Summary of Winter Activities in South America
Many people think about South America first as a place that has a wealth of wonderful beach destinations and historic sites to explore. However, the continent is a great destination for winter activities too. You can find excellent options like skiing and snowboarding. There are fantastic resorts that cater to everyone, from families to thrill-seeking experts.
Moreover, there are other activities to enjoy as well, so here are a few of the best snow activities you can engage in when visiting South America, along with where to try them.
Where in South America Will You Find Snow?
Look for mountains! In most parts of South America, this will mean the Andes Mountains. Countries with the Andes experience snow for much of the winter, with some peaks showcasing snow throughout the year.
Even as far north as Colombia and Ecuador, you can find snow in the highlands. Countries such as Bolivia, Peru, Argentina, and Chile are well known for their winter snowfall.
In general, the further south you travel in South America, the greater the snowfall you will encounter. This is particularly true in the southern regions of Patagonia in both Chile and Argentina, where snow is common in lower-lying areas as well.
Skiing
In terms of skiing resorts, South America offers options in Chile and Argentina. Although Bolivia had one resort, the rising global temperatures have made skiing there a rarity.
In Argentina, the skiing season typically runs from mid-June to October. As is common in the winter sports world, the closer you are to the height of the season, the better the conditions will generally be. The most popular resorts can be found in the Mendoza region, with Las Lenas recognized for its challenging expert runs and substantial elevation changes. Los Penitentes is another nearby resort favored for its skiing opportunities.
In the Patagonia region of Argentina, Caviahue boasts an excellent selection of routes for novices and intermediate skiers. Cerro Catedral, located close to Bariloche, is very popular, offering a broad range of intermediate and expert runs.
Chile is home to some of the most renowned ski resorts in the region. If convenience is a priority, a good selection of resorts can be found within an hour’s drive of Santiago, the capital and main airport.
Moreover, the resort at Portillo stands out as the premier skiing destination in Chile for expert skiers, complete with some of the fastest slopes in the world and an inviting rooftop hot tub for relaxation after an exciting day on the slopes.
The Three Valleys area has the closest resorts to Santiago, providing excellent skiing for beginners and intermediates at Valle Nevado, El Colorado, and La Parva. If you choose to venture further south, Ski Pucon, set on a volcano, offers breathtaking views and enjoyable intermediate runs.
Ice Climbing
Ice climbing presents another thrilling way to experience the majestic mountains of South America. While it can be challenging, you don’t have to be an expert to enjoy this exciting activity.
There’s a fantastic array of ice climbing schools and courses where you can expand your knowledge. The Cordillera Real range in Bolivia serves as a great learning ground, featuring inviting summits and interesting climbs to hone your skills. Cotopaxi in Ecuador is another excellent destination for enhancing your ice climbing abilities under the guidance of local experts. It’s conveniently located near Quito, the capital of Ecuador, making it one of the more affordable countries to visit in South America.
If you have more experience in ice climbing, the Andes feature some of the most breathtaking climbs globally. The route up the steep ice walls of Alpamayo in Peru offers challenging and exhilarating climbs in a stunning setting. For a wider variety of ice climbing options, explore the series of mountains surrounding the Cajon del Maipo canyon in Chile, which presents fantastic Alpine climbing opportunities.
Snowboarding
While many enjoy skiing, a dedicated community equally enjoys snowboarding. Ski and snowboarding resorts in South America cater well to both enthusiasts. Some great locations are available, with major ski resorts being just as popular among snowboarders as they are with skiers.
Resorts that attract the most snowboarders typically feature excellent freestyle parks and natural terrain, creating ideal conditions for boarders to showcase their skills. Las Lenas is a prime example, featuring good free-riding areas and a well-maintained terrain park. Nevado de Chillan also offers an impressive terrain park along with good rolling terrain and off-piste routes.
However, the Chilean resort of Arpa often receives acclaim for its snowboarding facilities, boasting an extensive freestyle terrain park, diverse terrains, and exciting features like cliff drops and natural pipes, ensuring a truly memorable experience.
Hiking
If you appreciate the stunning scenery of snow-capped peaks but prefer to avoid the complexities of ice climbing, South America offers numerous hiking trails that grant you close-up views of these magnificent snowy landscapes. Not all snowy routes require specialized equipment, and many paths allow you to traverse the snow with minimal gear, such as a walking stick and a good sense of balance.
The El Altar Trek in Ecuador can be completed in as little as three days, albeit longer routes are available, leading you into an imposing valley surrounded by stunning, snow-capped peaks and cliffs. Peru boasts some remarkable hiking options as well. Although the Inca Trail closes in winter, the Huayhuash Trek takes you over seven passes above 4,500 meters in altitude, right in the heart of the high Andes, revealing some incredible viewpoints along the way. Another exhilarating hike, the Cerro Castillo Circuit, guides you around the mountain, scaling impressive passes while showcasing a variety of terrains.
Snowmobiling
While skiing and snowboarding offer exceptional ways to explore the snow-covered Andes, snowmobiling provides an exciting option for those who prefer not to learn a new sport.
Most ski resorts offer snowmobiling services, with locations such as Las Lenas being popular spots for zipping over fresh powder. This activity also appeals to families; many resorts provide larger snowmobiles with multiple seats or may allow children to ride along with guides, ensuring that younger guests can experience the thrill.
