Skiing and snowboarding in the Andes are some of the most thrilling and awe-inspiring experiences in the world. During summer, the Andes slopes in the Northern Hemisphere are great for hiking, while it is a must-visit place for powder hounds in winter. Keeping the feeling of an “Endless Winter” alive and thriving, skiing in the Andes is all about incredibly smooth and long summer descents in the north and non-stop snowstorms in the south. After a day of thrilling activity, you need a comfortable place to rest your head. The Andes is home to plenty of resorts that offer modern comforts and one-of-a-kind experiences for skiers of all skill levels. Here’s the lowdown on the best ski resorts in the Andes.
We handpicked these listings carefully, considering (wherever possible) recent guest reviews, location, accommodation type, prices, availability of dates, decor, and access to ski slopes and equipment. The image galleries get refreshed with the latest updates regularly. They were last updated on {{date}}.
1. Ski Portillo, Chile
Ski Portillo is the most famous ski resort in Chile, with extreme terrains and gorgeous scenery. With a skiable area of 1,240 acres (501 hectares), this resort is a haven for experienced skiers who zip down its steep slopes and navigate extreme terrain between June and September. Since Portillo restricts the number of single-day lift tickets, it’s rarely crowded.
Besides excellent hospitality, there are multiple bars and restaurants that chowhounds will love. The standout is the outdoor pool with jaw-dropping views of the mountains. Wrapping up the amenities are the five chairlifts and nine surface lifts.
Ski Portillo
Address: Renato Sánchez, Las Condes, Región Metropolitana, Chile
2. Valle Nevado, Chile
With a skiable area of 2,224 acres (900 hectares), Valle Nevado is Chile’s largest resort with excellent powder and the most skiable terrain. Since it has a top elevation of 5,430 metres (17,815 feet), the snow stays fresher for a longer time. Add to that a cable car, five chairlifts, six surface lifts, and two magic carpets, and you can see why it’s so popular despite being expensive.
Since the staff is multilingual and the place is open from June until October, the resort sees more international visitors. There are several shopping, dining and nightlife spots nearby. What’s more, it offers a wide variety of lodgings too, including apartments and swanky hotel rooms.
Valle Nevado
Address: Avenida Vitacura 5250 of. 304, Vitacura, Región Metropolitana, Chile
Opening hours: Mon -Thu: 9am - 2pm, 3pm - 6pm; Fri: 9am - 3pm (closed on Sat & Sun)
3. Las Leñas, Argentina
Located about 200 kilometres (124 miles) from San Rafael, Las Leñas is one of the most popular ski resorts in the Argentinian Andes. With a top elevation of 3,430 metres (11,250 feet) and a massive skiable terrain of 43,000 acres (17401 hectares), Las Leñas’ terrain is insane, to say the least. Even when you go backcountry skiing (aka off-piste), rounded spires, couloirs, and open faces dominate the scenery.
With six gondola lifts carrying six people each, this resort is for skiers who love it big. It also has incredible activities during summer and winter, including 4x4 off-roading, horse-riding, and night skiing. What’s more, the complex has six hotels and fully equipped apartments.
Las Leñas
Address: Valle de las Leñas, Malargüe, Mendoza, Argentina
4. Caviahue, Argentina
Editor's Note: Photo taken from the establishment's official social account
Posted by Caviahue Ski Resort on Friday, June 21, 2019
The ski resort of Caviahue is where the first Argentine Winter Games were held in 2016. This ski village and resort on Mount Caviahue’s eastern slopes feature a skiable area of 803 acres (325 hectares). The village lies almost on the Argentine-Chilean border, on the scenic shores of Lake Caviahue/Agrio.
4 chairlifts, 5 surface lifts, 2 small lifts, and 22 runs ensure that this is one busy resort. In addition to alpine skiing, you can also indulge in cross-country skiing, snowshoe trekking, snowmobiling, and snowboarding here. If that wasn’t enough, there are even two kennels with dogsleds.
Caviahue
Address: Caviahue, Neuquen, Argentina
5. Los Puquios, Argentina
Editor's Note: Photo taken from the establishment's official social account
Open between June and September, Los Puquios is one of the smallest ski centres. Nevertheless, it has a top elevation of 2,985 metres (9793 feet) and trails for beginner and intermediate skiers. The resort’s name means a “spring of pure and crystalline water” in the local Quechua dialect, as there’s a mineral water spring here.
Guaranteeing excellent snow quality, this resort has summer ascents and descents along Mount Aconcagua and the surrounding hills. It also has four ski lifts. During winters, there’s everything from snowshoeing to fast and furious sledging. Finally, accommodations are excellent too.
Los Puquios
Address: Ruta 7, Puente del Inca, Mendoza, Argentina
6. Centro de Ski Corralco, Argentina
Editor's Note: There's no photo available at the time of writing
For skiers who prefer smaller, boutique ski resorts, Centro de Ski Corralco is perfect. This Andean resort lies 3 hours south of Los Angeles and has a skiable area of 4,447 acres (1800 hectares). It boasts a top elevation of 860 metres (2,821 feet) and a sprawling winter sports area with 29 runs for skiers of all abilities. What’s more, it also offers skiboarding and skiing classes, as well as a host of restaurants.
The resort is tucked in a Jurassic Park-like forest with stunning landscapes. However, the standout is the accommodation, Valle Corralco Hotel & Spa. With a heavenly spa, heated pool, and a restaurant serving modern fare, it’s an absolute luxury in the heart of the Andes. Wrapping up the place are the six ski lifts.
Centro de Ski Corralco
Address: Ruta 181, El Colorado, Curacautín, Araucanía, Chile
Skiing in the Andes
The Andes Mountains are one of the world’s most thrilling skiing destinations. The above-mentioned ski resorts boast excellent slopes for skiers of all levels, as well as comfortable and even luxurious accommodations in the middle of nowhere. So, choose one of these best ski resorts in the Andes for your South American skiing adventure of a lifetime.
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