Winter sports enthusiasts who cannot wait until the cold weather strikes to have fun on the slopes, Southern Hemisphere countries are an option. For the 2018 season, resorts in the Argentinian and Chilian regions of the Andes opened as of May 31. New Zealand is another viable option.
Argentina
From June well into September, guests have their choice of nine different ski resorts located along the Andes Mountains of Argentina. The resorts welcome skiers and snowboarders alike whether novice or expert. Private and group lessons are available if desired. In the event of a lack of snow, many locations employ the use of snow-making technology. Accommodation options range from budget-friendly hostels to five-star hotels. The facilities also offer medical clinics, restaurants, shopping options and special attractions.
Chile
The 14 winter sports resorts in Chile remain open until the end of October. The further south you go in the country, the more snow you will find at lower elevations. Snowboarders are bound to find the ideal location whether desiring a less congested destination or hoping for nighttime fun on the slopes. Along with accommodations, restaurants and other typical amenities, some locations additionally offer equipment rentals. Valle Nevado remains the largest ski location in all of South America. The location offers 23,000 acres of skiable landscape along with four types of apartments, three hotels, eight restaurants and a ski shop.
New Zealand
New Zealand has 20 different ski locations scattered along the southern Alps. Potential guests need simply choose from seven mountain regions and find a resort that offers the accommodations and amenities that suit your needs. However, the largest skiable areas are found in and around Queenstown. The season typically spans from June through September. An abundance of snowfall enabled resorts to open earlier than usual. As of the end of June, seven resorts were welcoming skiers and snowboarders.
Australia
While the land down under is not typically equated with snow and skiing, the country does have nine different locations in New South Wales and Victoria that are open for the winter season. Various destinations have been lucky enough to acquire anywhere from 10 to 30 inches of fresh powder. The Perisher Ski Resort, the Thredbo Alpine Resort and Charlotte Pass have the most snow thus far. Perisher is found in Kosciuszko National Park and remains the largest and most popular winter sports destination.
