Argentina's Ski Season 2026: Resorts Bet on Artificial Snow Amidst Climate Concerns

Argentine ski resorts are cautiously gearing up for the upcoming winter season, with artificial snow technology taking center stage. Resorts are investing in advanced snow-making systems to combat potential inconsistencies in natural snowfall, ensuring a more predictable operational experience.

Cerro Catedral, already boasting 40 centimeters of snow in its upper areas, opened its doors to pedestrians on June 13th. While the official season opening date is yet to be confirmed, daily adult passes will cost $160,000 pesos, an increase from the previous year. A significant innovation for this season is the launch of a mobile app providing real-time updates on piste and lift conditions. The resort has also heavily invested in its snow-making system, featuring 40 cannons capable of covering 12 hectares.

Cerro Chapelco, located in San Martín de los Andes, is one of the resorts with the most new features this season following a change in concession. The highlight is a new 10-person Poma gondola connecting the base to the 1600-meter mark in just five minutes. This area will also feature a new commercial center with a cafeteria, kiosk, and smart lockers, alongside an upgraded rental service and a larger paved parking lot. Daily passes are priced at $160,000 pesos, with options for interest-free installments until June 30th.

Las Leñas, the closest ski resort to Buenos Aires, is focusing on technology to enhance visitor safety and manage climate variability. "The lack of snow is a phenomenon that is not only happening in Las Leñas or Argentina, but globally," stated a representative, emphasizing the crucial role of artificial snow production in ensuring operations across all ski centers.