South America Living

A Snowboarder Catching Some Air

Summer may be on its way in the Northern Hemisphere but winter is arriving in South America. The cost of skiing and snowboarding in the U.S. and elsewhere is notoriously expensive… yet still very reasonable in some areas of Chile and Argentina.

Note: High season for skiing and snowboarding is July through mid-August, low season rates are in June and mid August to September. Most resorts open in June and close in September or early October.

For a list of ski resorts with information on each view: Ski Resorts in South America

Top Budget Ski Resorts in Chile & Argentina

1. La Hoya, Argentina
   The low-cost alternative to Bariloche, La Hoya Ski Resort located just outside the city of Esquel is also home to the largest ski festival in Argentina – National Ski Festival (in September).

   High season runs from July 9th – 21st. Low season runs from opening in June – July 9th & September 5th to October 10th (end of season). The months inbetween are priced less than high season and a bit more than low season rates.

   2012 Low Season Full Day Pass = * pesos ($* USD)
   2012 High Season Full Day Pass = * pesos ($* USD)

   Note: Prices for 2012 are not yet listed on the website, waiting for email reponse. You can view 2011 prices here.   Click here to read more information about this resort.

2. Batea Mahuida Snow Park, Argentina
   Not only low cost, but with a season that extends from June to October. Located in Neuquén province near Pehuenia Villlage the park is operated by the local indigenous Puel mapuche community.

   High season runs from July 1st – August 22nd. Low season runs from opening in June – July 1st & August 23rd to end of season.

   2012 Low Season Full Day Pass = * pesos ($* USD)
   2012 High Season Full Day Pass = * pesos ($* USD)

   Note: Prices for 2012 are not yet listed on the website, waiting for email reponse. You can view 2011 prices here.   Click here to read more information about this resort.

3. Corralco Lonquimay Ski Resort, Chile

Located on the southern slopes of Volcan Lonquimay this small family-oriented resort has one off-piste lift and a short wait time – not many folks come for a visit preferring the larger (and more expensive!) resorts closer to Santiago. One of the few resorts with high season prices in September.

Note: Check the website for special deals… for July 4th-8th they were offering 2 full day pass tickets for 20,000 pesos (only $21 USD per ticket) or equipment and day pass for the same price ($43 USD).

High season is ALL weekends and the months of July and September. Low season is ALL weekdays (excluding the weekends which are full price) for the months June, August and October.

2012 Low Season Full Day Pass = * pesos ($* USD)
2012 High Season Full Day Pass = * pesos ($* USD)

Note: Prices for 2012 are not yet listed on the website, waiting for email reponse. You can view 2011 prices here.   Click here to read more information about this resort.

4. Volcán Osorno, Chile

   Located in Southern Chile near Puerto Varas this low-key resort offers downhill adventure at affordable cost.

   High season runs from July 2nd – not identified on website but most likely end of August. Low season most likely from end of August to end of season.

   2012 Low Season Full Day Pass = * pesos ($* USD)
   2012 High Season Full Day Pass = * pesos ($* USD)

   Note: Prices for 2012 are not yet listed on the website, waiting for email reponse. You can view 2011 prices here. &nbps; Click here to read more information about this resort.

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