Getting to Ski in Chile and Argentina from the US

Part 01

Which airport for which trip

Each of our trip pages lists the exact arrival and departure airport. Some trips start and end in different airports, so check before you book your return.

Part 02

Flights to Santiago

Santiago has nonstop flights from several US hubs, such as Miami, Atlanta, Dallas, Houston, New York and Los Angeles. Routes and schedules change, so check current options for July to September. Most are overnight, so you land in the morning and can be in the mountains by the afternoon.

Good news on jet lag: during the ski season, Santiago is on the same time as US Eastern time or one hour ahead. You won't lose days adjusting.

Part 03

Flights to Bariloche

Most international flights to Argentina land at Ezeiza (EZE) in Buenos Aires, while most domestic flights to Bariloche leave from Aeroparque (AEP), across the city. Leave plenty of time for the transfer between airports, or look for connections that avoid the change.

Part 04

Entry requirements

US citizens can visit Chile and Argentina as tourists without a visa, for up to 90 days. Your passport should be valid for the whole trip. Requirements change, so check travel.state.gov before you fly.

Part 05

Bring your skis or rent?

• Boots: bring them. A good fit matters more than anything, and boots fit in your carry-on.
• Skis or snowboard: bring them if you ski a specific setup. Check your airline's ski bag fees, especially if you have domestic flights.
• Rentals: resort gear is easy to rent in Farellones and Las Trancas. Touring skis, splitboards and avalanche gear can be rented through us with advance notice.

Part 06

Getting from the airport to the mountains

The road from Santiago to the Tres Valles climbs a famous series of hairpin turns, and chains are mandatory in winter. If you have never driven it, don't make your first time after an overnight flight. Some of our trips include airport transfers, such as Portillo + Tres Valles and Iconic Volcanoes; on others we coordinate them as an add-on. Check your trip page.

Part 07

Travel insurance

Get a policy that covers skiing, off-piste and backcountry, mountain rescue and medical evacuation. Many standard policies exclude off-piste skiing, so read the fine print. Some of our trips require mountain coverage.

Part 08

Packing tips

• Layers for big temperature swings: cold mornings, strong sun at midday.
• High-SPF sunscreen and good sunglasses. The sun at altitude in the Andes is intense.
• A power adapter: Chile uses type C and L plugs, Argentina type C and I.
• Some cash in local currency for small purchases; cards are widely accepted in Santiago and Bariloche.

FAQ

Frequently Asked Questions