The Top South America Ski Resorts
Photo Courtesy Valle Nevado
Best South America Ski Resorts: Experience summer skiing from mid-June to the first of October
In South America you will experience summer skiing for mid-June to the first of October. The major ski areas are situated along the eastern slopes of the Andes mountains and the further south you go, the longer the season will be.
Our criteria for the Best South America Resorts gives greater consideration to: annual snow fall, vertical rise, facilities/amenities, and scenery.
The top South America Ski Resorts
Las Lenas, ArgentinaWebsite
Trails: Beginner 10%: Intermediate 23%; Expert 67%
Annual snow fall: 250 inches, Vertical drop: 3,897ft.
Las Lenas is the largest ski area in Argentina with 16 ski lifts and 40 miles of ski trails that are as high as 11,250 feet above sea level. It is also home to the best steep skiing in South America, and has a variety wide beginner and low intermediate runs, awesome scenery, and a lively nightlife. There are plenty of groomed runs for low intermediates and below. There are no trees and you will be unable to ski most of the area, especially at the top, while it is snowing. The season runs from mid-June to the end of September. The language spoken is mostly Spanish and little English.
Where to stay:
Piscis Hotel & Spa
Las Lenas, Argentina
This luxury hotel features 90 double rooms and 8 junior suites, all fully equipped to grant the maximum comfort. The Health Club has an in-out heated swimming pool, hydromassage, sauna and a modern fitness center. Together with all these, it offers massage services for a total relaxation. The three pubs - Allegro, Estar and Casino – provide a special service for every moment. Among other services, the hotel offers wi-fi in public areas and 32" LCD screens in all rooms.
Portillo, Chile
Website
Trails: Beginner 15%: Intermediate 35%; Expert 50%
Annual snow fall: 255 inches, Vertical drop: 2,664ft., Ski able acres: 1235 acres
Skiing at this world class area begins above the tree line at a base elevation of over 9,400 feet and with 400 inches of snow, you will find some of the best dry powder skiing in the world. They have skiing for all levels of skiers over 30 ski trails served by 14 lifts. This area is known for it's desolate moon-like landscape of rock and snow, low humidity and the some of the driest powder in the world. The season runs from mid-June to the end of September.
Where to stay:
Portillo Hotel
Las Condes, Santiago, Chile
The attraction is the location. Located at the base of the ski area, this 154 room hotel is the only hotel near the ski area. it is all-inclusive with meals included and is operated like a cruise ship with a variety of lodging options to accommodate almost different budgets.
