Summer Skiing

Pointing your skis south

The snow’s melting here in the northern hemisphere, but you’re addicted to that feeling. So what now? You could head to the coast and learn to surf… You could buy a street luge and find a hill… Or, you could head south, because right now, the southern hemisphere’s season is just kicking off. Argentina, Chile, New Zealand or even Australia have resorts to rival their northern counterparts, but as well as the buzz of the action, you can get a good dose of culture and adventure too.

The ski resorts of Chile and Argentina offer some of the World’s most outstanding skiing and are easily accessible for North American and European skiers and snowboarders. These Argentinean and Chilean ski resorts have an excellent skiing and snow record, and are extremely welcoming, and many skiers and boarders return year after year.

The Andes Mountains, the second highest peaks in the world after the Himalayas offer reliable skiing from the end of May to October. Here, we’ll explore the best of the resorts:

Valle Nevado and the 3 Valleys

Valle Nevado, modern and convenient, Chile’s most developed ski resort with the fastest lift in South America, the Andes Express. Valle Nevado is close to Santiago and the airport making for a short transfer. The primary ski resort of Chile’s 3 Valleys Valle Nevado has the most skiable terrain and widest range of skiing.

Ski Portillo – Steep and Deep

Portillo ski resort, famous for it’s World class skiing, with lodging in the club style Hotel Portillo, provides an excellent combination for your ski vacation. Nestled high in the Andes just 2 hours from Santiago close to the border with Argentina, Portillo lies near the foot of the highest peak outside of the Himalayan Range, Mount Aconcagua.

Termas de Chillan – Volcano Skiing

Termas De Chillan offers the complete ‘Ski Chile’ holiday. Spend your time skiing or snowboarding the pistes of this fantastic resort. Ski or ride the impressive volcanic terrain, relaxing your muscles in the thermal spas at the end of the day before retiring to the luxury of your hotel, apartment or cabana.

Catedral Bariloche Patagonia – Lakes and Mountains

Catedral Bariloche ski resort is positioned high above Lake Nahuel Huapi and 19km (12m) from the holiday resort town of San Carlos de Bariloche in Patagonia, Argentina. San Carlos de Bariloche is within a national park in the Lake District of Argentina and is a beautiful and popular Argentinean holiday destination.
The ski resort of Bariloche Catedral offers excellent skiing and snowboarding to suit all levels, which now benefits from the joining up of two resorts.

Las Lenas, Mendoza – Extreme Dreams

Las Lenas ski resort, located in Mendoza province of Argentina, has earned a reputation as the centre of extreme skiing  in Argentina. With over 100 couloirs, off-piste and backcountry runs, Las Lenas is the ski destination for powder skiing or off-piste snowboarding enthusiasts. With incredible terrain to ski, Las Lenas features in numerous extreme ski and snowboard videos.

Visit snoventures.com for more info on South American holidays, or for great deals on mountain holidays closer to home, visit Expedia.com!