My Best Trip: An Amazing Winter Day in Ushuaia

I had always wanted to fully enjoy winter—not just practice alpine skiing, perhaps one of the most traditional activities, but also experience cross-country skiing, explore snowy landscapes on husky-pulled sleds, and even take a snowmobile ride. Ushuaia is a fantastic place for that, and the Tierra Mayor Valley is the ideal setting. So I organized a full-day excursion to enjoy the snow with my family in this remote corner of the planet.

Departure from Ushuaia to Tierra Mayor valley

We set off early, with that dry cold that instantly clears your mind. Ushuaia was still asleep, but the landscape was already alive: snow-covered mountains, soft smoke rising from houses, and that crisp, clear sky so characteristic of winter in Tierra del Fuego. The transfer to the park was short, but enough to shift into a different rhythm. As we moved forward, the forest began to take center stage—snow-covered lenga trees, white paths, and a sense of isolation that hinted at what was to come.

Husky Park

Husky Park is perfectly prepared to enjoy winter and the snow. There’s everything you need, and from the main lodge—where we are warmly welcomed—the various activities are organized. First, it was time for the huskies and their wonderful sleds.

Dog sledding: silence in motion

As soon as I arrived, the main protagonists made themselves known. Huskies are active dogs, and as we were told, they truly love running across the snowy terrain. They were ready, full of energy and excitement that quickly becomes contagious

.

After a brief explanation, we settled into the sled. And within seconds, everything changed.

The start is powerful, but what follows is pure harmony. The sled glides effortlessly, almost floating over the snow, in a perfect teamwork between the lead guide and the group of dogs. The sound is minimal: the glide, the breathing, an occasional command from the musher.

 

The forest closes in around us, forming a natural tunnel. The setting is fascinating—the winter blankets Tierra Mayor Valley in white, creating the perfect environment for these activities. The ride lasts about 15–20 minutes and is a deeply sensory experience. Silent and truly enjoyable.

Back at the lodge, a warm coffee awaits us while we prepare for the next activity: snowmobiling.

Snowmobile: adrenaline at the end of the world

After the calm, comes the contrast of engines. We gear up with helmets and goggles and set off on a fantastic snowmobile ride. At first, it feels technical—managing balance, acceleration, and control—but within minutes, everything flows naturally. Just a few instructions from our guide were enough to understand how these vehicles work, specially adapted to move over snow.

The route is spectacular and incredibly fun. Trails wind through the forest, with open sections where you can accelerate, and gentle curves between snow-laden trees. The cold hits your face, but it’s all part of the experience.

In some areas, the landscape opens up to reveal pristine, untouched white mountains. In others, the trail becomes more technical, more exciting. What’s fascinating is how your perception changes: on the sled, you observe the landscape… on the snowmobile, you move through it with adrenaline. Yet in both cases, there is a deep connection with the snowy environment.

You feel like going for another round—but it’s time to get ready for the next activity. The sky is bright blue, and we’re enjoying a truly perfect day in Tierra del Fuego.

 

Snowshoeing: the rhythm of the forest

The final part of the day slows things down again.

We put on snowshoes—much lighter than I expected—and begin to walk. With every step, you feel the crunch of the snow beneath your feet, a soft, steady sound accompanying you.

The forest, which had been a setting for movement, now becomes the true protagonist. It’s a beautiful place, with countless trees covered in snow.

We walk at a steady but unhurried pace, following our guide who sets just the right rhythm. In the distance, I see a group of people practicing cross-country skiing—a sport so different from alpine skiing, more like walking with skis that lift off the heel, allowing forward motion. They disappear into the vast white landscape as we continue in the opposite direction.

At times, we stop—not to observe something specific, but simply to feel the surroundings. The silence is absolute, broken only by distant sounds or a gentle breeze through the trees.

It becomes an introspective experience.

After the adrenaline of the snowmobile and the emotion of the sled, this feels like the perfect ending—a way to process everything we’ve experienced.

 

The refuge

Back at the lodge, it’s time to rest and recover. Some children and adults are also enjoying the slopes with small sleds—another activity available here. Everything revolves around enjoying the snow.

But now it’s time for warmth: something hot to drink, and a moment to take in the feeling of having lived a complete winter day.

Final comments

What makes this day special is not just the variety of activities, but how they come together:

• The sled connects you with nature through silence

• The snowmobile adds energy and dynamism

• The snowshoes invite you to slow down and observe

Three different ways to experience the same environment.

And in Ushuaia, where everything feels more intense, this combination works perfectly.

As I return to the city, with the forest once again guiding the way, I’m left with a clear thought: to truly experience winter in Ushuaia, in all its expression, spending a full day in Tierra Mayor Valley with its wide range of activities is an excellent choice.

---

Did you enjoy my article? Feel free to share your thoughts with me. I’m here to help: info@ripioturismo.com