Andes Lift Pass & Resort Cost Index 2026
Every commercially operating Argentine and Chilean ski resort compared on adult walk-up and advance lift-pass price (USD), gateway airport, transfer time, accommodation tier and pass-package notes for the June–October 2026 Southern Hemisphere season.
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13 resorts in the index
| Resort | Country | Advance (USD) | Walk-up (USD) | Gateway | Transfer (min) | Accom | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Caviahue | Argentina | $45 | $55 | Neuquén (NQN) | 240 | Budget | Cheapest Argentine resort, volcanic terrain |
| Antillanca | Chile | $48 | $60 | Osorno (ZOS) | 120 | Budget | Club-run, cheapest premium volcano skiing |
| Cerro Bayo | Argentina | $50 | $62 | Bariloche (BRC) | 90 | Premium | Boutique, package-only via Villa La Angostura |
| Chapelco | Argentina | $52 | $65 | San Martín (CPC) | 40 | Mid-range | Family-focused, kids ski free Sun |
| Cerro Castor | Argentina | $55 | $70 | Ushuaia (USH) | 30 | Budget | Southernmost — pass cheaper than Patagonia mainland |
| Cerro Catedral | Argentina | $60 | $75 | Bariloche (BRC) | 30 | Mid-range | Largest Argentine resort, online discount 20% |
| Las Leñas | Argentina | $62 | $78 | Malargüe / Mendoza | 90 | Mid-range | Multi-day discounts >25%, ski-week packages dominant |
| El Colorado | Chile | $64 | $78 | Santiago (SCL) | 105 | Mid-range | Cheapest Tres Valles, lift-only day-trip target |
| Corralco | Chile | $65 | $80 | Temuco (ZCO) | 150 | Premium | Hotel-pass bundles only mid-week |
| La Parva | Chile | $70 | $85 | Santiago (SCL) | 120 | Premium | Day visitors common from Santiago |
| Nevados de Chillán | Chile | $70 | $85 | Concepción (CCP) | 180 | Premium | Spa-thermal packages, kids <12 half-price |
| Valle Nevado | Chile | $78 | $95 | Santiago (SCL) | 120 | Premium | 3-Valley pass +15% (covers La Parva + El Colorado) |
| Portillo | Chile | $95 | $110 | Santiago (SCL) | 150 | Luxury | All-inclusive only — Sat-to-Sat package model |
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Frequently Asked Questions
Caviahue (Argentina) is the cheapest commercial Andean resort at USD 45 advance / USD 55 walk-up, followed by Antillanca (Chile) at USD 48 / USD 60. Both are smaller boutique resorts focused on volcanic terrain. For larger resorts on a budget, Cerro Castor in Tierra del Fuego runs USD 55 advance — half the price of Portillo with comparable vertical drop.
A standard 7-day Andean ski trip (lift pass, mid-range hotel, transfers, breakfast and dinner) runs roughly USD 1,800–2,400 per person in Argentina and USD 2,400–3,400 per person in Chile. Portillo's all-inclusive Sat-to-Sat package starts around USD 3,200/person and runs to USD 6,500+ for higher hotel categories. Budget Argentine resorts (Caviahue, Cerro Castor) can be done for under USD 1,500/person all-in.
Argentina is significantly cheaper — lift passes average 25–30% less than equivalent Chilean resorts, and the Argentine peso's weakness against USD makes accommodation, food and transfers exceptional value. Chile compensates with higher base elevations, more snow reliability, and easier international access (Santiago is the regional hub). Many skiers split a trip between both: Argentina for value and Las Leñas freeride, Chile for snow reliability and the Tres Valles.
Santiago (SCL) is the primary Chilean gateway — 2–2.5 hours to Tres Valles, 2.5 hours to Portillo via mandatory winter shuttle (private cars often turned back without chains). Bariloche (BRC) is 30 min to Cerro Catedral. Ushuaia (USH) is 30 min to Cerro Castor. Las Leñas requires a 90 min transfer from Malargüe airport (limited flights) or a 5.5-hour drive from Mendoza. Pre-booking shared shuttles is standard at all Andean resorts.
The Tres Valles connection at Valle Nevado / La Parva / El Colorado is the only true multi-resort lift pass in the Andes (approximately USD 90 advance, covers all three). The Ikon Pass adds limited Valle Nevado days (5–7 days depending on tier). The Mountain Collective adds 2 days at Valle Nevado. There is no equivalent Argentine multi-resort pass — each resort is sold independently.