Why 2026 Is the year to Ski in South America & the Emerging Regions to Watch
In the Winter Olympic years, skiing naturally enters the global spotlight. As fans watch the world’s best athletes compete, many do not realize that some of those same skiers spend their summers training in the Andes. That connection is part of what makes skiing in South America especially compelling in 2026.
With reliable winter conditions during the Northern Hemisphere summer, improving infrastructure, and access to terrain used by elite athletes, South America continues to attract both professional and recreational skiers. From classic skiing in Chile and Argentina to quieter backcountry zones in Patagonia, South America skiing offers a rare combination of timing, scale, and authenticity.
summer skiing in the andes
See where olympic skiers train in the summer
During Olympic cycles, many national ski teams head south to maintain snow time during the Northern Hemisphere off season. The Andes offer long winters, high elevation terrain, and consistent conditions, making them a natural training ground for elite athletes.
“Not only will you see them training but there are chances to meet them, dine with them and apreski with them especially in Portillo, Valle Nevado, Corralco and La Parva where the guests really have the opportunity to get to know each other,” says David Owen, PowderQuest owner and founder. “I have even spent time in the gym and Portillo`s famous hot tub with Mikaela Shiffrin, simply by coincidence, haha.”
Several ski resorts in South America have hosted World Cup events or served as training bases for Olympic skiers over the years. Resorts like Portillo, La Parva, Corralco in Chile and Las Leñas in Argentina are well known within the racing and freeride communities for their terrain quality and snow reliability.
For recreational skiers, this means something simple but powerful. When you ski Chile or ski Argentina, you are skiing the same mountains and conditions that help shape Olympic level athletes, just without the crowds or pressure of competition.
Global attention without Olympic level crowds
Olympic years naturally drive interest in skiing, but South America still feels refreshingly uncrowded. Even at the best ski resorts in South America, lift lines are manageable, midweek skiing is relaxed, and terrain beyond the lifts remains wide open.
For skiers inspired by Olympic performances and looking to translate that energy into real snow time, South America offers space to explore, improve technique, and ski at your own pace.
Value and access still favor early planners
Compared to many Northern Hemisphere resorts, ski resorts in South America continue to offer strong value, especially for travelers who plan ahead. Lodging, guiding, and food costs remain competitive, and early booking helps secure preferred dates during peak winter weeks.
With interest growing around Olympic years, 2026 is an especially good time to lock in trips early, before demand pushes pricing higher.
The Best Ski Resorts in South America, And Where to Go
Skiing in Chile, consistency and variety
Chile has long been a hub for elite training thanks to its high-elevation terrain and snow consistency. Resorts near Santiago are frequently used by international teams during the Northern Hemisphere summer.
For travelers, this translates into excellent conditions and infrastructure. For skiers looking to sample multiple areas in one trip, PowderQuest’s Guided All Mountain Resort itinerary provides a broad introduction to Chile’s top ski resorts, combining lift-served skiing with cultural highlights.
Those looking for a mix of resort skiing near Santiago will also find excellent options with the Chile Central Andes Ski Tour, which blends classic Chile skiing in Farellones, Portillo, and Santiago with access to quieter terrain.
For a more backcountry-focused experience, the Chile Central Backcountry Ski Tour offers guided ski touring in the Central Andes, allowing skiers to explore beyond the resorts while benefiting from local expertise and terrain knowledge.
Skiing in Argentina, big terrain and diverse experiences
Skiing in Argentina brings a different energy. Resorts are expansive, terrain is bold, and conditions often suit strong skiers. Las Leñas, in particular, is known within competitive ski circles for its steep terrain and long fall lines.
For travelers wanting a broad overview of the country’s major ski zones, PowderQuest’s Guided All Mountain Ski Resorts trip covers some of the best-known areas in a single itinerary.
Las Leñas, in particular, continues to attract advanced skiers seeking steep lines and serious terrain. PowderQuest’s Las Leñas Backcountry Ski Tour focuses on accessing terrain safely with experienced guides.
For skiers inspired by Olympic freeride performances, this type of terrain offers a direct connection between watching and doing.
Emerging Ski Regions in South America to Watch in 2026
Beyond the headline destinations, 2026 is also about discovery. Several regions are quietly gaining attention as access improves and guiding operations expand.
Lift-assisted backcountry in the Southern Andes
Outside the main Chile ski resorts, the southern Andes offer extensive lift-assisted touring terrain that remains lightly skied. These zones allow skiers to maximize vertical while still reaching remote bowls and long descents.
Trips like PowderQuest’s Southern Chile Snow Adventure highlight how combining lifts, touring, and local knowledge opens up terrain far beyond resort boundaries.
Patagonia skiing, quieter and more remote
Patagonia skiing has long appealed to skiers seeking solitude and dramatic landscapes. Historically, access limited its popularity, but that is changing. Improved roads, better accommodations, and more organized guiding are making Patagonia more approachable.
In Argentina, Bariloche has become a gateway to this style of skiing. PowderQuest’s Bariloche Backcountry Adventure blends resort skiing with backcountry touring around Bariloche, offering a balance of accessibility and exploration.
Why Choose PowderQuest for Your South American Ski Tour
PowderQuest has been operating ski trips in Chile and Argentina for decades, with deep roots in the regions where Olympic athletes train and explore during the Northern Hemisphere summer. Their itineraries are designed around small groups, experienced guides, and flexibility to adapt to conditions.
By combining resort skiing, backcountry touring, and cat skiing, PowderQuest creates trips that mirror how professional skiers approach their seasons, balancing efficiency, terrain quality, and recovery.
Whether you are inspired by Olympic skiing or simply looking to extend your season, PowderQuest offers some of the most refined and experience driven ski South America programs available
Ready to Ski South America in 2026?
Olympic years remind us why skiing captivates us in the first place. In 2026, you can take that inspiration and turn it into real turns, in the same mountains where elite skiers train during the summer.
Whether you are planning skiing in Chile, exploring argentina ski resorts, or venturing into Patagonia, 2026 is an ideal year to go. Improved access, manageable crowds, and a growing range of trip styles make this one of the most compelling seasons yet.
Explore PowderQuest’s full collection of Chile and Argentina ski trips and start planning your next winter, even if it happens in July.