South America Snow Conditions Roundup (6th July)

In South America, especially in Argentina, ski resorts don’t tend to provide very accurate information regarding snow conditions.

In fact, they rarely measure or carry official records about snow depths and total season snowfalls. When they do, these numbers are not always correct. Here is our quick summary of real snow conditions in the most important Chilean and Argentinean ski resorts, from Cerro Castor to Portillo.

SNOW CONDITIONS IN ARGENTINA

Cerro Castor

Snow covers the whole resort, and all slopes -except for Halcón Peregrino area- are open. However, due to the lack of recent snowfalls and some rain, trails are extremely hard, icy and fast. Snow is forecast for the next week, which is excellent.

Cerro Catedral

Even though Catedral, in Bariloche, was able to start its season on July 1st, skiing is only possible within the top area of the resort. Most of the superior lifts are open, but the wind has done its job and snow is very hard and icy. Also, as you arrive at the base of the top lifts, snow starts to get brown because of mud. It needs an urgent storm before things get worst. AOur Catedral Snow Forecast, Catedral predicts that this resort will get some snow during the next 9 days.

Chapelco

The temperature was the main problem for Chapelco over the last couple of days. The base area of the resort has absolutely no snow, while the top area allows some decent skiing. They need snow, and they need it now! You can check the snow forecast map for the area here.

Las Leñas

Almost all slopes (except for Caris, Ceñidor and Urano) are OK. But most of it is artificial snow. Forget about skiing off-piste, there are rocks and grass everywhere. No snow is forecast (except for a few inches on Sunday). Locals are starting to get worried, since school holidays in Argentina are getting closer, and the situation doesn’t seem to improve. Stay tuned to snow forecast here.

SNOW CONDITIONS IN CHILE

Nevados de Chillán

While they get ready for the Freeride World Qualifiers, Nevados de Chillán has a good amount and quality of snow. Additionally, they expect to get about 40 centimetres on Saturday, which will obviously help to keep the snowpack fresh.

La Parva, El Colorado and Valle Nevado

The resorts located at the Chilean “Three Valleys” area are, so far, the overall winners of the season. With a super-early season opening, they have a lot of hight quality snow. If you don’t believe me, just take a look at the following video, published yesterday by Eloy Rui on his Facebook account.

Portillo

Portillo is the #1 destination for non-South American skiers. It’s skiing -and especially it’s off-piste skiing- is very good, but even better is the context in which this resort lays. With its slopes sitting just next to a breathtaking lake, Portillo is an all-inclusive resort that never fails. Some snow fell earlier this week, so conditions right now are very good. Surprisingly, Portillo’s neighbour on the Argentinean side -Penitentes- is still waiting for snow so that they can open for the season.

Author’s note: When I say that Portillo is the #1 destination for non-South American skiers, I’m not talking about the number of visitors. Sometimes “big” does not mean “better”. And with this, I’m not saying that Portillo is actually better than any other resort. They are all just different. Portillo has a limited capacity of 400 guests, and that is -in fact- what makes it a special place (apart from it’s off piste skiing and amazing natural context).