Argentina’s Top Ski Resorts

Argentina’s Top Ski Resorts and Winter Activities — How to Enjoy the Snow and Stay Healthy

When people picture Argentina, they often imagine sizzling steaks in Buenos Aires, wine tastings in Mendoza, or long road trips through Patagonia. What many travelers don’t realize is that Argentina, when winter arrives in the southern hemisphere, turns into a surprisingly rich playground for skiing, snowboarding, and all kinds of cozy mountain adventures.

From world-class resorts like Cerro Catedral in Bariloche to more off-the-beaten-path slopes near Ushuaia, the country offers everything from powder snow to picturesque alpine villages. For anyone craving crisp air, fresh snow under their skis, and hot chocolate by a roaring fireplace, Argentina’s mountains are calling.

This guide dives into the best ski spots, what to expect on and off the slopes, and a smart way to handle any sudden winter health surprises with help from TravelDoctores.

Why Argentina Is a Winter Secret Worth Sharing

Skiing in Argentina feels a little like being in the Alps, but with a distinct Patagonian twist: fewer crowds, spectacular scenery, and a warm, laid-back vibe. The Andes, stretching down the country’s spine, provide dramatic peaks that hold onto snow from June well into October. Some resorts even stay open longer if conditions are good.

Travelers love that Argentina caters to every type of winter fan — die-hard skiers, families with kids, or those who prefer to sip mulled wine in a cozy lodge and enjoy the view.

Cerro Catedral, Bariloche — The Classic That Everyone Loves

San Carlos de Bariloche might be Argentina’s most famous mountain town. In summer, it’s a hub for hikers and lake-lovers, but once the snow hits, it turns into a postcard-perfect ski village.

Cerro Catedral is Bariloche’s crown jewel and the biggest developed ski resort in South America. It has over a hundred kilometers of marked trails, plus plenty of room for freeriders who want to venture off-piste. There are wide beginner-friendly slopes, challenging tree runs, snow parks for freestyle tricks, and plenty of ski schools for all ages.

After a day carving down Catedral’s slopes, there’s nothing better than exploring Bariloche’s town center. Visitors quickly discover rows of chocolate shops — the region is legendary for its sweet treats — and warm cafés serving hot chocolate thick enough to eat with a spoon. It’s no wonder families keep coming back year after year.

San Martín de los Andes and Chapelco — The Elegant Sister

A few hours north of Bariloche, San Martín de los Andes offers a more intimate, low-key winter experience. The town itself is a charmer: wooden cabins, calm streets, friendly locals, and a backdrop of snowy mountains and pristine lakes.

Chapelco, the local ski resort, sits just outside town. It may not be as big as Catedral, but it’s known for its excellent grooming, stunning volcano views, and well-organized slopes. Many prefer Chapelco for its relaxed atmosphere — there’s room to breathe and enjoy the scenery. When the clouds part, skiers find themselves staring straight at the Lanín Volcano, a snow-covered giant that seems to follow every turn on the slopes.

Aside from skiing and snowboarding, Chapelco offers memorable side adventures: husky sled rides, snowshoe treks through native forests, or simply relaxing in a wooden lodge with a good glass of Malbec.

La Hoya in Esquel — For Those Who Want More Snow, Less Hype

Further south, near the Patagonian town of Esquel, lies La Hoya. It’s not as famous internationally, but locals swear by its powder snow and long season. La Hoya’s orientation means its slopes hold onto snow better than many other resorts, often staying open well into spring.

What makes La Hoya special is its laid-back vibe. There are no mega hotels or glitzy après-ski parties — just a reliable mountain, great snow, and passionate skiers. It’s the kind of place where people greet each other by name and share a thermos of mate at the base lodge between runs.

For travelers looking to escape the crowds and enjoy fresh tracks, La Hoya is a hidden gem worth the detour.

Cerro Castor — Skiing at the End of the World

At the southern tip of Argentina lies Ushuaia, the world’s southernmost city. Surrounded by rugged peaks and the icy waters of the Beagle Channel, Ushuaia feels like a frontier town at the edge of the map. It’s here that Cerro Castor offers a truly unique skiing experience.

Though smaller than Catedral or Chapelco, Cerro Castor is modern, family-friendly, and blessed with a long season thanks to its latitude. Visitors can ski down well-groomed runs while taking in dramatic views of snow-covered forests and distant fjords.

Outside the resort, Ushuaia itself is worth exploring: boat tours to see penguins and sea lions, scenic treks through Tierra del Fuego National Park, and hearty Patagonian cuisine in rustic taverns. It’s easy to understand why many travelers extend their ski trip just to soak up the end-of-the-world atmosphere.

Winter Fun Off the Slopes

Not everyone comes to Argentina’s mountains just to ski or snowboard all day. Resorts and surrounding towns have plenty to offer when it’s time to take a break from the lifts.

Families love activities like ice skating, building snowmen, or riding snowmobiles through forest trails. Some areas offer guided snowshoe walks where visitors can discover hidden lagoons and spot native wildlife in the silence of the winter woods.

Of course, winter in Argentina is also about cozy afternoons. Many visitors book a mountain cabin for the full experience: a crackling fireplace, a pot of hot stew simmering in the kitchen, and windows looking out onto a snowy wonderland. Local specialties — think Patagonian lamb, smoked trout, fresh cheeses — turn every meal into a reward after a day in the cold.

A Few Tips to Make the Most of Argentina’s Ski Season

Every experienced traveler knows that a good trip can turn south fast with a sprained ankle, a sudden fever, or a bad cough brought on by the dry mountain air. Winter sports are exciting, but they do come with small risks.

First rule: always dress in layers. The weather in the Andes changes quickly. One moment the sun is shining, the next a snowstorm rolls in. Drink plenty of water — the dry, cold air dehydrates more than most people expect. And pace yourself if you’re not used to higher altitudes. Many of Argentina’s ski towns sit well above sea level.

Finally, plan your medical safety net. While big resorts like Bariloche have clinics and pharmacies, not everyone wants to lose half a day waiting in line, explaining symptoms in a language they might not fully speak.

TravelDoctores — Your On-Demand Doctor on the Slopes

That’s where TravelDoctores makes all the difference. This telemedicine service is designed exactly for travelers who find themselves far from their regular doctor but need help fast.

Whether someone twists a knee during a ski lesson, wakes up with a sore throat after a cold day on the mountain, or simply wants to check if they should visit a local clinic, TravelDoctores connects them to a licensed doctor within minutes.

The process is simple: a quick online form, a secure video chat or message exchange, and if needed, a prescription sent directly to email or WhatsApp — valid in any pharmacy in Argentina.

Many winter visitors love knowing they don’t have to scramble for a doctor or lose precious vacation time in waiting rooms. A few clicks and they’re back to planning the next day on the slopes.

Combining Adventure with Peace of Mind

Argentina’s mountains promise an unforgettable winter adventure — wide slopes, stunning forests, charming towns, and comforting food. It’s the kind of destination that makes travelers want to return season after season.

With a little preparation, a warm jacket, and a reliable telemedicine partner in your pocket, nothing has to stand between you and that next powder run or hot chocolate by the fire.

So for anyone dreaming of skiing under the watchful eye of the Lanín Volcano, tasting the world’s southernmost chocolate in Ushuaia, or laughing with family after a snowball fight in Bariloche, there’s no better time to discover Argentina’s winter magic.

And if a sore throat, minor sprain, or stomach bug tries to ruin the fun — TravelDoctores will handle it quickly, so the adventure never has to stop.

Ready to Plan That Winter Getaway?

Pack the snow boots, book that cozy cabin, check the snow forecast, and save TravelDoctores to your phone. Argentina’s winter season is ready to welcome you — whether you’re carving fresh powder, sipping wine by the fireplace, or exploring hidden corners of Patagonia blanketed in snow.

Winter has rarely looked this good, or felt this reassuring.