More South American Ski Areas Open After Up To 2m/80” Of Snowfall

The snowfall was a little late coming but the past week has brought up to two-metres (80”) of snowfall to the Andes leading most of the ski areas in Chile to open now for their 2025 seasons.

Ski areas in Chile have had the lion’s share of the snowfall with Nevados de Chillan reporting remarkable two meters (80”) of fresh powder in the past seven days. It opened for the season on Wednesday. 

All major Chilean ski resorts are now open or about to with famous resort Portillo posting 85 cm (33”) of snowfall ahead of its scheduled opening day on Saturday, June 21.

First to open, a week ago, was Valle Nevado, which has since had 109cm, (43”) of snowfall. The linked areas of La Parva and El Colorado in the Tres Valles are also now open having enjoyed similar snowfalls this week.

Unfortunately, the snowfall has not yet been as generous in Argentina and most areas there remain closed whilst they await more.  Cerro Bayo has opened a beginner area but not its full slopes yet. Caviahue reported a big snowfall but said it needs another before it can open. South America’s largest ski area, Cerro Catedral near Bariloche, is also yet to announce and opening date.

It is a fast-improving picture though with PowderQuest reporting Las Leñas has had 50cm (20”) and “likely double that at elevation” and says it will open a week on Saturday, June 28th confirmed.

20-40cm (8-16") snowfalls are forecast in the region through the weekend.