There are some 30 skifields in the Andes. Some say that the resorts of Argentina and Chile have the most reliable snow conditions, the longest runs and the cheapest accommodation and ski tickets. The high altitude climate ensures plenty of sunny days and facilities are set to rival those in North America and Europe. These resorts that dot the high spine of The Andes, offer the best conditions between June and October.

"Skiing Gaucho style" from the top of The Andes to the end of the world.

San Carlos de Bariloche

Cerro Catedral is 20 kms from Bariloche and offers its own kind of special scene and skiing lifestyle. With a vertical drop of 1020 mts and offering 650ha of skiable terrain. Most of the terrain can be handled by intermediate skiers.

San Martin de los Andes

Chapelco, only 15 kms from San Martin de los Andes is a quite, peaceful resort perfect for both crosscountry and alpine skiers. With a vertical drop of 750 mts with 26 tracks over a 500 hectares of skiable terrain. Some 20% of the terrain is expert classification and is well used by the resort Argentine Ski Clinic, the only one in the country catering exclusively for expert skiers.

Valle Nevado

Is the newest galaxy in the southern hemisphere of ski resorts. Those who have skied here say that the resort is bound for greatness. Valle Nevado is situated only 60 kms east of antiago's International Airport and downtown Santiago, and its easy access gives the skier the opportunity to ski, shop or use numerous other ski resorts within the area, all within 15 kms. The ski potential is virtually unlimited with a vertical drop of 800 mts that ranges from the gentlest beginners slopes to some of the most skiing that we have had in the region, and plenty of long cruising in between. For those who would like to experience further, helicopter skiing up to 5000 mts, getting vertical downhill of over 3000 mts, that is nearly 10 kms in one run, amongst the longest heli-skiing in the world.

El Colorado/Farellones/La Parva

These villages form a suburban ski centre for local people as well as a destination for resort visitors. These are one of the oldest ski areas in South America with its first modern ski lift installed in 1948. Business has boomed and now one can find numerous chair lifts and T-bars. When the snow is good, it is possible to ski from the top of one resort to the bottom of the other with a vertical drop of approximately 1055 mts.

Portillo

South America's most famous ski resort provides some of the world's most challenging skiing. Portillo seats in the shadow of the Aconcagua, the highest peak in the western hemisphere offering a vertical drop of 7762 mts.

Chillan

Termas de Chillan has a soothing hot spring and is probably South America's best kept ski secret. Here you will find some of the most reliable snow falls in the Andean resorts. This combined with the hot thermal pools for an after ski soak, with a vertical drop of 925 mts., it has excellent lift capacity and offers a unique experience from the main runs to the old piste to test your technique. The only drawback is that this resort is relatively isolated, situated some 405 kms south of Santiago. However if you like arts and crafts, the Chillan and Temuco markets offer incredible handicrafts and woven goods.

Villarica-Pucon

Like many other small Chilean resorts, skiing is suitable for all levels. These are located amidst unmatchable scenery of lakes and volcanoes. If you fancy skiing on the side of an active volcano next to some of the most amazing scenery in the world, then this resort will really appeal. With a vertical drop of 750 mts, situated 793 kms south of Santiago, space is the second thing to impress you after the views, as the lifts spread out along the flanks of the mountain, opening up kilometres of runs, with plenty of room for skiers of all standards.

These are just some of the numerous ski resorts that are available on the Andean chain.

SKIING IN THE ANDES

Las Lenas Resort