Skiing in South America

Skiing is a very exclusive sport, because it needs special clothes and equipment, the ski fans need special places and appropriate weather to ski.  In Europe, when winter leaves, and summer arrives, the ski fans don’t have a place to practice and travel to foreign countries if necessary. South America is a good option to do this because this continent has the most beautiful places for this sport.

The Andes Mountains have its own spirit (according to the Incas) and these mountain ranges have spectacular places to practice different sports such as climbing, trekking, rafting, canopying and skiing. The Andes Mountains have perfect sceneries for the ice sports, some of these are equipped with all necessary things to make skiing and snowboarding. Between June and October, some skiing resorts in Argentina, Chile and Peru are ready to host many visitors and tourists who want to spend time skiing. 

ARGENTINA

LAS LEÑAS (Firewood)

Is located near Mendoza, Argentina; there’s a distance 1200 meters between the base (2240 meters above sea level) and the summit (3430 meters above sea level). This place is the ideal scenery to practice hard skiing and Heli-Ski and professional and expert skiers come here. There are 230 hectares of ski platforms to enjoy, and it is divided into 27 ski slopes and a slalom stadium. In addition, if the weather is not favorable, Las Leñas installations can make artificial snow for the visitors’ enjoyment.

PENITENTES (Penitents)

Is also located near Mendoza, close to the Aconcagua Mountain (the highest mountain in South America). This place has 300 hectares. These are divided into 28 levels. Some hectares are recognized by the International Ski Federation as perfect places to celebrate international ski competitions.

CASTOR HILL

The Mountain is the southernmost and younger ski resort in Argentina. This place has beautiful sceneries wiht mountains and the sea. The mountain has 1057 meters and it is 195 meters above sea level. Its 20 kilometers is divided in 19 ski slopes. The scenery is perfect to cross-country skiing practice. 

CHILE

PORTILLO

The ski resort is located 149 kilometers from Santiago (Chile capital city), near the border with Argentina. Its ski tracks are considered the fastest in South America, and there are only 40 kilometers between Portillo and the Aconcagua Mountain. Portillo is 2850 meters above sea level and it has the best hotels in Chile. All its hotels have terraces with direct outputs to ski tracks. Portillo has a traditional school in which there are renowned directors (all of them world champions), ski fitness instructor, and incredible ski lessons.

VALLE NEVADO (Snow Valley)

The ski resort is located near Santiago de Chile in the heart of Los Andes. This winter ski center is considered the biggest resort in the South Hemisphere. It has an altitude of about 3025 meters above sea level; Valle Nevado has 9000 hectares and is divided in 37 tracks. It is also known as El Dorado, because this place has the best hotels throughout Chile. 

An additional note about this place is that the Valle Nevado superintendent (Major and council members) with representatives of the international Ski federation made an educational film about ski aspects such as accident videos, ski techniques, massages videos and first-aid assistance.

PERU

PASTORURI

One of the most wonderful places to practice skiing. After Machu Picchu in Cusco, ski lovers can visit this natural place. This mountain is located 5240 meters above sea level and it receives around 60.000 tourists a year. The national sport of skiing is organized in this ski resort every year. The mountain is also perfect for snowboarding. Its rural lodges are equipped with all necessary things to spend great moments.

ALPAMAYO

This place was recognized by Alpinismus magazine as “The most beautiful Mountain around the world”. The Incas called it Shuyturahu (tall and thin mountain). It is located 5947 meters above sea level and it has terrific scenery.

You can practice Skiing and snowboarding; here as well, you can also visit the archaeological ruins located near Alpamayo. The place has its own ski school, with qualified teachers, patient enough to walk you through your first steps on the snow and the adequate massage techniques that can help you relieve the pain from ski accidents.

Finally, South America has beautiful scenery to practice ice sports, while you soak in the incredible traditions of the Incas, its people and its hospitality. These things are more than enough of a reason to visit the new continent.