Best Ski Resorts to Visit in Summer – Top Picks for Summer Ski Getaways

In this season, megeve opens access to amphitheater slopes, where hiking routes crown vertical peaks with stunning views. The town offers a lodge base that keeps you close to the town center and provides train options from europe’s major gateways. A balanced itinerary lets you climb gentle level trails during the day and savor a cozy evening in the class atmosphere that makes the stay memorable, with protected trails woven through the network. europe is well connected for day trips and longer itineraries alike.

For this year, beginners enjoy friendly, level trails, while bigger routes await experienced hikers. Local guides offer class programs and short train drills to fine-tune technique at higher altitude. When the afternoon heat hits, families head to nearby waterpark zones or the resort’s own pool, making this a flexible mid-year base that stays worth your time.

Beyond megeve, europe hosts other alpine towns that share a similar vibe: fancy lodges, a broader network of lifts opens in early season, and a plethora of guided hikes. Look for properties that offer more dining options, along with options for a waterpark day or a spa after a day on the ridges. This approach gives you a compact itinerary with this balanced mix of scenery, culture, and leisure, making the mid-year window a real value.

7 Best Summer Ski Resort Destinations in South America

Portillo, Chile, stands out as a prime start amid the warmer-season snow escapes in the americas. Its upper bowls deliver a perfect mix of long runs and dramatic views, and guided routes help newcomers and seasoned hikers alike. Check list: book early, confirm transfer from Santiago, and plan a day tour along the river valley with Crans-inspired apres-ski vibes. Throughout past seasons the vibe remained a winner in the americas, with maroon signage at the base and a train-friendly access.

• Portillo, Chile
  • Altitude around 3,300 m; extensive network of tracks, with a compact base surrounded by jagged peaks; views over the river valley.
  • Guided options available; need to book ahead; suited to adventurous travelers and hikers.
  • Powder can reach up to five feet on fresh mornings; late-light conditions yield dramatic photos.
• Valle Nevado, Chile
  • Near Santiago, three peaks connected by lifts; higher elevations above 3,000 m; expansive terrain across the zone.
  • Guided tours available; book a day with coaches; weather check at dawn.
  • Apres-ski parties are common; families and groups assemble for five-day itineraries.
• La Parva, Chile
  • Adjacent to the Valle Nevado cluster; high altitude; valley views; surrounded by pine forests.
  • Intimate vibe; suited to a guided day or a curated list of routes.
  • Moderate-circulation tracks; chances to hike in the late afternoon after a clean descent.
• Las Leñas, argentina
  • Major Mendoza hub; steep terrain, off-piste access, and long runs; high-altitude days bring powder up to feet.
  • Guided options and locals offer safety-focused tours; demand rises in the warm-season window; need to reserve ahead.
  • Surrounded by the Andes; river glimpses near the base lodge; nights often host parties and warm gatherings.
• Cerro Catedral, Argentina
  • Patagonia’s largest area; expansive network and long runs; scenery includes forests and snowfields; high vantage points for photo-op views.
  • Weather can be windy; hikers and photographers often talked about the dramatic past episodes and the calm after storms.
  • Guided options available; book early for peak days; check the base services in the valley.
• Chapelco, argentina
  • Neuquén region; forested slopes, gentle bowls, and a river valley below; moderate-high altitude; suitable for mixed ability groups.
  • Guided tours available; check list of routes; ideal for families and adventurous couples.
  • Sunlit afternoons create a maroon hue on signage and apres-ski gatherings; rides are easy to master for beginners (five minutes from base).
• Cerro Bayo, Argentina
  • Villa La Angostura area; smaller, but with scenic tracks, alpine lakes, and ski-in villages; surrounded by tall pines and water bodies.
  • Guided day trips with local guides; book a calm day or a more adventurous itinerary; hike-friendly zones nearby for after-slope strolling.
  • Cozy apres-slope options, with river views and a sense of accomplishment; potential for a five-day loop across the Valle region.

Bariloche (Cerro Catedral), Argentina – Summer slope conditions, best time to visit, and terrain highlights

Choose Cerro Catedral’s high bowl for a riding session between December and February; book a local guide and head up at sunrise to catch firm snow patches and quiet trails.

Snow on the upper zones can linger as patches into mornings; surfaces vary with wind and sun; north-facing shelves stay firmer, while lower trails shift to grass. Snowboarding is feasible when patches exist, while riding on exposed granite walls demands caution.

The prime window for alpine riding and scenery runs from December through February. Compared with valloire, squamish, tahoe, california, and europe, Bariloche presents a distinct mix of granite walls and Patagonian forests. This September can show firmer morning patches, but conditions vary year to year, so watch the forecast and be ready to adjust.

Terrain highlights include alpine bowls, granite walls, and forested zones; five marked routes offer diverse pitches and easy transitions between sun and shade. Between the high spots and the base area you get a mix of riding styles.

Five minutes by shuttle to the lifts from the village; local market stalls, area cafes, and home-stay options create a compact base. Found in the Patagonian area, the village offers local drink options after riding. Addition: biking and kayaking options on nearby lakes; parks and festivals punctuate the calendar, with presence of guides to help you know what to bring; vary your plan with weather this year.

Valle Nevado, Chile – Altitude, snow reliability, and family-friendly runs

Valle Nevado delivers high altitude snow reliability and family-friendly runs. A prime option where dependable conditions meet gentle, accessible pistes suitable to all ages.

Located above Santiago in the Andes, the valle zone commands dramatic mountain views with a lakeside feel around the base. The valle Nevado village centers on shops close to the lifts, while bells echo across the plaza. Italian-inspired cafés sit beside a pump network that keeps coverage solid during shoulder months. The gondola spine links the base to higher terrain, making adequate climbs into epic bowls easy.

Snow quality stems from altitude and a robust snowmaking program, with a pump network safeguarding coverage during shoulder periods. The experience remains amazing, with spectacular mornings and epic afternoons that invite exploring the mountain. Consistent conditions persist across many months, letting families cruise from gentle greens to longer blue runs with confidence.

Beginner zones span the lower slopes, while longer runs weave past gullies that suit those stepping up from basics. The course layout is clear, and aerial lifts deliver swift access to ridge viewpoints above the lakeside panorama, where lenas rock features punctuate the skyline.

Exploring Valle Nevado also means family-friendly activities beyond piste work. The zone offers ziplining, thrilling aerial sections, and an evenings program that blends stars with lights on the plaza. The zell atmosphere and Italian eateries paint the plazas with energy, bells chiming as shops stay open late and everyone finds a tasty bite after a day on snow.

Transport connections from Santiago are efficient, with year-round access and opens to the grand slopes. Nearby towns such as megeve and Chamonix are often talked about by guests as benchmarks, yet Valle Nevado maintains a distinct Chilean charm above the valley. Shops stay close to the gondola, gear stalls line the corridor, and the pace lets families move at their own rhythm. They can climb slowly, speed through groomed lanes, or enjoy lakeside strolls between runs.

nevado crest glows at dusk, amplifying the alpine ambiance during evenings.

Portillo, Chile – Iconic experience, top runs, and access tips

Recommendation: Arrive from Santiago via a morning transfer and start with the lower terrain to warm up, then progress to higher bowls as light strengthens.

Terrain and runs: The area blends black, blue, and red tracks with a spectacular backdrop of the nevado ridge and broad valleys. Expect exposed lines, long verticals, and ample opportunities to explore backcountry routes with a guide. Those who love alpine sport can sample off-piste opportunities above the tree line while others stay on groomed trails. Dining at the Portillo Hotel delivers hearty meals that sustain athletes; hydrate, eat well, and enjoy post-run drinking in the lounge. The scenery includes tellurides in the rock, and crans-like ridges appear on the far horizon.

Access tips: The drive from Santiago sits around 2.5 hours on clear roads; plan a pre-dawn start to maximize daylight. In-resort transport is straightforward; carry cash to cover lift tickets, snacks, and lounge services. Layer for altitude; nevado views reward the effort, and distant crans-like ridges add drama to the horizon. Watch weather shifts and adjust plans; train your body with consistent cardio to handle a long, high-altitude day. Drink water regularly to maintain performance and energy throughout the day.

Dining & après: Portillo’s dining hall is iconic, offering large buffets and robust hot drinks; there’s a social vibe that athletes love, with conversations about lines, routes, and meters of vertical completed.

Las Leñas, Argentina – High-adrenaline terrain, glacier features, and safety notes

Las Leñas offers high-adrenaline terrain with glacier-adjacent features and seracs that sculpt the skyline. Access to the mountaintop is via a gondola system, delivering spectacular aerial views across south-facing bowls and a full panorama of the range throughout the day. A sheltered spot near the base also serves as a quick regroup point for breaks.

Three main sectors vary in difficulty, delivering a classic mix: greens and blues for beginners, also long, steep lines for experienced riders. Tons of powder and heaps of exposed pockets create spots that demand precise turns and strong line choices; pick routes near the mountaintop to maximize light and minimize avalanche risk when visibility is good. That mix makes a winner trip for your crew.

Safety notes: glacier bowls hide crevasses that can open under fresh snow. Always wear a helmet and stay on marked trails; avalanche forecasts shift quickly, and backcountry access should be guided. Because weather can switch fast, descend early if visibility drops and carry extra layers for wind chill on high passes.

Amenities at base lodges include full-service accommodations, gear rentals, and italian flair in dining options. The history of the area reflects decades of mountaineering culture, and the whole atmosphere echoes a classic alpine vibe with a distinct south American character; compared to davos in the alps, the feel here remains singular. a guide arnold notes the best spots for powder and the most reliable lift lines, while the resort areas offer spots to relax after a day on the slopes; also, routes around the mountaintop provide an opportunity to scout for long-term skiing options.

Trip planning notes: to maximize your time, allocate three days, allowing for a relaxed pace and breaks at high-altitude huts. Road transfers from Mendoza or regional hubs are common; the route links several destinations with ample amenities and well-marked routes. Your crew should assess skills before attempting the steeper bowls, and you might want to book guides in advance to ensure a safe ascent to the mountaintop and a smooth descent. You could pair a day of lighter terrain with a late-afternoon summit to capture the golden light, and you should factor in a buffer day in case of weather.

Nevados de Chillán, Chile – Thermal pools, beginner-friendly zones, and off-slope activities

Parva hosts gentle green descents, then soak in outdoor thermal pools to reset legs.

Nevados de Chillán lies in the central Andes of Chile, with transport links from Chillán town that thread through valles toward the base. The terrain is divided into areas that suit every level: Parva for green runs with a lift-served beginner zone, a northstar learning slope dedicated to guided practice, and higher belts with more challenging descents. The south-facing slopes keep sun long into the day, while a palmer chairlift connects mid-mountain zones, and bariloche-style forests frame incredible scenery. because the layout separates green routes from steeper terrain, progression feels natural, and a multi-day pass unlocks access to the lifts, chutes, and guided routes.

Off-slope experiences extend the stay: outdoor thermal pools offer incredible relaxation after days on gentle runs, guided snowshoe treks cross the valles, and climbs up nearby ridges test shape and stamina. For experienced riders, chutes provide spectacular challenges, and snowboarding-focused sessions help push skills. The festival vibe in the village adds evenings with live music and markets, a showcase of the region’s character.

Overall, Nevados de Chillán delivers warm, beginner-friendly experiences with spectacular chutes and thermal amenities, a winner choice among families and solo travelers, becoming home to a growing festival scene. thats why transport links, valles, and days spent exploring make this mountain stand out against bariloche, crans, zermatt, and tetons as a compact, accessible option that still offers advanced terrain and incredible scenery.