{"id":5282,"date":"2025-03-30T22:21:45","date_gmt":"2025-03-30T22:21:45","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/blog.theblyde.com\/?p=5282"},"modified":"2025-03-30T22:21:45","modified_gmt":"2025-03-30T22:21:45","slug":"south-american-winter-sports-in-july","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/blog.theblyde.com\/?p=5282","title":{"rendered":"South American winter sports\u2026 in July?"},"content":{"rendered":"
\n

South America is known for its tropical rainforests, sunny beaches, and iconic destinations like Machu Picchu and the Galapagos Islands; nonetheless, the southern continent is much more. Most of us haven\u2019t thought about the exhilarating snow-covered wilderness of the June-to-October winter months of the southern hemisphere.<\/p>\n

\n
\"\"<\/figure>\n<\/div>\n

It might surprise you that there\u2019s an amazing selection of exhilarating winter season sports and activities here, especially in the majestic Andes Mountains and the untamed Patagonian region. On the southern continent, you can snowboard and ski, and climb glaciers or ice formations among breathtaking, often untouched landscapes \u2013 and usually without hordes of tourists running into each other like in Europe or North America.<\/p>\n

Whether you\u2019re an adrenaline junkie or a nature lover, South America will keep you busy hitting the slopes, exploring the icy wilderness, or simply getting away from the increasingly intolerable heat of the northern summer.<\/p>\n

Below, we\u2019ve highlighted the top winter sports activities in South America and the best places across the continent to enjoy them.\u2003<\/p>\n

Resort-based skiing and snowboarding: Where \u2018going south\u2019 is a good thing<\/h2>\n

In terms of winter activities, skiing and snowboarding are clearly two of the most popular on the planet, and South America delivers top-tier experiences for both.<\/p>\n

\n
\"\"\"\"<\/figure>\n<\/div>\n

Located in the world\u2019s longest mountain range, the Andes, modern ski\/snowboarding resorts offer world-class facilities with access to high-altitude and deep-powder slopes. In addition, they accommodate a broad spectrum of adventurers at various skill levels, from relative newbies searching for a groomed slope to experts seeking deep snow and powdery descents.<\/p>\n

On the continent, the best-known ski resorts (ones like Valle Nevado and Portillo in Chile and Cerro Catedral and Las Le\u00f1as in Argentina) are top destinations when it comes to hitting the pistes for your downhill rush.<\/p>\n

Located on those pristine slopes, luxury resorts such as the Portillo boast alpine lodges feature private fireplaces, gourmet dining, and paradisaical spas. Some lodges even offer heated outdoor pools, personal ski butlers, exclusive apr\u00e8s-ski lounges, out-of-this-world trekking, and ultramodern fitness centers \u2013 all set against breathtaking mountain backdrops.<\/p>\n

For chasing snow year-round, think South America for your next skiing and snowboarding adventure.\u2003<\/p>\n

Backcountry skiing and heli-skiing: Learn the ABCs (\u201cAlways be carving\u201d)<\/h2>\n

Many seasoned skiers look for even more thrills by escaping the confines of traditional resorts. They find that adventure activities like backcountry skiing, snowboarding, and heli-skiing are right up their alley. To experience these, skiers make their way to natural, ungroomed, unmarked wilderness areas, well away from the spruced-up grounds of ski lodges.<\/p>\n

In these remote areas of the Andes Mountains, they find their own paradise in long, steep descents. Away from the crowds, the backcountry offers untouched powder and pristine landscapes. Here, one can create a connection to nature deeper than what\u2019s possible back at a resort.<\/p>\n

\n
\"\"\"\"<\/figure>\n<\/div>\n

Nevertheless, because of the terrain\u2019s unpredictability, given unknown snow depths, avalanche risks, and unanticipated cliffs, backcountry skiing requires more skill, knowledge, stamina, and equipment. Despite this, it\u2019s all worth it to veteran skiers anxious to break from the crowd and carve their own tracks through untouched snow.<\/p>\n

Some of the best South American backcountry skiing on earth \u2014 such as with travel companies like Andes Heliboarding \u2014 can be found and thoroughly enjoyed in Chile. Heli-skiing literally takes skiing adventure to new heights as skiers fly out by helicopter to distant, otherwise unreachable, mountain sites. Carefully selected drop-off locations are chosen in advance after the snowpack has been evaluated to confirm its safety. At these locations, a helicopter can safely land and allow all members to exit. (This runs counter to the persisting misconception that skiers somehow jump out of the airborne helicopters to land onto steep and dangerous slopes).<\/p>\n

Once carefully dropped off at a predetermined site, the small group of skiers will be led by highly skilled professional guides who strive to minimize any risks associated with this activity. This allows skiers\/snowboarders to enjoy the natural environment and the infinite joy of heli-skiing with a feeling of security.<\/p>\n

At the site, you\u2019ll then watch the bird take off, each skier feeling the percussive thump of the rotors in their chest. After kneeling in the snow with everyone shielding their faces from the blast of wind and swirling snow, silence soon rushes upon your group. From that moment on, you\u2019ll practice your stem turns and eventually carve your way through knee-deep powder, delighting in the long descents down some of the most stunning slopes on earth.
For the ultimate backcountry skiing adventure, think South America.\u2003<\/p>\n

Ice climbing in South America: Where it\u2019s not the summit that matters, but the ascent<\/h2>\n

If someone\u2019s asked about winter sports in South American, at best they\u2019ll come up with the idea of skiing. It\u2019s hard to imagine that the rather obscure sport of ice climbing would come to mind. Nevertheless, this activity is slowly popping up as an attraction to cool-blooded outdoor enthusiasts in search of new challenges.<\/p>\n

For those unfamiliar, ice climbing is a suspense-filled adventure sport that consists of \u2014as its name implies\u2014 scaling walls of frozen water. For this, the climber relies on an arsenal of specialized items; equipment such as harnesses, modern ice axes, ice-gripping crampons, rope lines, helmets, belaying devices that serve as a safety brake on ropes, and deep-penetrating ice screws that can remain firmly bolted into the ice in case of a fall. But more than tools, the sport demands both strength and technical precision. These qualities allow the climber to scale their objective safely and successfully.<\/p>\n

\n
\"\"\"\"<\/figure>\n<\/div>\n

The \u201croutes\u201d or walls for ice climbing vary significantly. These include anything from seasonally frozen waterfalls and permanently frozen alpine couloirs (mountain crevices) to ice-covered rock faces and even large hanging icicles.<\/p>\n

Though you might be surprised, some of the world\u2019s most demanding and rewarding opportunities for ice climbing can be found in South America. This is thanks to South America\u2019s towering Andes, its enormous yet snail-paced glaciers, and frigid Patagonian weather.<\/p>\n

Indeed, Patagonia offers ideal conditions for ice climbing. In this vast area, experienced climbers dream of Argentina\u2019s Cerro Torre Mountain and Chile\u2019s Torres del Paine National Park. Further north, however, Peru\u2019s Huascar\u00e1n mountain and Ecuador\u2019s dormant Cayambe Volcano also promise unforgettable high-altitude ice-climbing experiences.<\/p>\n

In short, the thrill of ice climbing in combination with the beauty of South America and its exotic cultures makes the continent an awe-inspiring must-visit destination!\u2003\u2003<\/p>\n

\n
\n
\n

Everything you need to plan your trip in 2024<\/h2>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n

Snowshoeing and cross-country trekking:
Where the journey\u2019s as compelling as the destination<\/h2>\n

For those looking for an adventure in the continent\u2019s winter wilderness \u2014 but at a more relaxed, one-step-at-a-time pace \u2014 snowshoeing and trekking through South America\u2019s stunning landscapes is a peaceful and immersive way to experience it.<\/p>\n

When on a trekking adventure through areas of deep snow, hikers are kept from sinking thanks to wide, modern, lightweight snowshoes. These allow travelers to make their way across the deepest snow covers to reach even isolated areas where they can enjoy the sheer beauty of the continent. Also, snowshoes are great for beginners and young families wishing to discover South America\u2019s winter wonderland since the shoes require almost no training.<\/p>\n

\n
\"\"\"\"<\/figure>\n<\/div>\n

Snowshoeing and trekking in general can help reveal the breathtaking nature of Patagonia. So where are some of the best spots? We\u2019re always drawn to El Chalt\u00e9n, Argentina\u2019s trekking capital. Here, you\u2019ll have your pick of countless trails meandering through snowy foothills. But there\u2019s also the almost legendary Torres del Paine National Park in Chile\u2019s Patagonian region, as well as Peru\u2019s Ausangate peak and Bolivia\u2019s Cordillera Real. All of these are dream-like worlds for astonishing hikes over snow-covered terrain.<\/p>\n

Far off from traditional and well-worn tourist routes, the wild side of South America\u2019s winter wilderness can be experienced by those willing to lace up their boots, strap on their snowshoes, and head out on a brisk morning trek across newly fallen snow.<\/p>\n

South American glacier trekking: Walking in a winter wonderland<\/h2>\n

Glacier hiking is the exploration of massive, snail-paced flows of ice by walking across, climbing inside, scaling up, or rappelling down these frozen goliaths. Through glacier trekking \u2014 which includes elements of mountaineering, ice climbing, and snow trekking \u2014 adventurers can witness some of the planet\u2019s most stunning, surreal and ethereal environments.<\/p>\n

\n
\"\"\"\"<\/figure>\n<\/div>\n

Unlike cold-weather South American sports enjoyed during the Southern Hemisphere\u2019s June-September winter, the safer and more comfortable season for South American glacier hiking is actually during the December-through-March summer months. During this season, glaciers are \u201cdry\u201d (with little or no snow), which allows trekkers to more easily identify hazards such as gaping crevices in the ice through which they could fall. You can also more easily avoid jagged house-sized pinnacles of unstable glacier ice called \u201cseracs.\u201d All this is to say, it\u2019s generally considered safer to hike along such dry glaciers.<\/p>\n

The best South American glacier trekking sites include the Perito Moreno Glacier, a crown jewel of Argentina; along with the Grey Glacier, located in Chile\u2019s famed Torres Del Paine National Park \u2013 experiences you\u2019ll never forget\u2026\u2003<\/p>\n

Andean mountaineering: Conquer the continent\u2019s range of peaks<\/h2>\n

Spanning seven countries to form the longest mountain range on the planet, the Andes is South America\u2019s most famous landform. Extending close to 4,500 miles across the continent, it\u2019s home to the world\u2019s tallest mountains outside of Asia. <\/p>\n

Given the sheer abundance of mountains and volcanoes found here, it\u2019s easy to understand why the Andes hosts so many incredible mountaineering destinations. What\u2019s more, the continent\u2019s mountains are vastly different, boasting a range of options for mountaineers of every skill level.<\/p>\n

The Andes\u2019 smaller peaks are ideally suited for first-time climbers. Modest peaks here in Ecuador serve as the perfect spot for people looking to learn all the necessary skills to become a mountaineer. The post-card-perfect Cotopaxi Volcano, for example, requires a relatively low level of technical abilities. Added to the fact that it\u2019s located just outside of Quito, the country\u2019s capital, Cotopaxi is one of the most popular mountaineering destinations for travelers en route to the country\u2019s Galapagos Islands.<\/p>\n

\n
\"\"\"\"<\/figure>\n<\/div>\n

In terms of more intermediate climbing challenges in Ecuador, there are the Cayambe and Chimborazo mountains, which are more challenging due to their steep slopes and their area\u2019s unpredictable weather. (As a side note, Chimborazo\u2019s summit is technically the highest point on the planet. Its peak is the farthest point from the center of the Earth due to the planet\u2019s spheroidal shape. This means a climber can brag to friends they\u2019ve conquered a mountain higher than even Everest.)<\/p>\n

Still, South America\u2019s most difficult mountain is generally considered to be Cerro Torre. Situated on the border between Argentina and Chile in the Southern Patagonian Ice Field, its technical and challenging ascents up sheer walls of rime ice and granite rock pose real challenges to even expert climbers.<\/p>\n

So, whether you\u2019re simply seeking a new adventure, or you\u2019re a budding novice climber or an expert alpinist, South America has something in store.\u2003<\/p>\n

Winter kayaking in Patagonia: Connecting with nature to find inner peace<\/h2>\n

Though we usually picture temperate rivers or calm lakes when we think of kayaking, winter kayaking presents an opportunity to paddle amid an icy region\u2019s most dramatic scenery.<\/p>\n

\n
\"\"\"\"<\/figure>\n<\/div>\n

During the Southern Hemisphere\u2019s frigid June-to-September months, the waters turn icy, tourism slows, and the summer crowds thin out. Those who remain are mainly paddlers. Though they\u2019re able to explore the striking frozen landscapes, one of the greatest attractions of winter kayaking is its sense of peace and solitude.<\/p>\n

While many travelers might delight in the wintertime of, say, Iceland or Maine, plenty travelers head to the other half of the world to experience the unique character and solitude of South America\u2019s winter waters. Travel here comes complete with elements of adventure, unique wildlife, and jaw-dropping beauty that\u2019s not so easily experienced elsewhere.<\/p>\n

No matter if you\u2019re an experienced kayaker or a curious beginner, this winter adventure is one you won\u2019t soon forget.\u2003<\/p>\n

The takeaway: South America, an overlooked gem for winter adventure<\/h2>\n

Take it from me (the pride-filled guy in red in the photo below): South America is a paradise for adventure travelers.<\/p>\n

\n
\"\"\"\"<\/figure>\n<\/div>\n

The continent offers a whole host of activities set among the world\u2019s most beautiful and incredible winter-season landscapes. For those who would love to carve fresh tracks in the Andes, scale ice walls in Patagonia, or trek across the vast Chilean glaciers, South America\u2019s winter destinations are experiences that can live in your memory forever. The continent possesses a perfect mix of rich modern facilities, natural beauty, and thrilling sports activities that should place South America at the top of any adventurer\u2019s list of June-to-October \u201cwinter\u201d travel destinations.<\/p>\n

<\/p>\n

\n
\n
\n
\n
\n
\"\"\"\"<\/figure>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n
\n
\n

Alfonso Tandazo<\/h3>\n

Alfonso Tandazo is President and CEO at Surtrek Tour Operator. Surtrek Tour Operator is a well-established firm, specializing in custom-designed luxury tours in Ecuador, the Galapagos and throughout the rest of South America. If you would like to be a guest blogger on A Luxury Travel Blog in order to raise your profile, please contact us.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n

<\/p>\n

\n
\n
\n
\n
\n
\n
\n
\n

Did you enjoy this article?<\/h3>\n

Receive similar content direct to your inbox.<\/p>\n

Please enable JavaScript in your browser to submit the form<\/p>\n

<\/noscript><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n

<\/div>\n

Source: https:\/\/www.aluxurytravelblog.com\/2025\/03\/30\/south-american-winter-sports-in-july\/<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

South America is known for its tropical rainforests, sunny beaches, and iconic destinations like Machu Picchu and the Galapagos Islands; nonetheless, the southern continent is much more. Most of us haven\u2019t thought about the exhilarating snow-covered wilderness of the June-to-October winter months of the southern hemisphere. It might surprise you that there\u2019s an amazing selection […]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":5283,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[22],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-5282","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-travel"],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/blog.theblyde.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/5282","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/blog.theblyde.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/blog.theblyde.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/blog.theblyde.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/users\/1"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/blog.theblyde.com\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fcomments&post=5282"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/blog.theblyde.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/5282\/revisions"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/blog.theblyde.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/media\/5283"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/blog.theblyde.com\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fmedia&parent=5282"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/blog.theblyde.com\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fcategories&post=5282"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/blog.theblyde.com\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Ftags&post=5282"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}