The 2026 ski season in South America has arrived.
While it has been a dryer autumn and start to the winter compared to normal, NOAA officially declared the onset of El Niño on June 11, a climate pattern that has historically favored above-average snowfall across portions of the central Andes and South American ski areas throughout the winter months, July to September.
Official opening dates for the South America ski resorts are updated below as they are released by the major ski resorts; snow conditions dependent. Bookmark this page and check back often for updates.
Chile Ski Season: 2026 Opening Dates For Chile's Main Ski Resorts
Ski season in Chile generally starts in June. When snow comes early, a few resorts will attempt to open in May. When autumn snowfall is delayed, sometimes resorts will open as late as mid to later-July. The best time to ski in Chile is mid-July to mid-September.
Valle Nevado: June 19, partial opening. Vaiven, Gondola, Prado, Carrusel, Mirador and Andes Express ski lifts now open.
Corralco: June 23 open
El Colorado: June 27, partial opening.
La Parva: June 27, beginner zone and La Parva Chica zone.
Nevados de Chillan: June 29, beginner zone.
Portillo: July 4, partial opening for hotel guests only.
Trip planning?
Learn more about all the Chile ski resorts including how to make a trip happen this year.
Discover the best ski tours in Chile
Argentina Ski Season: 2026 Opening Dates for Argentina's Main Ski Resorts
Similar to Chile, Argentina ski season usually starts in June. We have seen some ski seasons in Patagonia start as early as late May and some seasons, mid to later July.
Cerro Bayo: June 13 open
Catedral Alta Patagonia (Bariloche): July 6, beginner zone only
Chapelco: July 11
Las Lenas: July 11
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Argentina ski resorts
Argentina ski tours
When do Ski Resorts in South America Close for The Season?
On a good South American ski season, ski resorts do not close until late September to mid-October. On occasion the ski season in southern Chile can stretch well into November. In fact 2020, Antillanca ski resort near Osorno, Chile remained open until November 29th.
Don’t miss our top 5 pick for Andes skiing without the crowds.
We suggest visiting from late July to mid September for the best resort skiing. Backcountry can be outstanding through October. Come November however, maybe it’s time to save your $ and start your planning to go ski in Japan next winter that has forever been on your trip list.
Check out the short video from La Parva resort in Chile to get an idea of what summer skiing is like in South America.
Pro Travel Tips
Learn about the local ski resorts, including honest resort reviews, when to go, and how to make it happen in the popular and recently updated: