Late spring marks the end of the ski season in North America, but it marks the beginning of the ski season for Southern Hemisphere ski resorts. As North America ski resorts are ramping up their mountain biking operations, Southern Hemisphere ski resorts are starting their ski operations. The ski season in the Southern Hemisphere typically kicks off by mid-June, and it can continue as late as October at some ski areas.
While powder chasers probably think of Chile and Argentina when they think of Southern Hemisphere ski resorts, there are a number of resorts dotting New Zealand and Australia, too. Chase winter around the world with our guide to the largest ski resorts in the Southern Hemisphere.
The Biggest Ski Resorts in the Southern Hemisphere
The Largest Ski Resorts In Chile
Valle Nevado, Chile
Valle Nevado, located 90 minutes from Santiago, is one of the most expansive ski areas in Chile. The resort is part of Tres Valles (Three Valleys), which includes La Parva and El Colorado. Together, the 3 ski resorts make up 7,000 acres of skiable terrain. Not only is Valle Nevado one of the largest ski resorts in the Southern Hemisphere, but one of the highest, with a base elevation that’s just under 10,000 feet, and a summit at 12,041 feet. Valle Nevado has 17 lifts and 2,657′ of vertical drop, and boasts a healthy mix of beginner, intermediate, and expert terrain, with some of the best terrain found in the back bowl near the Ancla lift. If that’s not enough, Valle Nevado also has world-class heliskiing and an extensive backcountry area.
Valle Nevado is one of South America’s most developed ski resorts, giving off a European feel, and featuring tons of restaurants and lodging options. It’s no wonder why it’s rated the no. 1 overall resort in Chile by OnTheSnow users. Skier and riders on the Power Pass can enjoy 7 free interconnected days at Valle Nevado and La Parva.
» Check out lodging options at Valle Nevado.
La Parva, Chile
La Parva is a little closer to Santiago than Valle Nevado, making it a great option for a day trip. Spread across 15 lifts with a 3,022′ vertical drop, La Parva features a ridge that’s likened to the famous Aspen Highlands, offering a wide-range of terrain. Steep chutes can be found on the south-facing La Chiminea, Cerro, and La Cara, while there are still plenty of groomers and beginner runs for those who are looking for something more chill. On average, August tends to see the most snow. La Parva has just under 1,000 acres of lift-served terrain, however, combined with Valle Nevado, skiers and riders have access to 5,000 acres of skiable terrain. The headliner is La Parva’s 200,000 acres of heliskiing terrain.
Mountain Capital Partners recently announced that it had entered an agreement to purchase La Parva, adding it to the Power Pass, along with Valle Nevado. Power Pass and Power Pass Select members can enjoy 7 free interconnected days between the two ski areas.
» Check out lodging options at La Parva.
The Largest Ski Resorts In Argentina
Cerro Catedral, Argentina
Cerro Catedral, first opening in 1938, is both South America’s oldest and most developed ski resort, and one of the only true ski towns in Argentina. Located in Argentina’s Lake District, this resort is known for having tons of snow, great tree skiing, and excellent off-piste terrain. Catedral has made investments in modern lifts and snowmaking cannons to elevate its experience across its 3,000 acres. Advanced skiers and riders can head to the La Laguna section of the resort, which provides the most adventurous terrain, and access to backcountry skiing. Cerro Catedral’s summit features wide-open snowfields perfect for big turns.
Cerro Catedral Resort’s base is a true full-service village, home to more than 20 restaurants and bars. Popular spots include La Roca for traditional Argentinian dishes and El Living Del Almacén for comfort food with a more relaxed vibe.
» » Check out lodging options at Cerro Catedral.
Las Lenas, Argentina
Las Lenas, located in the Mendoza province, opened in 1983 with one hotel and one of the longest slopes in the world. Today it’s one of the largest ski resorts in the world, with an incredible 43,000 acres (17,500 hectares) of skiable terrain, though most of that is off-piste. Las Lenas has a vertical drop of 3,904 feet, 15 lifts, and trails for every type of skier and rider, from wide-open runs with good pitch to park zones to bump zones to easy cruisers and more. Much of Las Lenas’ advanced terrain can be found off the Marte double chair. Las Lenas historically sees the most snow in July, while it often stays open into October.
Las Lenas has three high-mountain restaurants, a full casino, and a museum. OnTheSnow users rate it the no. 1 all-mountain terrain resort in Argentina and no. 2 for après-ski.
» Check out lodging options at Las Lenas.
The Largest Ski Resorts in Australia
Perisher, New South Wales
Perisher Ski Resort, boasting more than 3,000 skiable acres over 7 peaks in Kosciuszko National Park, is one of the largest and most popular ski resorts in Australia. It’s often one of the first ski resorts to open in Australia, typically opening by mid-June, and remaining open until October. OnTheSnow users rate Perisher as one of the top family-friendly ski resorts in Oceania, which in part is thanks to it having the largest tubing area in all of Australia. Perisher has four villages spread out across the resort, Perisher Valley, Smiggin Holes, Guthega, and Blue Cow, each with their own ski areas. Skiers and riders can enjoy night skiing at the Front Valley slope.
» Check out lodging options at Perisher.
Thredbo, New South Wales
While Thredbo, with 1,200 skiable acres of skiable terrain, doesn’t have the vastness that Perisher has, it boasts some of the most challenging terrain and longest runs in Australia. The Supertrail Run is a real leg burner at 3.7 km (2.2 miles) long. Thredbo, too, has the most vertical in Australia, with nearly double the amount of vertical of any other resort at 2,205′. Like Perisher, Thredbo is also located in Kosciuszko National Park, situated on the Great Divide Range in New South Wales. From the Kosciuszko Express chairlift, guests can access Australia’s highest point.
Thredbo is a true destination ski resort, so there are tons of activities, ski-in and ski-out lodging, restaurants, a complete ski school, guided tours, and Australia’s only 8-person high-speed lift. Unique to Thredbo is the fact that some of the best beginner runs are close to the summit. Thredbo is rated the no. 1 resort for all-mountain terrain, intermediate terrain, and terrain parks in Oceania by OnTheSnow users.
» Check out lodging options at Thredbo Alpine Resort.
The Largest Ski Resorts in New Zealand
Whakapapa, North Island
While New Zealand ski resorts don’t have the acreage of North America’s largest ski areas, they offer some great terrain, plenty of vertical, and stunning views. When you ski at Whakapapa, on the slopes of Mt. Ruapehu, your lift ticket also includes access to neighboring Turoa, featuring 1,235 skiable acres and the largest vertical in New Zealand at 2,368′. Whakapapa sits on the northwest slope of Ruapehu, spread across 1,359 acres with 2,198′ of vertical. Combined with Turoa, that’s 4,500 feet of vertical. Beginners can enjoy Happy Valley, a self-contained area for beginners with a rental shop and food.
Don’t miss Knoll Ridge Chalet, named Design Curial’s Best Designed Café in the World in 2015. Ride more than 6,500 feet above sea level over Mt. Ruapehu’s volcanic terrain, and then enjoy food, drinks, and stunning views at the top.
» Check out lodging options at Whakapapa.
Cardrona, South Island
Cardrona is a great family-friendly New Zealand ski area with tons of wide-open beginner and free-ride terrain over 1,150 skiable acres. Its summit sits at 6,102 feet, providing spectacular views of South Island, while its terrain park is consistently rated as one of the top terrain parks in the Southern Hemisphere. Cardrona’s elevation allows for excellent snow retention, making it one of the best ski resorts in New Zealand for powder skiing. Captain’s Basin Arcadia Chutes are among the top spots for advanced and expert skiers. Check out popular restaurants at the base like Base Cafe, Mezz Cafe, Juice and Java, and Captain’s Pizzeria after a day of skiing or riding. Cardrona is just an hour from Queenstown, making for a great day trip.
Come winter 2025, Cardrona will become the largest ski resort in New Zealand with the development of new ski terrain. The 6-person Soho Basin Express lift will open up an extra 370 acres of new terrain.
» Check out lodging options at Cardrona.
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January 19, 2025
