The Andean Mountain Range is absolutely massive. Yet despite being the longest mountain chain in the world, all the ski resorts in the Andes Mountains are located in just two South American countries; Argentina and Chile.
Both nations host a mix of ski destinations from rustic, off the beaten path ski fields to modern, world class international resorts. The Andes ski season runs from June through September with some ski resorts and backcountry areas operating well into October.
Stellar Andes Skiing and Snowboarding Without The Busy Lifelines
After skiing The Andes for 2 decades, we truly love skiing in South America and have found some true gems. While July is generally busy due to local school holidays, here are our top 5 ski areas with little to zero lift lines in August and September.
Portillo Ski Resort, Chile
Portillo Ski Resort is the number one Andes ski resort without the crowds. In fact, we have never waited in a lift line for more than a minute. Most of the time you can ski right onto the ski lifts.
How is this possible considering Portillo is one of the most popular ski resorts in the Andes? With 1235 acres to ski, 14 ski lifts and a maximum of probably no more than 500 skiers on a given day, finding a lift line is a challenge. A rarity in this day and age.
Portillo’s 3 ski-in/ski-out hotels max out at only 450 guests per week and day visitors are rarely surpass 50-100 skiers as it is not the easiest ski area to get to. When the conditions are right, Portillo offers some of the best skiing in the Andes.
153 km / 95 miles from Santiago airport
Portillo ski resort packages >>
Corralco Mountain and Ski Resort, Chile
Chile’s youngest ski area, Corralco Ski Resort is tucked away in the heart of the Malalcahuello National Reserve in remote Southern Chile on the skirts of the Lonquimay Volcano.
Featuring 7 ski lifts, including the Volcan Express chair installed in 2024, the quiet destination is quickly gaining popularity as an alternative to the busier ski areas in Central Chile. Don’t worry. Despite the growth, lift lines are non-existent outside of local holidays and some weekends.
The inbounds terrain, backcountry touring access and consistent snowfall certainly warrant a visit. With a modern hotel and spa on site, 4450 skiable acres and unique volcanic terrain, intermediate to advanced skiers and snowboarders looking for an alternative ski vacation in The Andes should pin Corralco Mountain and Ski Resort on their map.
151 km / 94 miles from Temuco airport
Don’t miss this lift assisted backcountry trip visiting Corralco >>
La Parva Ski Resort, Chile
The highest Andes ski destination on the list, topping out at just under 12,000 feet, La Parva Ski Resort in Chile packs a punch with 15 lifts, fast groomers and powder filled bowls covering roughly 1000 acres. Expert skiers and snowboarders will love the tight chutes and hidden wind features found throughout the quiet ski area.
When the famous Andean winds hits, the ski lifts shut, but the resort is often able to stay partially open due to their infrastructure of surface lifts (t-bars) and rope tows.
La Parva neighbors with busier El Colorado and Valle Nevado ski resorts. The 3 ski combined forms South America’s version of the Three Valleys. In theory you can link and ski all 3 destinations in one day, but if no lift lines is your priority, it’s hard to leave La Parva.
74 km / 46 miles from Santiago airport
Guide trip visiting La Parva >>
Cerro Bayo Ski Resort, Patagonia Argentina
Out of our top 5 crowd-free ski resorts in South America, 4 areas are located in The Chilean Andes. While the Andes of Argentina are home to some amazing ski areas (some of our favorite in fact), Cerro Bayo Ski Resort is the unicorn for low crowds and short lift lines once the July school holidays end.
Come for the skiing, stay for the views. Far from the bustle of Cerro Catedral in Bariloche, Cerro Bayo ski area features 16 ski lifts and views of the surrounding national parks and Lake Nahuel Huappi that truly make you aware just how beautiful Patagonia really is. Open bowls, tree skiing and a small village at the base area which will take you back in time.
78 km / 49 miles from Bariloche airport
Guided Trip visiting Cerro Bayo >>
Nevados de Chillan Ski Resort, Chile
Last on the list, Nevados de Chillan Ski Resort with 13 lift accessing roughly 25,000 skiable acres. While it certainly is growing in popularity, especially with Brazilian tourists, you can generally avoid the crowds and lift lines outside of the local holidays and most weekends.
Snow coverage and conditions wise, August and September is prime time to visit and despite the lift-lines that do form on the rustic Don Otto Chairlift on a powder day, you can usually jump right on to most lifts after your run down one of numerous long groomed or off-piste powder runs.
Oh did we mention Chillan boasts hot spring pools, the longest groomed ski run in the Andes and that you’ll be skiing on a smoking Chilean volcano?
165 km / 103 miles from Concepcion airport
Chillan Ski Packages >>
Guided Trip to Chillan with local ski guides >>
That’s a wrap up of 5 ski areas in the Andes where you can ski crowd free outside of 3 day holiday weekends and July’s peak winter holiday. While there are obviously other Andean ski resorts with little crowds, the skiable terrain and amenities are more limited, making for 1-2 days of skiing before you begin to repeat the same runs.
Our list above will keep you and your friends entertained and exploring for a week or more. Plus, if you are willing to earn your turns, all destinations are great gateways to expansive backcountry touring terrain. If you do decide to venture beyond the ski resort boundaries, be sure to go with a partner, the right equipment, and good communications or join a guided ski touring trip with certified international ski guides.