Another frequent question we receive is how to compare the skiing quality between Chile and Argentina.

Let’s break down skiing Argentina versus skiing Chile geographically:

Central Chile and East Central Argentina

Chile Ski Resorts: Portillo, Valle Nevado, La Parva, El Colorado

Argentina Ski Resort: Las Leñas

All ski resorts are above tree line (timberline), located at high altitudes and receive drier snow than their southern counterparts. They can on average receive less snow than Patagonia.

The steepest skiing is at Las Leñas, followed by Portillo and then La Parva. Be aware it can take a very long time for the crew at Las Leñas to dig out the Marte chair after a big storm, so expect some down time with this famous chairlift.

Northern Patagonia/Lake District

Chile Ski Resorts: Corralco, Pucón, Antillanca

Argentina Ski Resorts: Chapelco, Cerro Bayo

All of these Patagonian resorts can receive a lot of precipitation, but temperatures can rise occasionally and that snow can turn to rain. The good news is that storms generally finish cool, so the rain often transitions back to snow adding some fresh snow to the base.

Tree skiing is better in Argentina. You’ll experience better spaced trees and more vertical. In Chile trees are found in much lower levels of each resort creating tighter turns, heavier snow and shorter tree runs.

Of the listed resorts in this region, Argentina has, by far, better weather and overall better infrastructure, better terrain, and better skiing on the whole. However, our guests are still attracted to the Chilean side for the relaxed local culture, lush landscapes and opportunity to climb and ski active volcanoes.

Patagonia

Chile Resorts: Nothing worth mentioning. Hopefully in the future more infrastructure will arrive to Chile’s Patagonia. There is some great ski terrain and stunning landscapes.

Argentina Resorts: Alta Patagonia-Catedral and La Hoya

Alta Patagonia near Bariloche in Rio Negro has invested millions of $ over the past few years and is now one of the best ski resorts in South America.

La Hoya is much smaller, but has good steep skiing and is worth checking out. It is also one of the coldest areas in Argentina for skiing so the powder stays pure and the season can extend well into October. So, to summarize, in Patagonia it’s Argentina or nothing.

Wait, What about Nevados de Chillan in Chile?

Chile’s stand-alone ski destination Nevados de Chillan sits between the Central Valley and the Lake District, combining the best of both regions: good snowfall and drier conditions, and a good mix of alpine skiing and trees, with a massive volcano that can be explored for days with one of our qualified guides on select guided trips. One of our all time favorites in the Andes. Get in touch for more info.