South America Travel Tips: Part 1
For skiers willing to head south, South America offers the ability to ski powder big terrain and enjoy winter in the middle of summer.
Planning a ski trip to Chile or Argentina can feel overwhelming if you’ve never been. What destination should you choose? Resort or backcountry? Where should you stay? And what should you know before booking?
To help answer those questions, we turned to DPS athletes and ambassadors who have spent decades skiing in South America. In the coming weeks, we’ll be sharing tips and tricks we’ve learned from the Pros to help you plan your dream trip.
Here are a few tips from Chris Davenport, Andrew Rumph, and Caleb Merrill to help get you started with your trip planning.
Where To Go:
As a first step, DPS athlete Chris Davenport recommends deciding the types of terrain you want to ski.
After nearly 30 years skiing in South America, Davenport has narrowed his favorite destinations to Portillo, Chile and Las Leñas, Argentina, both known for steep terrain, off-piste access, and unforgettable skiing experiences.
“The reason I like these resorts is terrain.You can get away from the chairlifts and away from the people pretty easily and have fantastic terrain and a fantastic skiing experience.” - Chris Davenport, favorite ski: Kaizen 105
If you’re looking for lift-accessed side-country or traditional resort skiing, Portillo stands out.
DPS ambassador Andrew Rumph has spent more than a decade skiing there and calls it his go-to destination in South America.
“It’s super easy to backcountry ski there.You jump on the chairlift or slingshot lifts, take short hikes or traverses, and you’re out there really easily.” - Andrew Rumph, favorite ski: Lotus 112
Portillo offers steep chutes, open bowls, powder skiing, and excellent corn snow when conditions warm up, making it especially appealing for skiers who want a mix of resort access and adventurous terrain.
Meanwhile, Las Leñas is often known for its expansive terrain and iconic steep skiing in Argentina, making it another top choice for advanced skiers.
Where to Stay:
Lodging experiences vary depending on where you go.
In Argentina, destinations like Las Leñas and Bariloche offer a broad range of hotels and more traditional ski-town experiences.
In Chile, resorts near Santiago, like La Parva, Valle Nevado, El Colorado, and Farellones all offer additional lodging and terrain options.
Then there’s Portillo, one of the most iconic ski destinations in South America. Unlike larger ski towns, Portillo offers a more intimate, all-in-one resort experience, but availability is limited.
Planning a Backcountry-Focused Trip?
For those prioritizing ski touring, or a hybrid resort/backcountry experience, DPS ambassador Caleb Merrill recommends thinking about terrain, access, and elevation.
One of his biggest consideration is to find destinations where lifts can help you access higher terrain and extend your day.
"There are some great ski areas that offer single ride lift tickets, so you can get you bumped up and be able to start a tour at higher elevation, which just increases efficiency and allows you to get more skiing in!" - Caleb Merrill, favorite ski: Pagoda Tour CFL 94
One of Caleb’s top recommendations is Bariloche, Argentina, thanks to its mix of resort skiing, ski touring access, and mountain hut culture.
"You can ski tour from the ski area, go to a hut, get meals, stay the night, and have some amazing skiing from there," he says.
For skiers wanting something quieter and more off the beaten path, he also points to Cerro Bayo and areas farther south toward El Bolsón in Argentina.
Before You Book: A Few Final Tips
One theme came up repeatedly from our athletes and ambassadors: Book early!
South American ski destinations have become increasingly popular among North American and European skiers looking to extend winter. Flights, lodging, and resort availability can disappear quickly, especially at smaller destinations like Portillo. If you’re considering heading south this summer, start now!
