Luxury Ski Lodges Patagonia
With undiscovered backcountry, reliable snowfall, snow-covered volcanoes and secluded lodges, Patagonia is the ideal destination for a luxury ski holiday.
Luxury Ski Holidays in Patagonia
Found in the southernmost part of South America shared by Argentina and Chile, Patagonia spans 260,000 square miles encompassing arid steppes, grasslands and deserts as well as glacial fjords and temperate rainforests. The best time to visit Patagonia for a luxury ski holiday is from June to October with snow conditions typically at their best from July to September. As you go further south, the longer the ski conditions tend to last and it is possible to enjoy ski touring into October.
Together, Chile and Argentina have over 20 ski resorts catering for all levels of skiers. One of the most popular resorts in the region is Cerro Catedral Alta Patagonia, just 12 miles from the city of Bariloche. With plenty of remote corners to explore, Patagonia is also a dream heli-ski location with jaw-dropping scenery, steep couloirs, open bowls and untouched powder to explore.
1 Chalets & Apartments in Patagonia
- Patagonia
Rio Palena Lodge
Patagonia, Chile
Facilities
What the Press are Saying
"Once you reach the large lakefront house, with its wooden suites, sauna huts and wraparound terrace for sunset pisco sours you won't mind how long it took to get here..."
Luxury Lodges in Patagonia
If you are looking for a secluded retreat, then look no further than Rio Palena Lodge, the ultimate ski lodge in a remote corner of Patagonia. Surrounded by the awe-inspiring Andes mountains, the lodge gives you access to a number of incredible activities from hiking, mountain biking and white water rafting to guided-heli-skiing and more.
Skiing in Patagonia
Patagonia is a vast region starting at the southern tip of South America and making its way north spanning two countries, both Chile and Argentina. Patagonia is such a diverse region with the Argentine side featuring arid plains, mountains, grasslands and deserts whilst the Chilean side is home to glacial fjords and temperate rainforests.
When it comes to skiing in Patagonia, this vast section of the Andes mountain range does not disappoint. Whilst skiing in South American Patagonia may be somewhat of a second thought for many, both Chile and Argentina are home to many well-connected ski resorts with impressive scenery and incredible snow conditions.
Ski resorts in Patagonia
In total there are 26 ski resorts of various sizes across both Argentina and Chile. On the Chilean side, El Portillo offers world-renowned skiing with long-groomed runs and incredible backcountry access. One hour east of the capital Santiago sits the “Three Valleys” of La Parva, El Colorado and Valle Nevado providing diverse terrain all under one multi-resort ticket. It is also worth mentioning the luxury Chilean ski resort of La Parva which caters for the local and international elite and has mainly intermediate runs.
On the Argentinian side, the most recognised ski resort is Cerro Catedral Alta Patagonia. With over 120 km of ski piste, 36 lifts and a vast backcountry area there is terrain to suit everyone. Located in the North East of Argentinian Patagonia in the province of Neuquén is the resort of Chapelco. The resort caters well to both beginners and thrill-seekers looking to score incredible powder runs and with a max height of 6463 feet above sea level, the views are jaw-dropping.
What is the snow like in Patagonia?
Winter generally runs from June to October with the best conditions found between July to September. Being closer to the Atlantic, Chilean Patagonia sees large snow storms and generally slightly wetter snow. As the storms dump over Chile and continue over the Andes to Argentina the higher elevation brings lighter and dryer snow. Higher elevations across Patagonia lend themselves to longer seasons for those looking to experience the thrill of heli-skiing or backcountry touring and splitboarding.
Heli-Skiing in Patagonia
The heli-ski season in Patagonia can often extend well into November, increasing the season by at least a month. Patagonia has a wide variety of terrain with something to suit everyone. With wide open bowls, long glacier runs or steep alpine descents, a heli-ski experience in Patagonia is not to be missed. For a once in a lifetime heli-skiing experience in Patagonia we would suggest a stay at the Rio Palena Lodge where the dedicated team fly you directly from your luxury lodge to an endless selection of incredible Patagonian heli-ski terrain.
How to have the perfect luxury ski holiday in Patagonia
- Enjoy a freshly prepared local breakfast at Rio Palena Lodge before heading off in your private helicopter for a day of heli-skiing.
- Your experienced guide and pilot will fly you directly to epic open bowls, steep couloirs, and mellow glacier runs, taking in between 6-10 unforgettable runs per day.
- Following a jam-packed day on the mountain, return to Rio Palena Lodge and unwind in the wood-fired sauna or hot tub to soak any tired muscles.
- When evening falls, become immersed in local culture and cuisine as the Rio Palena Lodge chefs cook an unforgettable meal with locally-grown produce. Relax with a perfectly paired fine Chilean wine as you listen to the rushing sounds of the nearby Palena river.
Location & Map
Patagonia is a large region at the bottom of South America encompassing both Chile and Argentina.