Cerro Castor Ski Resort

Cerro Castor is the southernmost ski resort in the world, located just 26 km from Ushuaia in Argentina’s Tierra del Fuego. Nestled at the edge of the Andes and overlooking the Beagle Channel, it offers a unique blend of maritime climate and alpine terrain. The resort spans 600 hectares with 29 trails served by 12 lifts, including quad chairs and surface lifts. Despite its low elevation, Cerro Castor benefits from consistent snow conditions, averaging 15 inches of snowfall annually, with snowmaking on key runs to extend the season.

The trail network is well-balanced: 31% beginner, 14% intermediate, 38% advanced, and 17% expert. Families will find plenty to love here, from gentle learning zones and magic carpets to ski schools and kid-friendly facilities. The longest run stretches 4.5 km, offering a scenic descent through lenga forests and wide-open slopes.

What makes Cerro Castor stand out is its extended season—often running from late June to early October—and its remote, pristine setting. Visitors choose it for the reliable snow, uncrowded slopes, and the chance to ski at the end of the world. Whether you're a first-timer or a seasoned skier, the resort delivers a memorable Patagonian experience.

The easiest way to reach Cerro Castor is by flying into Ushuaia’s Malvinas Argentinas International Airport (USH), which is just a 30-minute drive from the resort. During ski season, shuttle buses run regularly between Ushuaia and the base area, with options for private transfers and hotel pickups. The road to the resort (National Route 3) is fully paved and well-maintained, even in winter.

If you're renting a car, free parking is available at the base, and the drive offers stunning views of the surrounding mountains and forests. Most accommodations in Ushuaia offer ski packages that include transportation to and from the resort. While there’s no gondola from town, the compact layout of Cerro Castor means once you arrive, everything—from lifts to rentals—is within easy walking distance.

Cerro Castor’s terrain is compact yet varied, with 30 km of groomed trails winding through lenga forests and open alpine zones. The base sits at 196 m, and the summit reaches 1,057 m, offering a vertical drop of 861 m—impressive for a resort at this latitude.

Beginners will feel right at home on the lower slopes, where wide, gentle runs like “Castor Fácil” and “Del Bosque” are served by surface lifts and magic carpets. These areas are ideal for learning and offer great visibility and access to ski school services.

Intermediate skiers can explore trails like “Las Rocas” and “Petrel,” which offer steady gradients and scenic views. These runs are accessible via quad chairs and are perfect for building confidence while enjoying the natural beauty of Tierra del Fuego.

Advanced skiers will appreciate the steeper terrain on runs like “Halcón Peregrino” and “Cóndor,” which feature tighter turns, natural rollers, and occasional moguls. These trails are often groomed but can also hold windblown snow for a more dynamic ride.

Experts can challenge themselves on the uppermost sections of the mountain, where narrow chutes and off-piste zones offer technical descents. While the resort doesn’t have extensive backcountry access, the expert-rated trails provide enough variety to keep seasoned skiers engaged.

Freestyle riders can head to the terrain park located mid-mountain, which includes jumps, rails, and boxes for all levels. The park is reshaped regularly and offers a dedicated lift for quick laps. Whether you're carving corduroy or chasing steeps, Cerro Castor’s terrain delivers a well-rounded experience.

Start your day with a warm-up on “Castor Sur,” a mellow blue run that catches the morning sun and stays firm well into midday. It’s a great way to get your legs moving before tackling steeper terrain.

On powder days, head straight to “Cóndor” or “Las Rocas.” These trails hold snow beautifully and offer a mix of open pitches and tree-lined sections that stay fresh longer than the more trafficked lower slopes.

If you’re looking for solitude, take the “Del Bosque” connector in the early afternoon. It’s often overlooked and winds through a quiet forest corridor with soft snow and minimal crowds.

For a long, scenic cruise, don’t miss “Halcón Peregrino.” At 4.5 km, it’s the longest run in the resort and offers sweeping views of the valley and Beagle Channel, especially on clear days.

Families should check out the snow tubing area near the base lodge. It’s a fun break from skiing and a great way to keep younger kids entertained between lessons.

For lunch, skip the main cafeteria and head to the rustic “Morada del Águila” hut. Their grilled lamb sandwich and hot chocolate are local favorites, and the fireplace makes it a cozy midday stop.

Après-ski at Cerro Castor is low-key but charming. Grab a seat on the sun deck at “Viejo Castor” and enjoy a local craft beer while watching the last skiers descend.

If you’re staying in Ushuaia, make time for a night out at “Ramos Generales,” a historic café-turned-bistro that serves up hearty Patagonian fare and vintage ambiance.

Photographers should bring a wide-angle lens—the view from the top of “Las Rocas” at sunset is one of the most dramatic in the region, with golden light spilling over the Martial Mountains.

Finally, if you’re visiting in late September, you’ll catch the tail end of the season with soft spring snow and fewer crowds. It’s the perfect time for relaxed laps, sun-soaked lunches, and a slower pace to savor the end-of-the-world skiing experience.