For most Brazilians, snow is a movie concept. Argentina changes this without the need for a long international flight, a visa, or a different time zone. 

From June to September, destinations like Bariloche, Las Leñas, and Ushuaia turn Patagonia into a scenery that many people never imagined visiting.

However, winter in Argentina has a characteristic that tourism catalogs don't usually mention: the costs of skiing, high-season lodging, and excursions quoted in foreign currency can surprise those who didn't prepare. 

In this guide, you will understand where to go, what to expect from each destination, and how to organize your payments before boarding. For discounted lodging, explore belo Travel before booking.

And set up the belo app to track alternatives for paying and moving your balance during the trip, according to the features available for your account and country.

Bariloche: the classic winter of Patagonia

Cerro Catedral, 20 km from downtown Bariloche, is the largest ski resort in South America in terms of slope length. 

The season runs from June to October, peaking between July and August, when the snow is more consolidated and the tourist flow is more intense.

For those who have never skied, Bariloche has a well-organized structure of lessons for beginners. Equipment rental packages combined with an introductory lesson are usually the most accessible entry point. 

Snowboarding is also very popular at Cerro Catedral, with slopes catering to different skill levels.

Off the slopes, winter in Bariloche has its own identity: chocolate shops with lines out the door, fondue in restaurants near Cerro Catedral, and the shores of Lake Nahuel Huapi covered in snow, creating a scenery that is hard to find anywhere else in South America. 

For lodging and budget tips in Bariloche, check out the complete budget guide for Argentina on the belo blog.

Las Leñas: high-level skiing in the mountain range

Las Leñas is located in the province of Mendoza, about 440 km from the capital. 

It is considered one of the best ski resorts in the Southern Hemisphere in terms of snow quality and slope altitude, operating between June and September depending on the year's weather conditions.

Las Leñas has a different profile compared to Bariloche. The resort is more geared towards experienced skiers, featuring long slopes and snowfall that can be more intense than in Bariloche.

The accommodation infrastructure lies within the resort itself, which drives up prices compared to staying in the town of Malargüe, about 70 km away.

Access is by road, with a route that crosses the mountain range. On days of heavy snowfall, the road may be temporarily closed, which is another reason to have some buffer room in your itinerary instead of planning everything close to the limit of your available days.

Ushuaia: skiing at the end of the world

Cerro Castor, 26 km from downtown Ushuaia, is the southernmost ski resort in regular operation in the world. 

The season runs from June to October, with slopes for all levels. The experience of skiing literally at the end of the world is what sets Ushuaia apart from other snow destinations in Argentina.

Ushuaia in winter has a different atmosphere than in summer: fewer tourists, constant snow in the city, short days, and a quieter energy. 

Those who enjoy combining skiing with local gastronomy will find great restaurants serving king crab (centolla) and trout operating even outside the peak season.

How winter costs behave

Winter in Argentina is high season in snow destinations. Lodging in Bariloche and Las Leñas rises significantly in July and August, and availability drops quickly.

Booking at least 45 to 60 days in advance during this period is the bare minimum to find reasonably priced options.

Regarding gear: renting skis and snowboards at the destination can be more practical than bringing your own equipment, but during the July holiday week, rentals sell out before you arrive if you do not book in advance. 

Confirm availability at the same time you book your lodging.

Destination · Best period · Profile · What to consider

Bariloche (Cerro Catedral) · July and August · All levels, full infrastructure · Heavy peak season in July; book 45-60 days in advance

Las Leñas · July to September · Intermediate to advanced, quality snow · In-resort accommodation is pricier; Malargüe is an alternative

Ushuaia (Cerro Castor) · June to October · All levels, unique experience · Shorter days in winter; more unstable weather than Bariloche

How to organize payments during the Argentine winter

Ski excursions, equipment rentals, and mountain passes are usually quoted in dollars or pesos, varying by destination and operator. 

Traditional banking payment methods include exchange rate spreads and taxes on international transactions that vary depending on the type of operation. Check conditions with your card issuer before boarding.

Regarding cash exchange: authorized currency exchange offices in the destination cities are the safest option. Avoid exchanging money at the airport, where conditions tend to be less favorable. 

Operating outside of authorized channels involves concrete legal and practical risks. Always verify that the channel you plan to use operates within the current legal framework at the time of your trip.

On belo, you can track alternatives through the app to pay and move your balance during the trip, according to the features available for your account and country. Before confirming any transaction, the amounts and exchange rates are displayed on the screen. 

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