Winter in Argentina is fun! There are many exciting things to do in Argentina during its winter months (June, July & August) – but skiing and snowboarding are the activities that beat them all. More importantly, the slopes are in their best conditions during the time when the Northern Hemisphere is sweltering with steamy temperatures. The Andes Mountains is the place to get you “Endless Winter” on.
It is the south and the west of Argentina that become epicenters of touristic activity. Thousands of visitors seeking snow capped mountain peaks and cozy fire places of country cabins flock to these destinations to get away and play in the snow.
In the south, Ushuaia becomes the center of winter fun. This picturesque town of crisp air, crystal clear waters and beautiful mountains is also known as “The End of the World”. The nickname comes from the location of the city. It is situated on a wide bay in the province of Tierra del Fuego, and it is the southernmost town in the world.
The main attraction of the city is not within its limits, but in the surrounding mountains. Cerro Castor is home to the southernmost ski resort in the world and has the longest ski season in South America (June to October). The resort has 5 chair lifts with 23 trails for all levels and offers such activities as alpine skiing, 
snowboarding (downhill and in the Snow Park), sledding, and snowshoeing. The services are among the best and include rental equipment facilities, ski school, cafeterias, mountain huts and a ski lodge.
Once you get to Ushuaia, you should stay for several days and discover all it has to offer. Wandering what else there is to do besides the slopes? How about husky sleigh riding, or ice climbing! Experienced guides and instructors at Gray Line Argentina will assure the good times as well as your safety.
It is also worth mentioning that Ushuaia is a duty free zone, and shopping might be an activity to consider once you are down at the “End of the World”. San Martin Street (not the waterfront) is the main drag of the city where you will find the majority of the shops and restaurants.
To warm up and recharge your energy there is a variety of cafes and dining options in Ushuaia. The local specialty is “centolla” – a spiky looking crab with delicious white meat that just melts in your mouth. These are some of the best places to try this delicacy – Tia Elvira´s, Gustino Restaurante, Chez Manu and Kalma Resto, among many others.
Hotel options in Ushuaia are also plentiful, but our pick is between these three – Los Cauquenes 5*, Lennox Ushuaia 4* and Los Yamanas 3*.
Further up north, hidden in the middle of mountainous Patagonia sits the famous town of San Carlos de Bariloche, or simply Bariloche. It is one of the most picturesque places to visit in the region, especially during Argentine winter. Bariloche, first settled by Mapuches Indians, then concurred and repopulated by Spanish Conquistadores and later Argentines, and finally taken over by ski and mountain lovers, is perfectly situated directly at the foot of Cerro Catedral and surrounded with pristine lakes and wooded mountains ranges. The panoramic view of the lake Nahuel Hapi from the summit café of Cerro Catedral´s ski resort is absolutely breathtaking, making you feel like you are literally standing on top of the world. Your Argentina tour will not be complete without visiting this stunning area!
Catedral Alta Patagonia Ski Resort is one of the biggest ski centers in South America with an elevation difference of 755meters, 32 different ski lifts and 50 trails to explore! This ski area offers a great variety to gratify everyone with a high percentage of its runs of green and blue category. Non-skiers can choose between sledding, tubing, snowmobiling and snowshoeing to spend their days at the Catedral. Slope conditions during the season are usually very good and at its peak the snow can get as deep as 5.9 meters.
Taking a sightseeing tour around town is recommended to learn about the history of the region and to 
discover the hidden corners of this quaint place. You will find that many restaurants, hotels and residential buildings in Bariloche are constructed with wood logs (mostly Patagonian cypress) and look like fairyland hobbit houses. This style of regional architecture really adds to the charm of the city and cannot go better with the natural beauty of Argentine Patagonia.
Here are our picks for hotels in Bariloche: Llao Llao 5*, Design Suites 4* and Dazzler Bariloche 3*.
In the west it is the province of Mendoza that shines with beauty and excitement for anyone traveling in Argentina. A short flight from Buenos Aires, Mendoza is a true breath of fresh air literally and figuratively. Surrounded by spectacular Andes Mountains, and laced with hundreds of famous 
wineries Mendoza is charming and thrilling whether you are there to explore its bodegas, or its fantastic ski resorts.
Located to the south-west of the city of Mendoza Las Leñas, also known to be “The Aspen” of South America, is a world class ski resort and is the place to be seen in the winter months. You will find all of the services and activities you would expect at a Ski Mountain of this caliber, from spotlessly groomed slopes, to ski schools, spas, restaurants and luxury accommodations. Skiing at Las Leñas during Argentine winter will remind you of the Alps with its sunny skies, great snow and perfect service. The ski area has 27 runs and is diverse enough for skiers of all levels, and its longest maximum non-stop skiable distance is about 7 kilometers. Las Leñas is also the biggest ski resort in South America as far as its total ski area reachable by land.
If you are looking for something a little more exhilarating and adrenaline-generating during your Argentine adventure try riding through the untouched powder in the back country. Las Leñas is the unquestionable paradise for extreme expeditions and helicopter skiing and snowboarding. Gray Line travel professionals can assist with setting up your trip with accommodations, transfers and all other logistics.
Recommended hotels: Esplendor 5*, Huentala 4* and Argentino 3*.
This quick overview, obviously, does not exhaust the list of ski resorts and winter activities in Argentina, however it gives you a little taste of what you can find once you are down south in Argentina during winter. Come to see Argentina and find out its treasures for yourself!
