Been Skiing at Cerro Castor (Most southern ski resort in the world) for the past 4 months now and i truly believe it's one of the best in south america by a mile.
Talking about the resort itself, it features some really well trained staff and honestly one of the best services out there.
Mostly fast lines throughout the mountain; sometimes non-existing. And well trained clerks help to dilute the heavier hours.
The mountain has many ski lodges with great local and international food ( from Fueguinean lamb (A particular kind of patagonian lamb) to argentinean asado; all the way through sushi and italian), all for really cheap (especially for those coming from overseas)
As a ski instructor i have to say it's one of the most trained focused groups i have worked with; most of the school has an idea of upping their professional certification year by year and not get stuck in the lower levels. They have a great work etiquette and display big concern to ensure the clientele leaves with a happy experience. Plus the school focus on team building activities/parties and reunions. Aldo it isn't the easiest town to live at; Ushuaia has many spot's where people you meet at work turn into great friends.
Now for the mountain; the biggest elephant in the room. As it is with most south american resorts it's not one of the biggest (and in this case nor highest); located just 25 km's or 15 miles away from the sea means it's base is only 150 meters up; with just over 1000 meters of elevation at its peak (500 feet base/3300 peak) and compared to other mountains in Argentina like for example Las Leñas (base 7350 feet/10800 peak) it might seem to little, but here location is key!.
The city of Ushuaia is the southest city in the world. And being just 1,130 km (700 mi) away from Antarctica means it has some really cold weather throughout the year. That ensures one of the longest seasons south; it can easily go from June to November aldo the resort only opens till mid october .
So; summarizing; cold and south. What about the snow? As with most Andes mountains it has a lot of snow; not the crazy Utah/Wyoming dumps but good consistent dry powder that lasts for weeks; as the mountain faces south and the sun doesn't go to town every time it's nice out, from june to mid-august it's basically non existing too, this means no vitamin D for those lake tahoe skiers ;) .
The mountain is home to most high-end racing teams in the world (USA/Austria/Italy/Germany. Just to name a few). This translates to a heavy grooming schedule's that ensures great carving pistes with great wide open steep's and some good intermediate terrain for those seeking this more on-piste feeling.
For those fans of big mountain style skiing some easy to get-to runs can be access from the lift's or as little as 5 minute (no equipment needed) walks. The whole north face of the mountain is a paradise of big deep snow pockets, pillows and rocks to jump or flip; this side require some knowledge of the terrain or a guide as it's easy to descent too much and get stuck on that side of the mountain.
So based on personal experience and subjective evaluation this might be my favorite mountain here. Everything always work and it does with ease; no lines; good snow and the best people . Have you been here? Tell me what you think?
Every picture included was shot on my phone (7 plus); skied to every place you see; non promotional material; just an opinion from a mountain lover.
Have a good week!
https://www.newschoolers.com/photos/view/1076679/Honest-review-of-South-American-Resorts
