Ski South America, Australia or New Zealand

Winter starts in June in Argentina, Chile, New Zealand and Australia. If you live in these areas, you're the envy of every skier in North American, Europe or Asia right now. If your winter is months away right now, consider a trip south of the equator. You can start by exploring our list of resorts below.

What is officially winter in the southern hemisphere?

The answer varies slightly by location.

Chile & Argentina's seasons are the exact opposite of North America. Winter starts with the June solstice around the 21st and runs through the solstice around September 21.

New Zealand and Australia change seasons June 1 - August 31.

South Africa recognizes the same winter dates as Chile & Argentina.

But don't expect to find winter in northern parts of Africa like Morocco. While on the same continent as South Africa, Morocco is in the Northern Hemisphere and kicks of winter in late December.

Where can you ski in South America in July and August?

Here are some areas to look into, especially if your current ski pass is listed as a partner.

Portillo - 500 Hectacres, 35 slopes, 260 inches average annual snowfall.

Valle Nevado (Super Senior Power Pass, Ikon Pass & Mountain Collective Pass) - 15 lifts, 2,300 acres,  44 trails, 276 inches average annual snowfall

La Parva (Super Senior Power Pass, Masella, Les 3 Vallees) - 800 Hectacres, 40 slopes,

Caviahue Ski Resort - on the slopes of an active volcano, Copahue - 22 trails, 11 lifts, 1,371 vertical drop

El Colorado - 18 lifts, 2700 acres, 3576 vertical drop and 300 inches of average annual snowfall

Nevados de Chillán- 35 runs, 2,954 vertical drop, up to 16 lifts

Antillanca- Los Lagos - 14 runs, 5 lifts, 1,641 feet vertical drop

Corralco Resort de Montaña, Chile (on the Indy Ski Pass) - 8 lifts, 34 trails, 500 skiable acres, 350 inches is their average annual snowfall

Pillán – Villarrica - 6 lifts, 3,150 feet of vertical. Lots of beginner-friendly terrain

Cathedral Alto Patagonia - 58 trails, 39 lifts, 3,000 acres, average annual snowfall ranges between 235 and 275 inches.

Las Leñas - 15 lifts, 3,904 ft vertical drop and 250 inches annual snowfall

Chapelco - 17 runs, 29 lifts, 2,362 foot vertical

La Hoyt - 10 lifts, up to 360 inches of snow per season, 2116 foot vertical drop

Where Can You go Downhill Skiing in Australia or New Zealand?

Australia

Parisher  (Epic Pass) 45 lifts, 1245 hectares of terrain

FallsCreek (Epic Pass) over 90 trails to explore within 450 hectares

Hotham (Epic Pass) 320 hectares, Hotham boasts the highest proportion of black runs in Australia

Mt. Buller (Ikon Pass & Mountain Collective Pass ) 741 Acres, 22 lifts, 80 trails, 95 inches average annual snowfall

Thredbo (Ikon Pass) 1186 acres, 2205 vertical, 78 inches annual snowfall

New Zealand

Coronet Peak + The Remarkables (Ikon Pass & Mountain Collective Pass)  2,138 acres, 7 lifts, 125 trails across 2 mountains, 3801 inches average annual snowfall + Ikon Pass also includes Mt. Hutt, expanding the terrain to 2545 acres.

Whakapapa - 65 marked trailed and 12 lifts. Boasts New Zealands longest all-weather gondola and longest ski season.

Mt. Lyford Alpine Resort - 20 marked trails 177 inches of annual snowfall, 1,643 foot vertical drop

Cardrona Alpine Resort - 6 lifts 1969 vertical feet, 150 inches annual snowfall.

Why wait for flakes to fly at your home area in November or December? Take a trip to experience another country and culture while you get your ski fix. Check the individual resort websites for current conditions and your individual pass for any specific rules around the resort listed. Tell us about the experience after your trip!

Add Your Comments

Have you skied any of these places? Are you planning a trip? Have a location to add to the list above? Share your experience in the comments.