2026 Ski Season in the Andes Readies For Launch

by admin in RSS Social News. Posted May 14, 2026

The ski season in the Alps and North America is winding down, with just a few dozen centres still open in the northern hemisphere. But the start of winter is just a fortnight away south of the equator and ski areas in Australia, the Andes, New Zealand and southern Africa have already had their first snowfalls and fired up snowmaking systems.

As skiers look for ways to extend their season and rediscover winter, special snow travel company PowderQuest has unveiled their 2026 “menu” of guided trips with departures from July to October in the heart of the Andes.

The company offers specialized itineraries across Chile and Argentina, blending Andean culture, welcoming hospitality, and unforgettable landscapes. Their packages provide a full South American snow menu, from self-guided itineraries at major resorts like Chile’s Portillo, to hut‑to‑hut traverses and cat skiing to remote backcountry and resort‑based lift assisted tours.

David Owen, founder of PowderQuest, says, “If you’ve never skied in South America, you’re missing out. It’s an experience that goes beyond the skiing, big, uncrowded terrain, dramatic Andean landscapes, and a culture that’s completely distinct from North America or Europe.”

One of PowderQuest’s unique offerings is the Chile Volcano Touring trip, a surreal volcano‑to‑volcano backcountry tour deep into the Andes. Skiers get to ski Volcano Lonquimay and Volcano Villarrica, amongst other secret gems, carving descents in some of the most pristine terrain. During the evenings, guests enjoy cozy local lodges, soaking in a mineral hot spring after a long day, and delicious cuisine paired with select Chilean red wine.

In Argentina, the Hut‑to‑Hut Ski Touring Traverse in Patagonia provides variety from fresh powder to corn skiing and, if daring enough, stellar chutes. Located just outside of Bariloche, access to remote terrain in one of Argentina’s oldest parks, Nahuel Huapi National Park. Guests experience technical touring and the cozy refugio culture. Starting and finishing at a hotel in Bariloche skiers link terrain from Catedral ski resort out to Refugio Frey Hut for two nights and Refugio Jacob Hut for three nights then back.

For those seeking a trip without the commitment of big backcountry days and shorter ski touring objectives, sign up for the new Ultimate Andes Adventure. This includes 11‑days of backcountry discovery with lift‑assisted touring and a day of cat skiing at Arpa Snowcats. Explore safely being led by IFMG and ACMG certified guides. A journey from Chile to Argentina’s iconic Las Leñas with long 1,000m descents and epic Andes vistas. It’s a memorable summer ski trip delivering adventure, comfort and cultural immersion into the vibrant Santiago, Chile and wine country of Mendoza, Argentina.

PowderQuest also offers self‑guided Chile ski packages to Valle Nevado, Portillo and Nevados de Chillan. These packages provide skiers a flexible way to explore Chile’s top ski resorts without the structure and commitment of joining a ski tour trip. Designed for the independent and on-piste skier, these trips combine curated lodging, smooth logistics, and local, on‑the‑ground assistance. The ideal option for travellers preferring their own pace while still enjoying the convenience and insider knowledge of a trusted operator.