Summer Skiing in Chile, Argentina, New Zealand and Australia
Southern Hemisphere Ski Resorts
When Northern Hemisphere skiers pack away their boots, skis and poles mid-spring and say goodbye to the mountain, skiers in the Southern Hemisphere are just gearing up for their own ski season. If you're one of those northern skiers itching to get on the slopes as soon as you make your last turn for the season, consider a summer ski trip to a resort in Chile, Argentina, New Zealand or Australia.
Summer ski trips don't have to cost a lot if you plan accordingly.
Plus, Southern Hemisphere ski resorts are often less crowded than their northern counterparts, as the Southern Hemisphere ski season is less popular with tourists. Those who do visit, however, often find the slopes surprisingly crowd-free.
Before you start planning your Southern Hemisphere ski vacation, it's a good idea to get an idea of where you want to go. Some destinations are better for hardcore skiers, others for intermediates; some are better for those looking for a great aprés ski scene, others are better for families. Read on to learn more about some of the best Southern Hemisphere ski resorts.
Southern Hemisphere Ski Resorts - Cerro Catedral, Argentina
Cerro Catedral, in the Patagonia Lake District of Argentina, is one of the biggest ski areas in South America. Visitors are treated to beautiful views both in the village and on the mountain.
With nearly 1,500 skiable acres, Cerro Catedral has diverse terrain offerings, from tree skiing and off-piste options to chutes and bowls. While 17% of its trails are beginner runs and 35% serve intermediates, a large portion caters to more skilled skiers: 26% of runs are advanced, and 22% are for experts only.
Because of this distribution, it is popular among extreme skiers.
At the same time, however, Cerro Catedral is one of the most developed ski areas in South America, making it a good choice for family travel or group trios. The full-service base village is usually bustling with people and many skiers come to enjoy the great terrain and views, so Cerro Catedral doesn't quite have the solitude that other South American resorts enjoy during the season.
The après ski scène is popular here, too. There are bars, restaurants, dance clubs and even a casino. There are also a variety of lodging options, for all tastes and budgets. Due to Cerro Catedral's diverse terrain and well-developed base village, it resembles a typical North American ski resort that would appeal to both young skiers and families.
Read More:Argentina Ski Resorts | Cerro Catedral Website
Southern Hemisphere Ski Resorts - Las Leñas Ski Resort, Argentina
Las Leñas Resort, Argentina, in the Mendoza region of the country, is an expansive, award-winning ski resort. It is located in the Andes mountain range, and the ski season stretches from June to October.
For hardcore skiers hungry for some steeps, Las Leñas does not disappoint. It's also famous for its powder, so the combination of black-diamond terrain and lots of snow draws many extreme skiers eager to take on the Southern Hemisphere slopes.
There's a lot of great off-piste skiing, too.
Although Las Leñas is known for its challenging terrain, it does serve beginners (15% of the trails are green) and intermediates, too (45% of the trails are blue). It also has a well-established ski school dedicated to orienting skiers to the mountain.
Although families won't feel left out, as the resort does have many good programs for children and teenagers, Las Leñas has a ton of restaurant and aprés ski options, making it a good choice for younger skiers who want to party after the lifts close.
If you're thinking about taking a trip to Las Leñas, be sure to check out the lodging deals and discounts. The resort often offers great promotions for ski vacations.
Read More:Las Leñas - Argentina's Premier Ski Resort | Las Leñas: Steep and Deep, and Families too | Argentina Ski Resorts
Southern Hemisphere Ski Resorts - Thredbo Resort, Australia
Thredbo is a ski area New South Wales, Australia. Thredbo is the type of resort that caters to everyone - there's a good mix of beginner and intermediate terrain, with children's and family programs to go along with it. In parallel, there's some cruisers, bumps and off-piste skiing for adults, as well as plenty of nightlife and dining opportunities, too.
It has over 50 trails, including terrain parks for all levels of skiers and riders.
In total, there's nearly 500 acres of skiing. Thredbo also offers the largest snowmaking system in the Southern Hemisphere.
The resort has an excellent ski school, including special camp programs and a "Kids Club" dedicated to youngsters.
Thredbo is a full-service resort with lodging accommodations (including great deals and discounts, shopping, and many restaurant options.
Thredbo is a very versatile resort, making it a good vacation choice. While it is very family-friendly, there's also lots of nightlife options, including the famous Schuss Bar.
Although the permanent population of the town is small (just under500 people), there's enough to do at Thredbo to keep skiers entertained, on and off the slopes, for a full, week-length vacation.
Read More:Australia Ski Resorts | Thredbo Website
Southern Hemisphere Ski Resorts - Falls Creek Alpine Resort, Australia
Falls Creek is a ski resort located in Victoria, Australia. It is about a 4.5 hour drive from Melbourne, and a day's drive away from Sydney.
Falls Creek's ski season averages 128 days from June to September, with prime skiing in July and August. In addition to alpine skiing, Falls Creek offers about 25 miles of cross country terrain.
Falls Creek has 15 lifts serving a little over 1,000 skiable acres, which include 3 terrain parks.
About 60% of Falls Creek terrain caters to intermediates.
With a vast variety of hotel options and many restaurants, Falls Creek offers the comprehensive ski vacation experience, but it's also a full-service ski town, complete with childcare services, a post office, shopping, restaurants, gym services, even a post office and a school.
While the resort is fully equipped to provide the ideal family ski vacation, skiers eager for an aprés ski experience can consider Falls Creek, too. There are plenty of nightlife options, including multiple bars, live events and activities.
Be sure to check out Falls Creek lodging deals and discounts if you're considering a ski vacation to Falls Creek.
Read More:Australia Ski Resorts | Falls Creek Website
Southern Hemisphere Ski Resorts - Portillo, Chile
When most people think of Southern Hemisphere skiing, Portillo, Chile is usually the first place that comes to mind. Portillo is one of the oldest resorts in the area, and has a rich history of hosting several World Championships competitions.
Portillo is located 2 hours northeast of Santiago, just 5 km from the Argentina border. Its 1300 skiable acres are 15% beginner, 30% intermediate, 30% advanced and 25% expert.
Portillo does not have a resort town. The focus is on skiing, and skiing only, which is one of the reasons its a popular place for world-class skiers to train. Although there are a few restaurants and bars, aprés ski is pretty limited in Portillo.
One thing Portillo is famous for, however, is its terrain. Trails tend to be uncrowded, so when the powder comes, the skiing is unbeatable. Plus, Portillo's high elevation - 10, 860 ft. at the highest point - lends to dry powder that makes for some great turns. Heli-skiing is a popular way to access the pow.
Portillo's main lodging option is the famous yellow hotel, Hotel Portillo, which stands out against the white snow and the bluebird days that so often grace Portillo's skies. (Eighty percent of Portillo's ski days are sunny, with storms coming in between.)
The yellow hotel is often heralded as a hallmark of the mountain. The advertised prices are for week-long stays and include lift tickets, and the hotel often offers discounts for families.
Other options the more economical Octagon Lodge, with bunk bed accommodations, and the Inca Lodge, with dorm-style living similar to a youth hostel.
Read More:Ski Portillo, Chile: A Cruise Ship in the Mountains | Summer Skiing Deals in Chile | Ski Portillo's Website
Southern Hemisphere Ski Resorts - La Parva, Chile
La Parva, Chile, located about 25 miles from Santiago, had long flew under the radar of skiers looking for some Southern Hemisphere skiing. Recently, though, it has been recognized for its uncrowded, exclusive feel that caters to families or couples looking for an quiet getaway.
La Parva's small village provides a variety of dining opportunities. Lodging options are often limited to week-long condo rentals.
Here's more on La Parva lodging. (Their website is in Spanish, but an online translator like Google Translator or Bing Translator will do a decent job of translating it to any other language.) La Parva is sometimes deemed a "boutique ski experience," so lodging prices can be higher than other Chilean resorts.
La Parva's terrain appeals to intermediates, with almost half of the trails marked as blues. It's usually uncrowded, so it's a good options for families looking for a quiet, intimate ski experience. La Parva also connects with the ski resort at Valle Nevado, so skiers who decide to buy a dual ticket have access to a vast amount of terrain.
Read More:Chile Ski Resorts | La Parva Website | La Parva Ski School
Skiers looking for a ski-centered vacation should consider Treble Cone, in Wanaka, New Zealand. Treble Cone is best known for its advanced skiing. Only 10% of their terrain is beginner; 45% is intermediate and another 45% is advanced.
Treble Cone's multiple chutes and bowls are sure to keep experts entertained, such as the Motapu Basin, which features an abundance extremely challenging terrain. Treble Cone's best skiing really comes alive when the powder falls.
Although Treble Cone has garnered quite the reputation among hardcore skiers, the resort has recently made an effort to appeal to families, so parents can tackle the steeps while children are taken care of. Read more about family skiing a Treble Cone.
While Treble Cone does not have its own town or village, the beautiful town of Wanaka is a short drive away, where skiers can find many lodging and dining options.
Read More:New Zealand Ski Resorts | Thredbo Website
Cardrona Alpine Resort, located near Wanaka and Queenstown in New Zealand, is a very family-friendly resort. About 75% of 852 skiable acres is dedicated to beginners and intermediates, so although it's not a extreme skier's mountain, it's a good choice for family vacations.
One thing Cardrona is known for, however, is its terrain parks. Cardrona's world-class parks and piped are loved by professionals and amateurs alike.
With 3 distinct terrain park, 2 half-pipes, a huge super pipe, multiple jumps, rails, boxes, Cardrona is a true paradise for freestyle skiers. The resort also offers special training programs for freestyle athletes.
Cardrona offers accommodations located steps away from the slopes. However, because Cardrona is popular among vacationers, if you're looking to book a trip, make sure you do it well in advance. Cardrona is one of the few New Zealand resorts that provides on-mountain lodging.
Although Cardrona does have bars and restaurants on-sight, it's more of a relaxed family resort than an aprés ski-centered ski area.
Refer to Cardrona's vacation planner for tips on vacationing at the resort.
Read More:New Zealand Ski Resorts | Cardrona Alpine Resort Website
When Northern Hemisphere skiers pack away their boots, skis and poles mid-spring and say goodbye to the mountain, skiers in the Southern Hemisphere are just gearing up for their own ski season. If you're one of those northern skiers itching to get on the slopes as soon as you make your last turn for the season, consider a summer ski trip to a resort in Chile, Argentina, New Zealand or Australia.
Summer ski trips don't have to cost a lot if you plan accordingly.
Plus, Southern Hemisphere ski resorts are often less crowded than their northern counterparts, as the Southern Hemisphere ski season is less popular with tourists. Those who do visit, however, often find the slopes surprisingly crowd-free.
Before you start planning your Southern Hemisphere ski vacation, it's a good idea to get an idea of where you want to go. Some destinations are better for hardcore skiers, others for intermediates; some are better for those looking for a great aprés ski scene, others are better for families. Read on to learn more about some of the best Southern Hemisphere ski resorts.
Southern Hemisphere Ski Resorts - Cerro Catedral, Argentina
Cerro Catedral, in the Patagonia Lake District of Argentina, is one of the biggest ski areas in South America. Visitors are treated to beautiful views both in the village and on the mountain.
With nearly 1,500 skiable acres, Cerro Catedral has diverse terrain offerings, from tree skiing and off-piste options to chutes and bowls. While 17% of its trails are beginner runs and 35% serve intermediates, a large portion caters to more skilled skiers: 26% of runs are advanced, and 22% are for experts only.
Because of this distribution, it is popular among extreme skiers.
At the same time, however, Cerro Catedral is one of the most developed ski areas in South America, making it a good choice for family travel or group trios. The full-service base village is usually bustling with people and many skiers come to enjoy the great terrain and views, so Cerro Catedral doesn't quite have the solitude that other South American resorts enjoy during the season.
The après ski scène is popular here, too. There are bars, restaurants, dance clubs and even a casino. There are also a variety of lodging options, for all tastes and budgets. Due to Cerro Catedral's diverse terrain and well-developed base village, it resembles a typical North American ski resort that would appeal to both young skiers and families.
Read More:Argentina Ski Resorts | Cerro Catedral Website
Southern Hemisphere Ski Resorts - Las Leñas Ski Resort, Argentina
Las Leñas Resort, Argentina, in the Mendoza region of the country, is an expansive, award-winning ski resort. It is located in the Andes mountain range, and the ski season stretches from June to October.
For hardcore skiers hungry for some steeps, Las Leñas does not disappoint. It's also famous for its powder, so the combination of black-diamond terrain and lots of snow draws many extreme skiers eager to take on the Southern Hemisphere slopes.
There's a lot of great off-piste skiing, too.
Although Las Leñas is known for its challenging terrain, it does serve beginners (15% of the trails are green) and intermediates, too (45% of the trails are blue). It also has a well-established ski school dedicated to orienting skiers to the mountain.
Although families won't feel left out, as the resort does have many good programs for children and teenagers, Las Leñas has a ton of restaurant and aprés ski options, making it a good choice for younger skiers who want to party after the lifts close.
If you're thinking about taking a trip to Las Leñas, be sure to check out the lodging deals and discounts. The resort often offers great promotions for ski vacations.
Read More:Las Leñas - Argentina's Premier Ski Resort | Las Leñas: Steep and Deep, and Families too | Argentina Ski Resorts
Southern Hemisphere Ski Resorts - Thredbo Resort, Australia
Thredbo is a ski area New South Wales, Australia. Thredbo is the type of resort that caters to everyone - there's a good mix of beginner and intermediate terrain, with children's and family programs to go along with it. In parallel, there's some cruisers, bumps and off-piste skiing for adults, as well as plenty of nightlife and dining opportunities, too.
It has over 50 trails, including terrain parks for all levels of skiers and riders.
In total, there's nearly 500 acres of skiing. Thredbo also offers the largest snowmaking system in the Southern Hemisphere.
The resort has an excellent ski school, including special camp programs and a "Kids Club" dedicated to youngsters.
Thredbo is a full-service resort with lodging accommodations (including great deals and discounts, shopping, and many restaurant options.
Thredbo is a very versatile resort, making it a good vacation choice. While it is very family-friendly, there's also lots of nightlife options, including the famous Schuss Bar.
Although the permanent population of the town is small (just under500 people), there's enough to do at Thredbo to keep skiers entertained, on and off the slopes, for a full, week-length vacation.
Read More:Australia Ski Resorts | Thredbo Website
Southern Hemisphere Ski Resorts - Falls Creek Alpine Resort, Australia
Falls Creek is a ski resort located in Victoria, Australia. It is about a 4.5 hour drive from Melbourne, and a day's drive away from Sydney.
Falls Creek's ski season averages 128 days from June to September, with prime skiing in July and August. In addition to alpine skiing, Falls Creek offers about 25 miles of cross country terrain.
Falls Creek has 15 lifts serving a little over 1,000 skiable acres, which include 3 terrain parks.
About 60% of Falls Creek terrain caters to intermediates.
With a vast variety of hotel options and many restaurants, Falls Creek offers the comprehensive ski vacation experience, but it's also a full-service ski town, complete with childcare services, a post office, shopping, restaurants, gym services, even a post office and a school.
While the resort is fully equipped to provide the ideal family ski vacation, skiers eager for an aprés ski experience can consider Falls Creek, too. There are plenty of nightlife options, including multiple bars, live events and activities.
Be sure to check out Falls Creek lodging deals and discounts if you're considering a ski vacation to Falls Creek.
Read More:Australia Ski Resorts | Falls Creek Website
Southern Hemisphere Ski Resorts - Portillo, Chile
When most people think of Southern Hemisphere skiing, Portillo, Chile is usually the first place that comes to mind. Portillo is one of the oldest resorts in the area, and has a rich history of hosting several World Championships competitions.
Portillo is located 2 hours northeast of Santiago, just 5 km from the Argentina border. Its 1300 skiable acres are 15% beginner, 30% intermediate, 30% advanced and 25% expert.
Portillo does not have a resort town. The focus is on skiing, and skiing only, which is one of the reasons its a popular place for world-class skiers to train. Although there are a few restaurants and bars, aprés ski is pretty limited in Portillo.
One thing Portillo is famous for, however, is its terrain. Trails tend to be uncrowded, so when the powder comes, the skiing is unbeatable. Plus, Portillo's high elevation - 10, 860 ft. at the highest point - lends to dry powder that makes for some great turns. Heli-skiing is a popular way to access the pow.
Portillo's main lodging option is the famous yellow hotel, Hotel Portillo, which stands out against the white snow and the bluebird days that so often grace Portillo's skies. (Eighty percent of Portillo's ski days are sunny, with storms coming in between.)
The yellow hotel is often heralded as a hallmark of the mountain. The advertised prices are for week-long stays and include lift tickets, and the hotel often offers discounts for families.
Other options the more economical Octagon Lodge, with bunk bed accommodations, and the Inca Lodge, with dorm-style living similar to a youth hostel.
Read More:Ski Portillo, Chile: A Cruise Ship in the Mountains | Summer Skiing Deals in Chile | Ski Portillo's Website
Southern Hemisphere Ski Resorts - La Parva, Chile
La Parva, Chile, located about 25 miles from Santiago, had long flew under the radar of skiers looking for some Southern Hemisphere skiing. Recently, though, it has been recognized for its uncrowded, exclusive feel that caters to families or couples looking for an quiet getaway.
La Parva's small village provides a variety of dining opportunities. Lodging options are often limited to week-long condo rentals.
Here's more on La Parva lodging. (Their website is in Spanish, but an online translator like Google Translator or Bing Translator will do a decent job of translating it to any other language.) La Parva is sometimes deemed a "boutique ski experience," so lodging prices can be higher than other Chilean resorts.
La Parva's terrain appeals to intermediates, with almost half of the trails marked as blues. It's usually uncrowded, so it's a good options for families looking for a quiet, intimate ski experience. La Parva also connects with the ski resort at Valle Nevado, so skiers who decide to buy a dual ticket have access to a vast amount of terrain.
Read More:Chile Ski Resorts | La Parva Website | La Parva Ski School
Skiers looking for a ski-centered vacation should consider Treble Cone, in Wanaka, New Zealand. Treble Cone is best known for its advanced skiing. Only 10% of their terrain is beginner; 45% is intermediate and another 45% is advanced.
Treble Cone's multiple chutes and bowls are sure to keep experts entertained, such as the Motapu Basin, which features an abundance extremely challenging terrain. Treble Cone's best skiing really comes alive when the powder falls.
Although Treble Cone has garnered quite the reputation among hardcore skiers, the resort has recently made an effort to appeal to families, so parents can tackle the steeps while children are taken care of. Read more about family skiing a Treble Cone.
While Treble Cone does not have its own town or village, the beautiful town of Wanaka is a short drive away, where skiers can find many lodging and dining options.
Read More:New Zealand Ski Resorts | Thredbo Website
Cardrona Alpine Resort, located near Wanaka and Queenstown in New Zealand, is a very family-friendly resort. About 75% of 852 skiable acres is dedicated to beginners and intermediates, so although it's not a extreme skier's mountain, it's a good choice for family vacations.
One thing Cardrona is known for, however, is its terrain parks. Cardrona's world-class parks and piped are loved by professionals and amateurs alike.
With 3 distinct terrain park, 2 half-pipes, a huge super pipe, multiple jumps, rails, boxes, Cardrona is a true paradise for freestyle skiers. The resort also offers special training programs for freestyle athletes.
Cardrona offers accommodations located steps away from the slopes. However, because Cardrona is popular among vacationers, if you're looking to book a trip, make sure you do it well in advance. Cardrona is one of the few New Zealand resorts that provides on-mountain lodging.
Although Cardrona does have bars and restaurants on-sight, it's more of a relaxed family resort than an aprés ski-centered ski area.
Refer to Cardrona's vacation planner for tips on vacationing at the resort.
Read More:New Zealand Ski Resorts | Cardrona Alpine Resort Website
