For most of us in North America, May signals the end of the ski season. The lifts close, the snow turns to slush, and we reluctantly pack away our gear. But for the truly dedicated powder hounds, summer just means it’s time to book a flight south.
Because the seasons are reversed, the Southern Hemisphere experiences its winter from June through September. If you want to chase an endless winter, here are the top regions to explore.
New Zealand
New Zealand is a legendary destination for summer skiing. The South Island, in particular, offers dramatic alpine scenery and excellent terrain. Resorts like Treble Cone and Cardrona near Wanaka, or Coronet Peak and The Remarkables near Queenstown, are world-class. New Zealand skiing is famous for its “club fields”—small, rustic, bare-bones ski areas run by passionate locals that offer access to incredible, uncrowded backcountry terrain.
Chile
If you are looking for massive vertical drops and deep powder, the Andes in South America are calling. Valle Nevado, located just outside of Santiago, offers vast above-treeline skiing and access to some of the best heli-skiing in the world. Further south, Portillo is an iconic resort famous for its steep chutes, stunning yellow hotel, and views of the Laguna del Inca.
Argentina
Also situated in the Andes, Argentina boasts incredible terrain and a vibrant après-ski culture. Cerro Catedral in Bariloche is the largest ski area in South America, offering extensive lift networks and spectacular views of Nahuel Huapi Lake. Further south, Cerro Castor in Ushuaia (the southernmost city in the world) offers highly reliable snow conditions and a famously long season.
Australia
While not as tall as the Andes or the Southern Alps, the Snowy Mountains in Australia offer fantastic skiing. Resorts like Perisher and Thredbo boast modern infrastructure, extensive grooming, and surprisingly good terrain parks. Just watch out for the snow gums—Australia’s unique alpine eucalyptus trees!
Keep an eye on our international webcams this summer to watch the snow fall while you are sitting by the pool!