Ski Season Is Not Over Yet: Where to Ski in September and Which Resorts Stay Open Until October

Winter has not quite released its grip on Argentina’s mountains. September brings the first signs of spring elsewhere, but ski centers across the Andes remain open, with some planning to continue into early or mid-October.

The month offers several advantages for skiers. Snow has accumulated throughout the winter, with particularly heavy falls reported in July and August. Conditions in September are therefore expected to include both abundant and good-quality snow. Temperatures also become milder, the snow is less hard and frosts are less common.

Prices can be another attraction. Most resorts apply low-season rates in September, although Catedral in Bariloche keeps the same price throughout the season. Visitor numbers also tend to fall, leaving the slopes quieter and attracting a larger proportion of advanced skiers.

The general closing window runs from late September to early October. Cerro Bayo, in Villa La Angostura, plans to remain open until Sept. 27. Las Leñas in Mendoza plans to close on Sept. 28, while Chapelco near San Martín de los Andes and Caviahue, both in Neuquén, have scheduled closing for Sept. 30. Catedral has not yet set a date.

Prices vary by resort. Chapelco uses one pass for the entire season, priced at 160,000 pesos. At Cerro Bayo, the daily lift pass has fallen to 117,000 pesos from 136,500 pesos during the high season.

Laderas Cerro Perito Moreno, 25 kilometers from El Bolsón in Río Negro, plans to extend its season through the long holiday weekend ending Oct. 12. September low-season rates apply there, with a five-day promotional package costing adults from 71,620 pesos per day. The regular daily lift ticket costs 85,300 pesos, compared with 110,000 pesos during the high season.