Your favourite local slopes may be busy transforming into bike parks for the summer, but you don’t have to wait until next season to strap on the skis. Winter is coming down south – and that means plenty of powder-hugging possibilities.
“Treble Cone is the bone-rattling big boy of New Zealand ski resorts,” says local ski guide Mark Sedon (kiwiskiguide.com). “It has the most vertical, the steepest skiing and when the storms arrive it gets the most snow.”
But while “smooth, fast skiing on a live volcano” in the Whakapapa ski area is also recommended, Sedon has a lesser-known regional gem to suggest. “Broken River in Arthur’s Pass has a great lodge and lots of friendly locals. There’s lovely varied terrain and if the skiing’s good the lifts run until dusk.”
Timing-wise, he advocates mid-July to mid-September for New Zealand skiing – “the first two weeks of September in recent years has been epic” – adding that easy access to biking or kayaking can also keep your muscles well-oiled in most regions.
Over in Australia, ski writer Loretta Hall suggests July and August in Victoria or New South Wales. “Lodgings open from early June, but later in July is better for avoiding the school holiday crowds,” she says.
But where to go? “Take the Skitube train to the vast New South Wales ski fields of Perisher. When you arrive, you’ll exit directly onto the snow near several chairlifts. The Mount Perisher Double Chair takes you as high as you can go on an Australian chairlift – 2,034 metres.”
The scenically inclined are also well served. “Australia’s prettiest alpine resort villages are Falls Creek in Victoria and Thredbo in New South Wales. They’re large resorts with great terrain variety and plenty of facilities.”
And while Mount Buller resort is a recommended easy hop from Melbourne, Hall’s hidden gem is further away. “Dinner Plain on Victoria’s Great Alpine Road is a tranquil village above the snowline. Its lodgings resemble historic cattlemen’s huts and there’s also a luxury spa, great Aussie pub and several restaurants.”
But while European and North American resorts are winding down – or stretching their seasons via heliskiing or glacier skiing – another long-haul southern region is gearing up for its prime period.
“August tends to be South America’s best month for snow quality and little-to-no lift lines,” says David Owen, founder of PowderQuest (powderquest.com), a ski and snowboard tour company specializing in the region. “September can also be amazing, especially with backcountry gear – the days are longer and the volcanoes invite exploration.”
But where should that exploration take you? “Argentina’s massive Las Lenas resort has South America’s steepest terrain. It should be on every expert skier’s bucket list,” he says, adding beginners and intermediates are also well served.
Alternatively, lesser-known Baguales – not far from the popular Cerro Catedral ski resort – “has Argentina’s only cat-ski operation,” while Chapelco “has a great mix of tree skiing, open bowls, wide groomers for all levels and big lines for experts beyond the boundaries.”
It’s not all Argentina, of course. “Chile’s Three Valleys ski resorts – La Parva, Valle Nevado and El Colorado – can be accessed from the mountain village of Farellones, an hour from the international airport. Choose which to explore each day depending on snowfall, wind direction and what you feel like doing.”
In contrast, Nevados de Chillan is 500 kilometres south of Santiago and typically has one of the region’s deepest snow packs. “I love its natural terrain features and wind lips, long groomers and backcountry exploring options – plus soaking in the hot springs after a day on the mountain.”
If you’re already wearing a tuque and heading to your nearest airport, Owen’s final South America tip is a practical one. “Bring your own gear, if possible. Rentals are available, but it can be expensive and difficult to find what you like using in Europe or North America.”
OUR READERS WRITE
Ski Dubai? :) It’s cool (literally) on days when it’s 50 C there. Great for lessons and they also have tubing, penguins etc. It’s ideal for anyone that has never experienced snow and is fun for families. @LynnGervais
Bariloche in Argentina. With the blue-market rates, Argentina is a steal. @Chiqee
How about Chile’s Valle Nevado or Portillo? @roamingMcC
Cerro Catedral in Bariloche, Argentina. The sheer size of it! Plus it’s surrounded by lakes, it’s next to Chile and there are many amazing restaurants in the area. @Lady_Astor
The Blue Mountains in Australia. The scenery is amazing and there are plenty of attractions. @WisterianW
If you don’t have funds to fly to the southern hemisphere, try the Horstman Glacier at Whistler Blackcomb – it’s open until the end of July. @Tours_By_Locals
I have heard Austrian alps can give you that thrill. @SalilJandial
Send your travel questions to concierge@globeandmail.com.