When it comes to skiing holidays, Argentina may not be top of the list of destinations but it has plenty of great features which make it a worthwhile destination for winter sports. As one of the largest countries in the world, it has a variety of landscapes and this includes mountains where there are some great slopes for skiing and snowboarding. The Andes in Argentina are home to a number of ski resorts.
There are around 14 ski resorts in the Andes and there are three major skiing regions to consider when planning your break. These are Mendoza, the Lakes District and the Patagonia areas of the country. Alternatively you could also try Ushuaia, which is a little further south than the others.
Those who want to try the Mendoza area will find that it is home to some very challenging slopes. Las Lenas is a resort which has a reputation for its steep slopes and a range which have double black diamond status. Fans of extreme skiing will make a beeline for this region and there are even heli-skiing options for those who want to ski away from the planned slopes. The resort’s lifts can take skiers to a height of around 3340 meters, so this resort is actually the highest in the country. It has good snowfall and it is also a great resort for those who want to indulge in après-ski as there are plenty of clubs and restaurants to relax in.
Another popular Mendoza resort is Los Penitentes. This is a resort which can be found on the international road which runs between the Chilean capital of Santiago and the Mendoza region, although the resort is close to the border with Chile. Many skiers choose to visit more than one area and it is a popular stop off point for those who are travelling from the Las Lenas resort to the Chilean resort of Portillo. If you are on a limited budget but want to spend time in this area there is a much smaller resort at Los Puquios. The facilities here are great for families.
The Patagonia and Lake District areas of Argentina cover a fairly large region so there is plenty to choose from here. Caviahue is a resort which can be found close to Copahue and the peaks here are almost 3000 meters above sea level. The disadvantage of this area is the distance from Mendoza – more than 600 miles – so visitors to the area need to be prepared for plenty of travelling before they can hit the slopes. However, there are slopes here which are ideal for beginners as well as the more experienced skier so great for families or mixed ability groups travelling together.
For a modern ski resort why not try Cerro Chapelco which is equipped with great ski lifts and interesting runs. The nearest town to the resort is San Martin de los Andes where tourists can relax in a café or restaurant after spending the day on the slopes. Alternatively, opt for a luxury resort at Cerro Bayo. This is considered to be a boutique resort and it is just an hour’s travel north of Bariloche. While it is a luxury resort, is carries a much lower price tag than luxury resorts in Europe, so visitors can indulge without breaking the bank.
Those with a thirst to explore should head further south to the Ushuaia region. Both skiing and snowboarding are on offer here at resorts such as Cerro Castor. This is not the highest ski resort by any stretch of the imagination with the base just 195 meters above sea level. It is the perfect resort though for those who want to travel through the country and enjoy some of its other charms before hitting the slopes. Travelling this far may not be the best option with a family but those who are travelling with friends or alone will enjoy the experience.
If you want to give Argentina a try for skiing, then anytime from July – September is the best option. International airports are located at Mendoza and Buenos Aires and travelling through the country can be done with either public transport or car hire. The cost of getting to Argentina will vary according to your starting point, but travel once you are there can be done reasonably cheaply. Après-ski will also not cause too much of a dent in your bank balance and the range of accommodation on offer is perfect for all travellers from budget options to luxury hotels.
