Skiing in the Summer: 5 of the Best Resorts in South America

Winter months present a great opportunity for intrepid skiers and snowboarders to hit the slopes at world-renowned resorts all over the globe. The majority of the world's best and most prominent resorts, including Whistler Blackcomb, Courchevel, and Zermatt, are located in North America and Europe, but there are great skiing destinations on other continents. Japan, for instance, has some of the best skiing in Asia.

South America also stands out for its winter recreation activities, with several must-visit ski resorts along the Andes in Chile and Argentina. At 4,300 miles (6,920 kilometers) long, the Andes is the world's largest mountain range and has the second-highest peaks, providing plenty of challenging downhill runs for thrill-seeking skiers. Moreover, the ski season in South America typically runs from late June to late September, allowing passionate skiers and snowboarders to enjoy the slopes and improve their skills during the summer months.

The following is a look at five of the best ski resorts along the Andes in Chile and Argentina.

1. Ski Portillo (Chile)

An all-inclusive resort often referred to as the "Cruise Ship of the Andes," Ski Portillo attracts skiers worldwide and is known, in addition to its skiing, for its iconic canary yellow hotel located at the base of the beautiful nearby mountains. Standout skiing features include a run that goes through a train tunnel and the Roca Jack, a multi-person platter lift sometimes called a slingshot. The powder snow here is cold and dry through the majority of the season, and the runs are well groomed and suitable for beginners and experienced skiers alike.

Located about 87 miles (140 kilometers) from Santiago, Ski Portillo has 35 distinct runs accessible via 14 lifts. It has 1,235 skiable acres and a vertical drop of 2,745 feet, while its highest lift-served elevation is 10,860 feet. The Portillo Bar and Tio Bob's, among other establishments, offer excellent après-ski dining and entertainment.

2. Valle Nevado (Chile)

Valle Nevado is another fantastic Chilean ski resort. Roughly 37 miles (60 kilometers) from Santiago on the west side of the Andes, the modern international destination resort provides plenty of great views and dining and entertainment options, not to mention more than 2,200 acres of skiable area. Its hotels are built atop a scenic alpine plateau with slopeside hot tubs and welcoming patio decks. There are also on-site condos and restaurants.

The ski area has 39 trails and 14 lifts with the highest lift-served elevation reaching 12,038 feet. Valle Nevado is one of three resorts comprising the "Tres Valles" region, which also includes La Parva and El Colorado. These sites have interconnected trails and lifts and a combined 7,000 acres of skiable terrain.

3. Cerro Catedral (Argentina)

Arguably the best and most well-known resort in Argentina, Cerro Catedral is located in the Patagonia region and stands out for its breathtaking views of the Andes' snow-covered summits and the nearby Lago Nahuel Huapi. The ski resort has nearly 3,000 skiable acres of terrain, including outstanding off-piste and tree skiing trails. Its backcountry terrain is accessible via lift and features steep chutes and bowls. Cerro Catedral is South America's largest ski resort and has 1,150 feet of vertical drop.

Skiing conditions at Cerro Catedral are typically best from early August to early September, but the season runs from June to October. Fortunately, if the snow isn't great, there's plenty to do in the nearby city of Bariloche, about 13 miles (22 kilometers) from the resort.

4. Nevados de Chillan (Chile)

With 1,350 acres of skiable terrain and 20 pistes accessible via 13 lifts, Nevados de Chillan may not have as many amenities and might not be as upscale as some of the other resorts in Chile, but it arguably has the best snow. Situated near the base of the active Volcan Chillan, the southern Chile resort is about 310 miles (500 kilometers) south of Santiago and receives 360 inches of annual average snowfall. It has one of the deepest and most consistent snowpacks in South America.

Because it's near the base of an active volcano, Nevados de Chillan has several unique bowls and natural half-pipes carved out by volcanic eruptions of lava. Another standout feature is the Otto lift, which, at a 22-minute ascent up the mountain, is South America's longest lift. The resort is a great alternative for those who want to avoid the crowds at other popular Chile resorts.

5. Las Leñas (Argentina)

Las Leñas is another off-the-beaten-path resort but one that shouldn't be ignored by avid skiers. It has the steepest terrain among South American resorts and a massive backcountry with more than 43,000 acres of skiable terrain, which makes it a paradise for freestyle skiers. It has 27 distinct trails and 14 lifts. The resort area features multiple hotels and restaurants as well as a small casino and the iconic UFO Point disco.