As the ski season comes to a close in Europe, it is about to kick off in Latin America. Running from June to October in the Chilean and Argentinian Andes and beyond, South America is home to ski resorts boasting excellent ski conditions and facilities for every level of skier.
Here the Latin American Travel Association (LATA) lists some of the most popular hotels and ski resorts for skiers looking beyond Europe.

Los Cauquenes Resort & Spa, Argentina

Los Cauquenes, a high-end resort & spa on the Beagle Channel beach, located in the backdrop of the snow-capped peaks of the Argentinian Andes just seven kilometres from the city of Ushuaia, offers daily shuttles to Cerro Castor ski resort during the ski season.

Cerro Castor is the most southern ski resort in Latin America rising up to 1,057 metres of altitude. The resort boasts a total of 26 trails offering different degrees of difficulty and off-piste areas which are 30 kilometres long offering great quality powder snow and one of the longest seasons in South America. 

 The ski season at Cerro Castor runs from 17 June until 2 October. Los Cauquenes offers a package rate of £99 per person, per night in a standard Mountain View Room based on two people sharing. The price includes breakfast, a welcome dinner, transfers to and from Ushuaia International Airport, shuttle service to Cerro Castor and Ushuaia City, access to the spa and gym and free Wi-Fi. www.loscauquenes.com  http://www.cerrocastor.com/

 Llao Llao Hotel & Resort, Golf-Spa, Argentina

Llao Llao Hotel & Resort, Golf-Spa is offering an exclusive service for guests wanting to experience the ski season in the Cerro Catedral Resort located just 20 kilometres from the town of Bariloche in Argentina.  Cerro Catedral resort, the largest ski resort in Argentina rising to 1,030 metres above sea level, is a magnet for ski and snowboard fiends, overlooking Lake Nahuel Huapi and with stunning views of the impressive Andes.

During the winter season which runs from July to August, Llao Llao Hotel & Resorts offers guests exclusive shuttle services to and from the base of Cerro Catedral and access to their own Hospitality Lounge in the resort; a centre specially designed to meet the needs of skiers staying at Llao Llao. At the lounge guests can purchase lift passes, book ski lessons and dine in the Kandahar restaurant.

One night in a standard room at Llao Llao Hotel & Resort is priced from £285 per room based on two people sharing. All stays include buffet breakfast, transfers to Cerro Catedral and access to the Hospitality Lounge at the base of the mountain.  http://llaollao.com/en/spa/ www.welcomeargentina.com/catedral/index_i.html

 The Grand Hotel Portillo, Chile

The Grand Hotel Portillo is nestled on the shores of Laguna Del Inca, resting high in the Chilean Andes and surrounded by jagged peaks. Portillo ski resort which, has attracted skiers and snowboarders from around the world for decades, rises at 3,310 metres above sea level and features 35 runs for different abilities. The resort has a golden history in the world of skiing. In 1966 the celebrated skier Jean-Claude Killy won his first gold medal in the resort and four former gold medallists have instructed at Portillo's Ski School in the past. Every year the Grand Hotel Portillo welcomes National Ski teams who travel to the resort to train during the summer season.

The Grand Hotel Portillo is the icon of Portillo set in the heart of the resort with magnificent views of the Andes. The hotel offers guests 123 hotel rooms as well as two lodges and eight chalets.

The Hotel has an All SkiWeeks package which includes seven nights lodging, a seven day lift pass, four meals a day, use of the pool, Jacuzzi, spa, yoga classes and activities for children and day care for children aged three to seven. Prices of the All Ski Weeks are available upon request. One night's stay in a standard double room is priced from £179 per person.  http://skiportillo.com/en 

Hotel Vira Vira, Chile

The Relais & Chateaux – Hacienda Hotel Vira Vira located at the “Entrance of the Cordillera” in Pucón, Chile, is the ideal starting point for guests to enjoy an exclusive winter experience skiing on an active volcano.

During the winter season in Chile in July and August guests at the Hotel Vira Vira can enjoy hiking to the top of the Volcano Villarrica and admire limitless views of the entire region before skiing all the way down into Pucón ski resort located on the volcano. Ski Pucón is a small ski area with 17 runs however the surroundings of the resort with the dramatic volcanic peaks and sparkling lakes have made it a popular skiing and snowboarding destination in Chile.

Vira Vira Hacienda Hotel has been designed to offer spacious, luxurious and comfortable rooms for guests with views over the shores of the Liucura River. The hotel organises a number of winter activities for its guests such as trekking in the Huerquehue National Park, husky sledding and snow shoeing around the volcano.

One night in a standard double room at the hotel is priced from £254 per person based on two people sharing. The price includes breakfast and all activities offered by the hotel.

http://www.hotelviravira.com/   http://www.skipucon.cl/

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The Latin America Travel Association (LATA) – is represented by Lotus.  For editorial and marketing enquiries, please contact Jules Ugo, Kate McWilliams or Lucy Keenan at Lotus– LATAPR@wearelotus.co.uk  0207 953 7470