Information
Landmark: Cerro CastorCity: Ushuaia
Country: Argentina
Continent: South America
Cerro Castor, Ushuaia, Argentina, South America
Overview
Cerro Castor, perched just outside Ushuaia in Argentina’s Tierra del Fuego, is the world’s southernmost ski resort, where the slopes look out toward windswept sea and snow-covered peaks.Perched at South America’s southern tip, it lets you ski with the jagged Martial Mountains rising ahead and the wild Patagonian plains stretching out behind.The resort’s known for dependable snow, a season that stretches well into spring, and the quiet beauty of its untouched slopes.Cerro Castor lies about 26 kilometers (16 miles) from Ushuaia-the world’s southernmost city-perched at the far edge of the windswept Tierra del Fuego archipelago.Tucked into the Martial Mountains, the resort offers sweeping views of the Beagle Channel, where the water glimmers in the crisp Patagonian air.The resort sits about 1,057 meters (3,468 feet) above sea level, with its highest peak climbing to 1,300 meters (4,265 feet), where the air feels crisp and thin.All winter, the area stays blanketed in steady snow, making it perfect for skiing and snowboarding.Cerro Castor draws crowds for both skiing and snowboarding, with crisp snow that crunches under your boots.Thanks to its far-south location, it’s known for dependable snow-more so than most ski resorts in Argentina, where slopes can sit bare under a blue sky by mid-season.At the resort, ski season usually runs from June to October-longer than most spots in Argentina-thanks to colder air and steady snow that crunches under your boots.The resort offers 30 kilometers (18.6 miles) of ski runs in varying difficulty, from easy to challenging.Beginners can start on wide, gentle slopes and learn the basics at one of the ski schools.Intermediate: You’ll find plenty of runs for skiers at this level, from smooth, wide slopes to winding trails through the pines.If you’re an experienced skier, Cerro Castor delivers steep, demanding runs and rugged off-piste terrain where the snow crunches under your boots.The resort boasts modern facilities and 13 ski lifts-gondolas, chairlifts, and surface lifts-that whisk you straight to the slopes in minutes.Facilities and amenities, like a sunlit lounge or a quiet reading nook.At Ski School and Rentals Cerro Castor, you can book lessons for every level-from a first run down a gentle slope to advanced carving-and there are special classes just for kids.Skilled instructors tailor the training to each person’s needs, whether you’re just starting out or fine-tuning your technique, like adjusting your grip until it feels just right.The resort rents out skis and snowboards, so even if you arrive empty‑handed, you can still hit the fresh powder.Step two.At Cerro Castor, you can do more than just ski or snowboard-try snowshoeing and wander through quiet trails where the snow crunches under your boots.Snowmobile rides are ready for thrill-seekers, letting you tear across the area’s rugged trails with the cold wind snapping against your cheeks.Tubing’s a laid-back way to enjoy winter-perfect for families or anyone skipping the steep slopes, with the thrill of gliding over crisp, packed snow.Number three.At Cerro Castor, you’ll find cozy restaurants and cafés serving hot meals, steaming drinks, and quick snacks-perfect for warming up between ski runs.These spots serve up hearty Argentine favorites-like smoky empanadas straight from the oven-alongside a range of international dishes.The resort’s main restaurant sits at the foot of the mountain, offering sweeping views of the ski slopes and the pine-covered wilderness beyond.Number four.There aren’t any big hotels right at the resort, but in Ushuaia you’ll find everything from plush, glass-fronted luxury stays to simple, cozy hostels with creaky wooden floors.Plenty of visitors stay in the city, then head out for day trips to Cerro Castor, where the snow crunches under every step.Some visitors choose lodges or cabins tucked close to the ski slopes, where the scent of pine drifts in through the windows and the setting feels more personal and connected to nature.At Cerro Castor, you’ll find not just incredible skiing but also sweeping views of snow-dusted peaks and valleys that stretch for miles.The resort sits in the heart of wild, untouched country, where snow blankets jagged peaks, dark pines crowd the slopes, and glaciers gleam on every horizon.Skiers and snowboarders glide down the slopes, taking in rugged peaks dusted with fresh snow.From the mountain, you can see the Beagle Channel, its waters glinting like glass in the distance, and beyond it rise the sharp, snow-dusted peaks of the Martial Mountains.In spring and summer, the area draws hikers and wildlife enthusiasts, especially those who come to spot bright warblers in the trees and admire the region’s unusual wildflowers.Cerro Castor’s ski season stretches from June to October, but the snow is at its finest between July and September, when the slopes stay crisp under a bright winter sun.Because it sits far to the south, the resort holds its snow long after others in Argentina have melted, keeping the runs crisp and white for skiers and snowboarders eager to carve turns well into the season.If you want to enjoy the area’s beauty after the snow melts, head to Cerro Castor between December and March for summer hikes, spotting foxes along the trails, and exploring the wild reaches of Tierra del Fuego National Park.Cerro Castor is just a short, 30‑minute drive from Ushuaia, winding past snowy pines before you reach the slopes.The road to the resort stays in good shape, but in winter it can glaze over with ice or hide under fresh snow, so drive with caution.Shuttle buses run from Ushuaia to Cerro Castor, so visitors can reach the resort without needing their own car-just hop on and watch the snowy peaks roll by.Ushuaia’s easy to reach by plane or ship, with daily flights from Buenos Aires and other Argentine cities, and cruise lines that pause here before pushing on toward the icy shores of Antarctica.In conclusion, Cerro Castor is the world’s southernmost ski resort, where you can carve fresh tracks on quiet slopes surrounded by untouched, snow-dusted peaks.Thanks to its long ski season, sleek modern lifts, and snow-dusted peaks, it’s become a favorite spot for travelers eager to ski in one of the most remarkable places on Earth.Whether you’re chasing fresh powder down the slopes or pausing to watch the wind ripple across Patagonia’s vast valleys, Cerro Castor offers an experience you won’t forget in the heart of Tierra del Fuego.
