National Winter Festival in Ushuaia

Every July, Tierra del Fuego celebrates the start of the winter season with a public and free event that brings together tourists and residents to welcome winter at the “End of the World.”

The National Winter Festival is a deeply rooted provincial celebration in the hearts of the Fuegians, held for 24 years at the Cerro Castor ski resort.

As part of the festival, starting July 4th, events open to the general public take place at various winter centers and dining establishments, kicking off a week of festivities with live music, free classes, and tastings, inviting everyone to enjoy Fuegian winter.

On July 9th, the main event is held at Cerro Castor, featuring artistic skating and ice hockey demonstrations, tastings of Sabores Fueguinos, as well as games, artistic performances, ice and snow sculptures, and many more surprises.

The National Winter Festival encourages the celebration of the ice and snow season while also promoting the appreciation and care of nature. Each year, the event incorporates sustainable practices to preserve the region’s natural heritage.

The most anticipated moment is the traditional torch descent, where around 80 professional skiers glide down the Halcón Pelegrino slope, followed by the lighting of the cauldron, marking the grand finale of a festival filled with excitement and emotions.

A bit of history: 24 Years Celebrating the Start of Fuegian Winter

Explore the history and relive the most significant moments that shaped the National Winter Festival.

The first opening event of the Cerro Castor Ski Resort took place in 1999. Since then, to commemorate its anniversary on July 9th, the resort has hosted the Torch Descent, carried by instructors from its own school and the sports schools of Club AndiAno Ushuaia, descending at dusk along the Halcón slope down to the base of the mountain.

Starting in 2000, the Instituto Fueguino de Turismo (INFUETUR) created an event celebrating the Opening of the Winter Season, promoting snow tourism nationally and coinciding with the anniversary of Cerro Castor.

Over the years, community and tourism sector participation grew, making this event a central celebration marking the start of the season and the opportunity to enjoy various winter sports and activities on snow and ice in Tierra del Fuego.

In 2020, due to Covid-19 restrictions, the event was not held. In 2021, a hybrid edition called “Fiesta del Invierno Fan de la Nieve 2021” was broadcast on TV Pública Fueguina and social media for the entire province, without a live audience, complying with national and provincial health regulations.

In 2022, the Provincial Winter Festival took place, bringing together national and international tourists as well as local residents at the southernmost ski resort, welcoming the new season with heartfelt recognitions, entertainment, and a grand finale featuring the national rock band Estelares.

This edition was declared of provincial interest through decree 1622/22, becoming one of the most widely attended events, with multiple family-friendly activities.

On February 8, 2023, this traditional celebration of Fuegian winter was officially declared a National Festival by Resolution 28/23 of the Ministry of Tourism and Sports of Argentina. Consequently, on July 8 and 9, 2023, the first edition with national status was held, celebrating the excitement inspired by snow, ice, and cold for all Fuegians.

Over the years, public institutions at both provincial and national levels, as well as private companies, have joined the festival, providing organizers (INFUETUR and Cerro Castor) a platform to promote local tourism, gastronomy, and winter centers.

The event is widely promoted through local and national media, social media of Argentine and Brazilian influencers, and exclusive broadcasts by TV Pública Fueguina, including coverage on Digital Terrestrial Television (TDA) and TV Pública Nacional.

Special Recognitions

Since 2019, each edition of the festival includes awards recognizing athletes and instructors in winter sports, highlighting Fuegians representing the province in national and international competitions.

Additionally, athletes who train on Tierra del Fuego slopes are acknowledged for promoting the destination and for the excellent quality of its slopes and associated services.

Tourism and sports are closely linked, and this event beautifully combines the region’s tourist attractions with its passion for winter sports.