It’s ski season in the Andes Mountains, and things are finally starting to fill in. The Southern half is a great way to get some powder turns in during your offseason!
The snowpack in the Andes is as inconsistent as it gets. Some years it is blessed with constant snow cycles, and other years, resorts struggle to open for the season. But every so often, the Andes are blessed with storms that drop hundreds of inches of snow in a matter of days. Here are some of the deepest years on record in the Andes Mountains:
Historical Snowfall
1965
On August 9 and August 16, 1965, a storm that moved in from the Pacific Ocean dumped nearly 20 feet of snow on the Chilean Andes, triggering avalanches that destroyed entire towns. By the time the storm had ended seven days later, Ski Portillo had lost every chair lift on the mountain.
2015
One of the largest snowstorms in South American history swept through the Andes Mountains of Chile and Argentina in early June 2015, dropping up to 10 feet of snow in just seven days. The storm closed the Los Libertadores Pass between Santiago, Chile, and Mendoza, Argentina, for 15 days. Totals on the Los Libertadores Pass were over 13 feet deep.
2020
While the world was shut down in the summer of 2020, Chile was experiencing one of its best winters in decades. Mendoza City, Argentina, recorded five feet of snow, the highest amount ever recorded in the city that early in the season, according to the Argentine National Weather Service. Corralco in Chile registered snow totals over 13 feet during the first week of July. Experts have said that this is the most snow Argentina has ever seen this early in the season.
Best Snow in the South
Ski Portillo, Chile Â
Average Snowfall: 320 inches
Elevation: 8,360–10,860 feet
Located in the Andes Mountains of Chile, near the legendary Lake of the Inca, Ski Portillo is renowned for its steep and expert terrain, similar to that of the Alps. Ski Portillo’s treeless terrain combines lengthy groomed runs with big mountain skiing. There are runs for all skill levels, but it caters exceptionally well to the advanced skier. There are only 500 hectares (1,235 acres) of terrain in-bounds, but Portillo boasts a good amount of side-country.Â
Nevados de Chillan, ChileÂ
Average Snowfall: 272 inches
Elevation: 5,053–10,538 feet
Also located in the Andes Mountains of Chile, Nevados de Chillan is about five miles up the hill from the town of Las Trancas. It’s one of the largest ski resorts in South America, offering over 10,000 skiable acres and the option to hike up to the summit of Vulcan Chillan at 10,535 feet for a 5,280-vertical-foot run.
Cerro Catedral, ArgentinaÂ
Average Snowfall: 187 inches
Elevation: 3,639–7,149 feet
Catedral Alta Patagonia is a well-known ski resort located near Bariloche in the Patagonia region of Argentina. It includes over 3,000 acres of riding and has the largest lift-accessed ski terrain in South America. The Catedral terrain park is one of the largest and most established parks in all of South America. The southern side of the mountain offers access to the resort’s backcountry, featuring steep chutes, open bowls, and cliff bands.
Las Leñas, ArgentinaÂ
Average Snowfall: 167 inches
Elevation: 7,349-11,254 feet
Las Leñas Resort boasts some challenging terrain, which is why it attracts professional skiers from around the world. With more than 18,000 acres of skiable terrain, Las Leñas is one of the biggest ski resorts in South America. What makes Las Leñas special is the Marte Chairlift, a slow double chair that gives you access to 3,936 vertical feet at an elevation of 11,254 feet. It’s a real playground for experts.
South America is home to the longest mountain range on Earth. The Andes receive big snow and are home to some of the world’s highest mountains outside the Himalayas, along with some of the best skiing opportunities. The South American powder machine runs during the Northern Hemisphere’s hot summer months, so if you’re looking to rip powder in July, you have to get down there.Â
