as tree-skiing. There's no lodging at the base of the mountain, so travellers hoping for ski-in/ski-out access will be disappointed. Instead, stay in the nearby town of San Martin, for a vast array of lodging, shopping, dining, and bars.
5. La Hoya
Why Ski La Hoya
What it may lack in size, La Hoya makes up for with its quality snow. La Hoya is an excellent choice for families. Tickets are relatively inexpensive so you can get the whole crew on the slopes without breaking the bank. The lack of crowds make for a laid-back environment for beginners to get the hang of things, and with all the trails leading back to a single base area, you never have to worry about anyone getting lost! And since La Hoya doesn't attract huge crowds, the off-piste areas don't get tracked out too quickly and fresh powder can last for days!
Known for
Perfect snow conditions in a relaxed atmosphere away from the crowdsHighlights
- Affordable prices for families
- All trails lead down to a central base
- Great powder that usually lasts late into the season
- Small size and limited infrastructure at the base
23/24 Ski Season:
- Opening Date: Jul 07 2023
- Closing Date: Oct 13 2023* (Estimated close date based on historical data)
Closest airports
Why Ski La Hoya
What it may lack in size, La Hoya makes up for with its quality snow. La Hoya is an excellent choice for families. Tickets are relatively inexpensive so you can get the whole crew on the slopes without breaking the bank. The lack of crowds make for a laid-back environment for beginners to get the hang of things, and with all the trails leading back to a single base area, you never have to worry about anyone getting lost! And since La Hoya doesn't attract huge crowds, the off-piste areas don't get tracked out too quickly and fresh powder can last for days!