Author: Lic. Ramiro Rodriguez

Ushuaia: the longest winter season in South America.

ski in ushuaia

Table of Contents

The longest winter season in South America gives you the opportunity to ski and snowboard in Tierra del Fuego from June to September.
The southernmost stretch of the Andes Mountains extends into southern Tierra del Fuego, offering winter sports enthusiasts an ideal setting to enjoy snow and adrenaline.

Ushuaia has a first-class ski resort just a few kilometers from the city, along with a wide range of accommodations for a comfortable stay. Transfer services connect the city with the mountain centers located in the Valle de Tierra Mayor, where winter is experienced to the fullest with activities, excursions, local cuisine, and the snow-covered peaks of Cerro Bonete and Cerro Alvear.

For experienced alpine skiers and snowboarders, the slopes of Cerro Krund are perfect for spectacular descents. The most challenging of all is the Cóndor slope, with a vertical drop of 2,500 meters. One of the most exciting experiences offered by the Cerro Castor ski resort, where this slope is located, is the so-called “Heli-ski board”, which involves a helicopter transfer to the mountain summits.

Those who wish to learn how to ski can rent equipment and take lessons at this resort or at the Ushuaia Ski School, located in the Martial Glacier Nature Reserve, just a few kilometers from downtown Ushuaia.

Ushuaia has the distinction of being designated the “National Capital of Cross-Country Skiing” and every year hosts important international events held in the Valle de Tierra Mayor. The provincial cross-country ski trail (PIPEF) runs through this area and connects several winter centers along its more than 20 kilometers of extension.

Fire & Snow: A Winter Experience in Ushuaia

Fire & Snow: A Winter Experience in Ushuaia

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  • Ushuaia

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Cerro Castor: the ultimate guide

Cerro Castor, located just 26 kilometers from the city of Ushuaia, is the southernmost ski resort in the world and offers a unique winter sports experience in Tierra del Fuego. The resort features a wide variety of slopes suitable for all levels, from beginners to advanced skiers and snowboarders. Its modern facilities include ski lifts, rental services, and professional ski schools, making it accessible for both first-time visitors and experienced athletes.

Skiers can enjoy alpine skiing on meticulously maintained trails, challenging descents like the famous Cóndor slope, and even off-piste adventures through heli-skiing. For those who prefer a slower pace, Cerro Castor also offers cross-country skiing routes that connect to the surrounding Valle de Tierra Mayor, allowing visitors to explore the stunning Patagonian landscapes.

With a season that extends from June to September, Cerro Castor provides the longest winter sports season in South America, combining snow-covered mountains, breathtaking views, and a full range of amenities for an unforgettable skiing experience at the “End of the World.”

Details:

  • Location: 26 km from Ushuaia city center, at the southern tip of Tierra del Fuego, Argentina.

  • Altitude: 195 meters at the base to 1,057 meters at the summit.

  • Season: June to September, offering the longest winter season in South America.

  • Type: Alpine ski resort with slopes for all levels, snowboard parks, and cross-country trails.

Winter & Ski in Ushuaia – 3 nights

Enjoy a wonderful 3-night ski package in Ushuaia

Winter & Ski in Ushuaia – 3 nights

Slopes and Trails

  • Total skiable area: 28 km of marked trails.

  • Beginner slopes: Gentle inclines perfect for learning or family skiing.

  • Intermediate slopes: Wider trails ideal for cruising with moderate difficulty.

  • Advanced slopes: Steeper slopes for skilled skiers, including the Cóndor slope with a 2,500-meter vertical descent.

  • Snowboard park: Dedicated areas for freestyle and tricks.

Penguin Colony, Lighthouse & Coastal Gems: Beagle Channel Adventure

Penguin Colony, Lighthouse & Coastal Gems: Beagle Channel Adventure

Discover penguins, Punta Paraná, and a forest lunch on this scenic Beagle Channel adventure.

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From Price: USD 299

Special Experiences

  • Heli-ski / Heli-board: Helicopter transfer to the mountaintop for off-piste descents — perfect for adrenaline seekers.

  • Cerro Krund: The most challenging area of the resort for advanced skiers and snowboarders.

  • Cross-country skiing: The resort connects to the Valle de Tierra Mayor, featuring trails of varying difficulty and the provincial cross-country ski circuit (PIPEF).

Tierra del Fuego National Park, Train of the End of the World and Penguins

A wonderful 3-night program to enjoy the best of Ushuaia, the city of the end of the world

Tierra del Fuego National Park, Train of the End of the World and Penguins

Services & Amenities

  • Ski school: Professional instructors available for all levels.

  • Equipment rental: Full rental services for skis, snowboards, boots, and safety gear.

  • Restaurants & Cafés: Mountain lodges offering warm meals, drinks, and scenic views.

  • Transfers: Shuttle services from Ushuaia city center to the resort.

 

Other Activities

  • Snowshoeing and trekking in nearby trails.

  • Ice skating at the base rink.

  • Scenic photography opportunities with snow-capped peaks and panoramic views of Tierra del Fuego.

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Tips for Visitors

  • Dress in layers, including waterproof outerwear, gloves, and hats.

  • Check snow conditions daily, especially for off-piste activities like heli-ski.

  • Beginners should take lessons before attempting intermediate or advanced slopes.

  • Combine your visit with Ushuaia’s other winter attractions: Martial Glacier, Beagle Channel cruises, and local cultural events.

Trekking and Canoeing Adventure in Tierra del Fuego National Park

Trekking and Canoeing Adventure in Tierra del Fuego National Park

Explore the stunning landscapes of Tierra del Fuego National Park with this exciting tour that combines trekking and canoeing.

  • Ushuaia

From Price: USD 165

Cross-Country Skiing in Ushuaia: The Ultimate Guide

Ushuaia, the southernmost city in the world, is a unique destination for cross-country skiing, offering a combination of pristine Patagonian landscapes, long winters, and well-maintained trails. The region’s winter season extends from June to September, making it the longest winter sports season in South America.

Unlike alpine skiing, cross-country skiing focuses on endurance and technique, allowing skiers to explore flat and rolling terrains while enjoying breathtaking scenery. The main hub for cross-country skiing is the Valle de Tierra Mayor, where trails wind through lenga forests, open steppe, and along frozen streams and lakes.

The provincial cross-country ski trail (PIPEF) stretches over 20 kilometers and connects several winter centers, offering routes for beginners, intermediate, and advanced skiers. Beginners can take lessons from local ski schools, while experienced skiers can tackle longer loops and more challenging circuits.

Equipment rentals are available in Ushuaia, including skis, boots, and poles, making the sport accessible even for those traveling without their own gear. Local guides and instructors provide training and safety tips, ensuring a safe and enjoyable experience.

ski in ushuaia mesa de trabajo 1

Cross-country skiing here is not just a sport — it’s an immersive way to experience the natural beauty of Tierra del Fuego, from snow-covered mountains and forests to panoramic views of the surrounding landscapes. Mountain lodges and refuges along the trails offer hot drinks, meals, and rest stops.

For those who enjoy adventure, cross-country skiing in Ushuaia can be combined with snowshoeing, wildlife spotting, or even alpine skiing at nearby Cerro Castor. Annual competitions and local events highlight the city’s vibrant winter sports culture.

Whether you seek a relaxing glide through snow-covered forests or a vigorous workout over long trails, cross-country skiing in Ushuaia provides an unforgettable experience at the “End of the World.”

Full Snow Day in Ushuaia

Full Snow Day in Ushuaia

A full-day winter program that blends soft adventure and Patagonian scenery.

  • Ushuaia

From Price: USD 350

August 18, 2025

Lic. Ramiro Rodriguez

Sales & Marketing Manager at Visitushuaia.com & RipioTurismo

Lic. Ramiro Rodriguez

Sales & Marketing Manager at MiniTrekking.com & RipioTurismo

25 years working in the travel market, as Sales & Marketing Manager at RipioTurismo, Marketing Manager at Nuevas Ideas Travel Consulting Group. Writer and travel lover.

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