Surely we hear "skiing in South America" and automatically Bariloche or Patagonia come to mind, right?  The truth is that Argentina and Chile concentrate most of the ski resorts in the southern hemisphere. But, from a foreigner's perspective: What do we know about skiing in these two countries? If we wanted to go skiing in South America, which of the two options do you think we should choose, and what differences are there between the resorts of one country and the other? That is exactly what we will try to solve with this article.  
Between June and September, the snowy slopes of the Andes Mountains become the best place in the world for skiing and snowboarding / Photo: LuckyBusiness Canva Pro 
 

Skiing or snowboarding?

The first big difference between skiing and snowboarding is that their origins are very different. In fact, moving around on skis is something that has been done for thousands of years, an estimated 8,000 years, and not as a sport, but as a method of transportation on snowy or icy terrain. Obviously, times have changed a lot and with them skis; it was not a mass sport as it is today until the 20th century. On the other hand, snowboarding is a much more recent sport, which began to be practiced around the 60's of the 20th century. It began for fun, as a toy that had a rope attached to it and with which people slid down snowy hills. It was devised by Michigan engineer Sherman Poppen for his daughters.  

Which is more difficult to practice?

Many claim that "skiing is easier to learn, but harder to master, conversely snowboarding is harder to learn, but easier to master." Here are some arguments that may help you lean this winter towards skiing, snowboarding or both:  

Freedom of movement.

In skiing, your legs remain apart and fully mobile. Regardless of the speed of descent, you can use the movement of both legs to balance, brake, skid or simply stand.  Snowboarding, however, requires your feet to be attached to the board and this can be a bit uncomfortable and restrictive at first, especially when faced with the abruptness of certain falls or to simply move on flat areas. Remember that in snowboarding we do not have poles to move or balance and both legs are attached to the same board.  

Body position

Skiing requires a natural position to which we are more accustomed. From head to toe, our whole body is facing forward and we glide across the snow by changing the orientation of the skis. The natural standing position is not so easy to find in snowboarding. This does not have to be a problem when we evolve, but when we have a first experience on snow it can be a factor to consider.  

Moving or standing

The skis will allow you to stay in a natural resting position and rest, arranging your skis perpendicular to the line of maximum slope or even move around by moving the skis alternately and leaning on the poles.  Snowboarding invites you to sit on the snow to rest and, on the flats, you must release one foot to propel yourself, stand upright or catch a ski lift. However, snowboarders ride comfortably in their boots on virtually any terrain, and skiers can't say the same, given the stiffness of the materials you'll find in alpine ski shoes.  

How expensive is it?

One thing is certain: skiing in South America is not cheap. Both Argentine and Chilean resorts have expensive ski passes and high priced accommodations compared to Europe or the Pyrenees. In addition, the right equipment and knowledge is required to be able to safely practice these sports on the slopes. August is mid-season and prices are lower than in July. In September, for example, it is a little cheaper. If you are going to ski for the first time, take into account that there are several rental stores (rental) of equipment (boards, poles and boots) and also of the appropriate clothing. It is also advisable to take some lessons before (there are schools that give 1,2,3 hours of lessons) on the easy slopes at the base and the lower part of the hill. You can also do other activities such as sledding, dog sledding through the forest, snowshoeing, rappelling, zip-lining, donuts, etc.  
It may seem that skiing is a sport exclusively for sporty and adventurous people, but it is suitable for all kinds of people / Photo: Shimura, Canva Pro
 

Which are the best?

There are ski resorts for all tastes, ages and conditions. Here are our 5 favorites:   

1- Portillo, the best

Chile's legendary Portillo ski resort has the best Advanced, Expert and Extreme slopes in the region. The stunning Roca Jack and Cara Cara runs descend steep slopes towards the beautiful turquoise lagoon known as Laguna del Inca.  The Super - C slope, which is accessed after a two-hour hike, is one of the most adrenaline-pumping descents from 1,500 meters above sea level to the base. Portillo is also one of the best backcountry ski centers next to Cerro Catedral in Argentina and has excellent services for families. Travel Tip: Portillo offers the best nightlife, dining and the least crowded slopes. It is never crowded, in fact, it has a limit of 450 skiers per day.  
Portillo is considered one of the most exclusive resorts in the world and the oldest in South America / Photo: Richard Yukio, Canva Pro
 

2- Valle Nevado, the best environment for the family

Valle Nevado is considered one of the best ski centers in South America for its advanced infrastructure compared to the rest of the resorts in the region. Its huge terrain, its long runs, the quality of its chair lifts, heli-skiing and the excellent service for English-speaking visitors are magnets for locals and foreigners coming from the United States and Europe. Valle Nevado, only half an hour from Santiago de Chile, does not have the most challenging slope for advanced level, but it does offer the best slope in South America for basic and intermediate level. It also has a spa, pub, shopping, a range of restaurants to choose from and different lodging options.   
Valle Nevado has the reputation of being the most family-friendly ski resort in the world / Renato_Pessanha, Canva pro
  Travel tip: Valle Nevado shares ski passes with the resorts of La Parva and El Colorado, forming a ski area of more than 120 kilometers known as the Three Valleys.  

3- Nevados de Chillán, relaxation at the hot springs

According to many skiers, Nevados de Chillán has the best powder snow in the Andes, and once the snow is no longer fresh, you can grab your touring or backcountry equipment, climb the Chillán volcano and descend through virgin snow again. But not only advanced skiers can enjoy this resort, because Nevados de Chillán -like El Colorado- has the best terrain in South America for beginners.   The bonus of visiting this ski resort is that once down you can enjoy the delicious hot springs that spring naturally from the earth.  
This ski resort is known for being one of the largest in the southern hemisphere / Photo: Marcela Vieira, Canva pro
 

4- Cerro Catedral, the best access by elevators

Located within the beautiful Nahuel National Park, Cerro Catedral is one of the largest and most modern ski resorts in South America. With 37 elevators and 300 acres of terrain, it offers runs for intermediate and advanced levels and slopes ideal for sidecountry and backcountry. Once down the slopes, the gastronomic offer satisfies different palates. Lodging options are ample and nightlife is varied.   
If conditions permit, Cerro Catedral becomes a backcountry paradise where you can enjoy the best Argentinean powder / Photo: Cleberson Silva, Canva Pro
 

5- Las Leñas, the best off-piste skiing in the world

With 43,200 acres, Las Leñas is by far the ski resort with the largest ski area in South America. With steep slopes, cliffs and narrow ravines, it has been the location for dozens of ski movies. It is popular with freestyle pros, and for its long, steep runs, some of the steepest in the region. Even the most extreme skiers can keep themselves entertained on its terrain. It is the most challenging terrain that can be reached in chair lifts, comparable only to the slopes accessible by heli-ski.   
At Las Leñas the resort's thicknesses can go from scarcity to abundance in a single snowstorm and go from being a difficult place to ski to a freeride paradise in a single day / Photo: Daniel Wolkomirski, Canva pro
  Spectacular landscapes shaped by snow-capped volcanoes or glaciers like the Perito Moreno offer countless slopes to explore, making South America a paradise to be discovered. Do you dare to do it with us?  
By: Nathaly Bosch, social communicator by profession and curious traveler by choice. Spanish editor for Daytours4u.