Don’t pack away your ski gear just yet. When the snow in North America melts and the mountain bike trails open, ski slopes south of the equator are just turning white. Summer in the Northern Hemisphere means winter in the Southern Hemisphere, with the ski season typically running from June into September or October. From the high-altitude cordilleras of the Andes to the rugged volcanoes and peaks of New Zealand, there’s plenty of skiing to be had. If you want to extend your ski season, look no further than our guide to the biggest ski resorts in the Southern Hemisphere.
The Largest Ski Resorts in Chile
Valle Nevado, Chile
Valle Nevado, about 90 minutes from Santiago, is one of the most expansive ski areas in Chile. It’s part of the Tres Valles (Three Valleys) area with La Parva and El Colorado, which together make up one of the largest ski areas in the Southern Hemisphere. Valle Nevado is also one of the highest, with a base elevation just under 10,000 feet and a summit above 12,000 feet. It has a healthy mix of beginner, intermediate, and expert terrain served by more than a dozen lifts, with some of the best terrain in the back bowl near the Ancla lift. If that’s not enough, Valle Nevado also offers world-class heliskiing and extensive backcountry terrain.
Valle Nevado is one of South America’s most developed ski resorts, with a European feel and plenty of restaurants and lodging options. It’s no wonder OnTheSnow users have rated it the top overall resort in Chile. Bonus: Valle Nevado and neighboring La Parva are both part of the Power Pass network, so Power Pass holders get access to some of the best skiing in the Andes.
La Parva, Chile
La Parva is a little closer to Santiago than Valle Nevado, making it a great option for a day trip. With about 3,000 feet of vertical, La Parva features a long ridge likened to Aspen Highlands, offering a wide range of terrain. Steep chutes can be found on south-facing slopes like La Chimenea, while there are plenty of groomers and beginner runs for those looking for something more relaxed. Combined with Valle Nevado, skiers and riders have access to thousands of acres of skiable terrain, and La Parva’s heliskiing opens up a vast area of the surrounding Andes.
La Parva joined Mountain Capital Partners’ Power Pass network alongside Valle Nevado, making it easy for passholders to ski both.
The Largest Ski Resorts in Argentina
Cerro Catedral, Argentina
Cerro Catedral, near Bariloche, is one of South America’s oldest and most developed ski resorts, with skiing dating back to the 1930s and a true ski-town atmosphere. Catedral has continued to invest in modern lifts and snowmaking across roughly 3,000 acres. Located in Argentina’s Lake District, it’s known for plenty of snow, great tree skiing, and excellent off-piste terrain. Advanced skiers and riders can head to the La Laguna area for the most adventurous terrain and backcountry access, while the summit features wide-open snowfields perfect for big turns. Catedral’s base is a full-service village with plenty of restaurants and bars.
Las Leñas, Argentina
Las Leñas, in Mendoza province, opened in 1983 and is widely considered one of the best ski resorts in the Southern Hemisphere for sidecountry and backcountry skiing, with vast amounts of off-piste terrain for advanced skiers and riders. It has nearly 4,000 feet of vertical, more than a dozen lifts, and terrain for every type of skier, from wide-open runs and terrain parks to bumps and easy cruisers. Much of its advanced terrain is found off the Marte chair. Las Leñas historically sees the most snow in July and August and often stays open into late September or October. Off the slopes, there are on-mountain restaurants and a casino.
The Largest Ski Resorts in Australia
Perisher, New South Wales
Perisher, with more than 3,000 skiable acres across seven peaks in Kosciuszko National Park, is the largest ski resort in Australia and the Southern Hemisphere. It typically opens in June and stays open into early October. OnTheSnow users rate Perisher one of the top family-friendly ski resorts in Australia and New Zealand, thanks in part to its big snow tubing area. Perisher has four connected areas, Perisher Valley, Smiggin Holes, Guthega, and Blue Cow, and offers night skiing on Front Valley on select nights. Perisher is also on the Epic Pass, so check your pass for access details.
Thredbo, New South Wales
While Thredbo, with about 1,200 skiable acres, doesn’t have Perisher’s size, it boasts some of the most challenging terrain and longest runs in Australia, including the Supertrail, a real leg burner at about 3.7 kilometers (2.3 miles). Thredbo also has the most vertical in Australia, at more than 2,000 feet. Like Perisher, Thredbo is in Kosciuszko National Park, on the Great Dividing Range in New South Wales, and from the top of the Kosciuszko Express chairlift, guests can hike to Australia’s highest point, Mount Kosciuszko.
The Largest Ski Resorts in New Zealand
Whakapapa and Tūroa, North Island
While New Zealand’s ski areas don’t have the acreage of North America’s biggest resorts, they offer varied terrain, plenty of vertical, and stunning views. Whakapapa sits on the northwest slope of Mt. Ruapehu, an active volcano, with about 1,350 acres and more than 2,000 feet of vertical. On the other side of the mountain, Tūroa has about 1,200 skiable acres and the largest vertical drop in New Zealand, at nearly 2,400 feet. The two ski areas are separately owned and operated, so a lift ticket at one doesn’t include the other. Between them, Ruapehu offers nearly 4,500 feet of vertical relief on one mountain. Beginners at Whakapapa can enjoy Happy Valley, a self-contained learning area with its own rentals and food.
After a day on the slopes at Whakapapa, don’t miss Knoll Ridge Chalet, New Zealand’s highest dining experience at more than 6,600 feet. Known for its striking architecture, it has panoramic views of the Pinnacles and the volcanic landscape of Tongariro National Park.
Cardrona, South Island
Cardrona is a family-friendly New Zealand ski area with tons of wide-open beginner and freeride terrain. It has long been one of New Zealand’s largest ski areas, and it grew even bigger with its Soho Basin expansion. Cardrona’s high elevation, topping out above 6,000 feet, helps it hold snow well, making it one of the best ski areas in New Zealand for powder, while its terrain parks are consistently rated among the best in the Southern Hemisphere. The Arcadia Chutes in Captain’s Basin are among the top spots for advanced and expert skiers.
Cardrona is about an hour from Queenstown and even closer to Wānaka, making it a great day trip from either town.
More Reading
- The Best South America Ski Resorts
- The Best Australia Ski Resorts
- The Best New Zealand Ski Resorts
- Where to Ski Around the World in Summer
Header image ©Valle Nevado
