Snow in Ushuaia: Complete Guide for Winter 2025

Planning a trip to Ushuaia during the snow season?

Find out what the weather is like in the southernmost city in the world during this time, what to pack to handle Patagonia’s intense cold, the best tours to enjoy the snow, top ski resorts, the best month to see snow in Ushuaia, when it typically starts snowing, and many other helpful tips to make your winter trip easier.

The most popular winter destination in Argentina is Bariloche, but Ushuaia also attracts many visitors—especially the more adventurous ones.

Ushuaia has two high seasons: winter and summer.

During the summer, more international tourists visit the city, mainly to take cruises to Antarctica and explore hiking trails. In winter, most visitors are Argentinians or travelers from other South American countries, who come in search of beautiful snowy landscapes and to enjoy winter sports and snow activities.

Although it’s not Argentina’s main winter destination, Ushuaia offers the greatest variety of tours and attractions during the season.

Ushuaia turns into a true winter wonderland, with ski centers attracting adventurers and sports lovers, plus breathtaking landscapes featuring snow-covered mountains, frozen forests, and a wide range of snow activities and excursions.

So even if you don’t plan to ski, it’s still worth visiting Ushuaia for its winter beauty, charm, and the unforgettable experience of the cold and snow.

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Simplifying the Snow Season in Ushuaia

The snow season in Ushuaia is the longest in the Southern Hemisphere, lasting from June to October.

The best places to see snow in Ushuaia are the winter centers.

The main ski resorts in Ushuaia are Cerro Castor, Cerro Martial, and Escuela de Esquí Glaciar Martial.

The best months to ski are from June to September, when the snowfall is heavier.

The most common ways to reach the snow-covered areas in Ushuaia are through tours, taxis/remises, transfers, and private cars. It is not possible to access the mountains and winter centers by public transportation.

The best excursions to do during the snow season in Ushuaia include skiing, snowboarding, visiting the winter centers, riding a snowmobile, sailing the Beagle Channel, snowshoe hiking, riding the End of the World Train, exploring Tierra del Fuego National Park, hiking the Vinciguerra Glacier, visiting Laguna Esmeralda, and visiting Lake Escondido and Lake Fagnano.

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When does it snow in Ushuaia?

The snow season takes place during the winter season in Ushuaia, from June to October. Ushuaia has the longest snow season in the Southern Hemisphere. Additionally, the abundance of snow allows for sports activities throughout the entire winter.

The first snowfalls usually occur in April, and by May, snow already begins to accumulate in the region. During the month of June, the snow is typically well-established, allowing ski resorts to open and snow sports to begin.

It’s important to remember that snowfalls are a weather phenomenon, so there’s no way to predict the exact date they will start or end. In 2025, the first snowfall occurred in February—a rare off-season event that happened in the middle of summer.

Therefore, if you’re traveling to make the most of the snow season in Ushuaia or specifically to ski, it’s best to plan your trip between the months of June and October.

Where to see snow in Ushuaia?

This is a destination where it snows throughout the entire region, including in the city itself. So, seeing snow in Ushuaia is very easy, as it is the snowiest region in Argentina. Just travel to the city in winter, and you’ll be surrounded by snow on all sides.

In downtown Ushuaia, it snows fairly often, so you may have the chance to see snowfall during snowstorms, as well as accumulated snow on rooftops and trees.

In addition to enjoying the snow, downtown Ushuaia has an ice skating rink, Tachuela Oyarzún. The rink is artificial and open-air, offering a beautiful view of the snow-covered mountains.

Ushuaia also features a network of winter centers located along National Route No. 3. This circuit operates from June to October and includes eight winter centers with ski and snowboard resorts.

The winter centers in Ushuaia are Cerro Castor, Cerro Martial (Parque del Fin del Mundo), Valle Hermoso, Las Cotorras, Llanos del Castor, Tierra Mayor, Haruwen, and Nunatak. These winter centers are the best places in Ushuaia for snow sports and activities.

Ski resorts in Ushuaia, Argentina

There are several excellent ski resorts in Ushuaia, offering a variety of slopes with different levels of difficulty and lessons for both adults and children. The ski and snowboard resorts in Ushuaia are part of the winter center circuit.

At the ski centers, you can enjoy various types of activities on the slopes, such as alpine skiing, cross-country skiing, and snowboarding. In addition to the ski runs, the resorts also offer other activities, such as sledding and ice skating.

The main ski resorts in Ushuaia are Cerro Martial, Escuela de Esquí Glaciar Martial, and Cerro Castor.

• Cerro Castor: This is the best-equipped ski resort in Ushuaia. With slopes for all levels, it offers lessons for all ages and skill levels. The resort also has a good restaurant and provides childcare services.
• Cerro Martial: A well-structured ski center located on Cerro Martial, offering ski slopes of varying difficulty, as well as chairlifts, a snow park, and sledding runs. The site provides ski lessons for all levels.
• Escuela de Esquí Glaciar Martial: Located at the base of Cerro Martial, it features a single, gently sloping run. This ski school is ideal for beginners who want to learn how to ski.

What is the best time to ski in Ushuaia?

The ski season in Ushuaia begins when the resorts open, usually from June to October.

Since this is a region with heavy snowfall, the ski resorts are typically open throughout the entire winter season, especially Cerro Castor, which is located in an area with higher snow accumulation. However, the best months to ski in Ushuaia are from June to September, when the snow levels are at their peak.

How to get to the snow-covered areas in Ushuaia?

Since the snow-covered areas are located outside the city, it’s important to choose an appropriate means of transportation to visit the ski resorts and winter parks. The best options for reaching the snow regions in Ushuaia are taxis, remises, transfers, private cars, regular shuttle services, and guided tours.

• Private car: Renting a car is the most convenient way to explore attractions outside the city, such as parks, mountains, and ski resorts. However, in winter, the roads are often covered in snow, and the routes become more hazardous, making travel challenging for those without experience driving in snowy conditions. To drive in the snow, you must be very cautious, drive at low speeds, and rent a suitable vehicle. To rent a car before leaving your home country, we recommend using Discovery Cars, which offers a wide range of vehicles at good prices.
• Taxis: These are a popular means of transportation in Ushuaia. Taxis use a meter, and fares are not very high. The city has a good number of taxi drivers available.
• Remises: These offer a service very similar to taxis, but with fixed prices. The service is reliable and safe, and you can contact drivers via message.
• Transfers: This is a convenient option where you can schedule in advance a specific time and location for pickup and drop-off. Hiring a transfer is not the cheapest transportation option, but it offers comfort and convenience.
• Regular shuttle: This is a shared transportation option that departs from downtown Ushuaia and takes you to the main tourist attractions outside the city. It’s a very affordable option, especially for solo travelers. If you’re traveling in a group, sharing a taxi or remise might be cheaper.
• Tours: One of the most popular ways to reach the snow attractions in Ushuaia is through guided tours that include transportation. These tours provide hotel pickup, take you to the tourist site, and then drop you off back at your hotel. You can book these tours in advance from Brazil through Civitatis, Viator, and Get Your Guide, which are very reliable websites we always use on our trips.

In Ushuaia, there are bus lines, but they only cover the city area. So, public transportation cannot be used to reach attractions outside the city. To use the bus, you also need to get a SUBE card, which is used for public transportation throughout Argentina. Ushuaia also has Uber, but the service is new and still has a limited number of drivers.

Weather and temperature in the winter season in Ushuaia

Ushuaia is one of the few tourist cities in Argentina where it commonly snows within the city itself during the peak of the winter season. As a result, the destination looks beautiful in winter, with snow-covered rooftops and snowy peaks and forests in the background.

In winter, Ushuaia experiences very intense cold, with temperatures ranging from -2°C (28°F) to 4°C (39°F) and short daylight hours. In the winter centers, temperatures are even lower, with minimums that can reach -5°C (23°F). At night, when it gets colder in the city, it is very common for temperatures to drop below freezing.

This is also the driest time of the year in Ushuaia, with an average precipitation of 15 mm. So, even though it rains very little, you might still experience a rainy day. Moreover, if you travel during the peak of winter, you could encounter a snowstorm during your trip.

What to do during the snow season in Ushuaia?

The winter centers and ski resorts are the main attractions during Ushuaia’s snow season. However, you’ll also find many other equally interesting tours and activities to enjoy at this time of year.

1. Skiing and snowboarding

Ushuaia has several ski resorts that ensure abundant snow throughout the entire winter season. The ski resorts in Ushuaia offer slopes for all levels, so whether you’re an enthusiast, a beginner, or a professional, you’re sure to have a great time.

The main resorts for snowboarding and skiing in Ushuaia are Cerro Castor, Cerro Martial, and Escuela de Esquí Glaciar Martial. Check the ski resorts’ websites to see when they open for the season.

2. Riding snowmobiles

One of the most exciting activities during Ushuaia’s winter season is riding a snowmobile through the snowy trails and forests of the winter centers. There are snowmobile tours of various lengths that take visitors through frozen forests and to scenic viewpoints with stunning views.

The winter centers that offer snowmobile tours are Valle Hermoso, Las Cotorras, Llanos del Castor, Tierra Mayor, Haruwen, and Nunatak. We recommend a full day of snow with lunch, snowmobiling, and a sleigh ride, which combines snowmobiling, snowshoe hiking, and the experience of riding a husky-drawn sled.

3. Snowshoe hiking

This is a unique experience that allows you to explore Ushuaia’s snowy forests using snowshoes, which make it easier to walk on the frozen ground. The tour is usually guided and can be combined with other activities, such as a sled ride or a meal in heated mountain shelters.

The same winter centers in Ushuaia that offer snowmobile tours also offer snowshoe hiking. Additionally, you can do this activity at Criadero Siberianos de Fuego and at Pista Francisco Jerman. We recommend doing the snowshoe tour at a winter center and combining it with other activities, such as the snowmobile and snowshoe adventure.

4. Ice skating

Ice skating is a very popular activity in Ushuaia, so if you already know how to skate or want to learn, it’s a great option for what to do in Ushuaia during the snow season. It’s also one of the best winter activities to enjoy with children.

There are two ice skating rinks in Ushuaia. The Tachuela Oyarzún rink, located in the city center, is a great option for those who want to have fun on the ice with a view of the mountains. The other rink is at Cerro Castor, one of Ushuaia’s top winter centers.

5. Dog sledding

At the winter centers, you can take sled rides pulled by husky dogs through the snowy forests—a very traditional activity in the region.

Dog sleds are used as a means of transportation in this area. Tours are offered where you can either ride the sleds or simply observe how this form of transport works and how the dogs are trained and cared for. This activity can be combined with others, such as snowmobiling and snowshoe hiking.

6. Visiting Ushuaia’s winter centers

In addition to sports, the winter centers in Ushuaia offer gastronomy, cinematic landscapes, and facilities that allow you to enjoy the snow in comfort. Some even feature heated shelters, fireplaces, and traditional Patagonian culinary experiences.

So, set aside at least one day of your trip to visit a winter center and enjoy some activities. The winter centers we most recommend visiting in Ushuaia are Cerro Castor and Cerro Martial, also known as Parque del Fin del Mundo.

7. Sailing the Beagle Channel

Even in winter, the boat tour through the Beagle Channel remains one of the most unforgettable experiences in Ushuaia, as the winter landscapes along the channel are truly unique.

During the tour, you can enjoy views of the snowy mountains in the background and spot some wildlife, such as birds and sea lions.

In winter, this tour is quieter and attracts fewer tourists, but the full route may be affected depending on weather conditions. Additionally, you’ll see fewer animals than in other seasons, as many migrate during the winter.

8. Visiting the End of the World Train

This historic tour follows part of the original route used by the city’s former prisoners. Today, the train ride begins at the End of the World Station and passes through snowy forests, frozen rivers, and breathtaking landscapes until it reaches Tierra del Fuego National Park.

You can take advantage of the train ride to explore Tierra del Fuego National Park. It’s one of the best tours to do in Ushuaia, both in winter and summer.

9. Exploring Tierra del Fuego National Park

Even with snow, the park can be visited, and the experience is completely different from the summer. The shorter trails remain accessible, allowing you to explore frozen forests, partially frozen lakes, and viewpoints with unique views of southern Patagonia.

We prefer to explore Tierra del Fuego National Park during the summer or spring, when all the trails are open and the blue lakes contrast beautifully with the green landscapes. However, during Ushuaia’s snow season, the park is also stunning, with its white landscapes and snow-covered peaks.

We suggest combining the Tierra del Fuego National Park tour with the End of the World Train ride.

10. Visiting Laguna Esmeralda

During winter, the famous Laguna Esmeralda freezes over and turns into a movie-like setting. The trails to Laguna Esmeralda are guided and, in many cases, include snowshoes. The hike is of moderate difficulty and takes about 4 hours in total.

11. Visiting Lake Escondido and Lake Fagnano

These two lakes are located farther from downtown Ushuaia and are usually accessed by 4×4 vehicles. The best way to visit these lakes during the winter is by booking a tour that includes 4×4 transportation.

We recommend taking the tour to Lake Escondido and Lake Fagnano, which includes a visit to Estancia La Carmen. During winter, the lakes take on a different kind of beauty, surrounded by frozen forests and snow-covered mountains.

12. Helicopter tour over Ushuaia

For those seeking an exclusive experience, panoramic helicopter flights in Ushuaia reveal the full beauty of the region’s snowy landscapes, with unique views of the Andes Mountains, the Beagle Channel, and the local glaciers. This is a very special and exclusive tour that offers a one-of-a-kind perspective of the destination.

13. Hiking the Vinciguerra Glacier

If you’re looking for a more challenging activity, the hike to the Vinciguerra Glacier is a great option for an excursion in Ushuaia.

This trail is somewhat difficult, and during winter, the snowy conditions make the hike even more demanding. So, it’s important to have adequate physical fitness to take on this adventure.

The hike to the glacier passes through snowy forests, frozen rivers, and stunning landscapes. At the end of the trail, all the effort is rewarded with a beautiful view of the Vinciguerra Glacier and the Laguna de los Témpanos.

14. Tasting the local cuisine and exploring the restaurants

On the coldest days, there’s nothing better than warming up with the flavors of Patagonia.

The city’s restaurants serve traditional dishes such as centolla (king crab), Patagonian lamb, trout, and empanadas. Fondue and hot chocolate are also part of the winter experience in Ushuaia.

Take advantage of the snow season in Ushuaia to try the city’s most traditional winter dishes, paired with a good Argentine wine.

See also:

• Snow in Santiago: complete guide for winter 2025.
• Where to stay in Buenos Aires, Argentina: best neighborhoods and hotels.
• Where to stay in El Calafate: top areas and hotels.

What to pack for the snow season in Ushuaia?

To enjoy the snow season in Ushuaia with comfort and safety, it’s essential to dress appropriately and use the right gear.

In Ushuaia, there are many shops that rent clothing and equipment for those who plan to do sports or simply play in the snow. So, if you don’t have snow clothes, there’s no need to worry—you can rent them for the days you need.

For your daily activities, you should dress in layers with clothing suitable for subzero temperatures and intense cold. Check out our suggestions for essential items to enjoy the cold and snow in Ushuaia, Argentina:

• Thermal base layer: Wear layers of thermal clothing to keep warmth close to your body. This includes thermal tops, pants, and socks. Choose materials like wool or synthetic fabrics that help retain heat. Make sure to get a base layer suitable for near-freezing temperatures.
• Mid layers: For the middle layer, go with warm materials like fleece or wool to add insulation.
• Waterproof jacket: This is an essential item for winter outings in Ushuaia. Choose a jacket that is windproof and waterproof to protect yourself from the elements such as snow, rain, and wind.
• Waterproof pants: These are a must for anyone planning to do sports or play in the snow. It’s a good idea to rent this item unless you already own one and prefer to bring it.
• Hat, gloves, and scarf: Keeping your head, hands, and neck warm during the coldest days makes a big difference, as these are areas particularly sensitive to the cold.
• Sunglasses: Protect your eyes from UV rays reflected off the snow. These rays are extremely harmful to your vision and can impair visibility. Sunglasses or ski goggles with proper lenses are essential for anyone engaging in snow sports or activities.
• Sunscreen: Even on cold days, UV radiation can be intense in snowy environments. Don’t forget to apply sunscreen.
• Waterproof boots: Choose boots designed for walking in the snow—preferably waterproof with good grip to avoid slipping. These can be rented along with other snow gear.
• Thermal socks: Wear thick, thermal socks to keep your feet warm. Avoid multiple layers, as they can compress your feet and cause sweating. Choose a high-quality sock specifically made for low temperatures, which will keep your feet warm without retaining moisture.
• Moisturizers: Cold weather can make your skin extremely dry, so don’t forget to bring a good facial and lip moisturizer. For your body, opt for a rich lotion or oil.

Ski clothing and equipment rental in Ushuaia

The winter centers in Ushuaia offer rental services for clothing and equipment for skiing, snowboarding, ice skating, and various snow activities. Additionally, you can rent your clothing and gear in downtown Ushuaia, where there’s a wide range of rental shops. Most of these shops are located along San Martín Avenue.

If you plan to ski in Ushuaia, I recommend renting your equipment at the ski resorts, especially if you don’t have a suitable vehicle to carry it. Although it may be a bit more expensive, you won’t have to deal with transporting the gear yourself. On the other hand, if you only need snow clothing, renting in downtown Ushuaia is usually cheaper.

I strongly suggest bringing your own gloves, goggles, and hat. Rental gloves and hats are often quite sweaty (as they’ve been used before, and some places re-rent them without washing). As for goggles, many rentals don’t fit properly, either being too big or too small.

Travel insurance for skiing in Ushuaia

Travel insurance is always essential, but if you plan to ski or engage in other extreme sports, it becomes even more important. This is because participating in sports increases the risk of accidents, so it’s crucial to have access to effective medical care in such cases.

Most standard travel insurance policies do not cover adventure sports like skiing and snowboarding. So, when purchasing your travel insurance for Argentina, pay close attention to the types of coverage offered and choose one that includes protection for sports-related accidents.

Get a quote for your travel insurance to Ushuaia here.