Argentina’s ski resorts open in the southern winter, when the northern hemisphere is in summer. They are spread along the Andes, far from one another, so the first decision is which resort, and with it which airport and which mountain road.
Where the resorts are
- Cerro Catedral, beside Bariloche in Río Negro province. The largest and most visited, reached through Bariloche airport.
- Cerro Bayo, at Villa La Angostura in Neuquén province, also served by Bariloche airport.
- Chapelco, at San Martín de los Andes in Neuquén, with its own airport in the area.
- Las Leñas, in the south of Mendoza province near Malargüe. It is a long road journey from the city of Mendoza.
- Cerro Castor, near Ushuaia in Tierra del Fuego. Being so far south, its season tends to run longer.
- La Hoya, at Esquel, and Caviahue, in Neuquén, both smaller and quieter.
Opening and closing dates depend on each year’s snowfall. Check them with the resort you choose.
From the airport to the slopes
Most trips have two parts: airport to town or hotel, then hotel to the base of the mountain every morning. For the daily run there are local buses and the resorts’ own services, taxis, hire cars and private transfers. With your own equipment, children or a group, a booked vehicle saves carrying skis and boots onto a crowded bus.
We arrange transfers in several of these areas. Availability at each destination is confirmed when you book.
What snow changes
The access roads are mountain roads. In snow or ice the authorities may require chains or winter tyres, and traffic can slow down or stop for a while. Bad weather also delays and cancels flights. Two practical points:
- Do not place a flight home straight after a long transfer. Leave a margin.
- Give us your flight number. If the flight is late, your driver knows.
July, equipment and groups
During the winter school holidays flights, rooms and vehicles are taken early, so book ahead. Tell us how many ski or snowboard bags you bring. They are longer than a suitcase and decide the vehicle. For a family or a group with equipment, a minivan or a van is usually the right size. Child seats are requested at booking.