Most South America packing lists are too generic. Here's the version I actually give clients before a Bariloche or Chile trip.
Layers: bring a real mid-weight base, a fleece or grid mid, and a hard shell. Skip the heavy puffy for skiing — high-altitude Chile (Portillo, Valle Nevado) is dry-cold but sunny, and Bariloche is wet-cold but warmer than people expect. A light down for après and travel days is enough.
Goggles: bring two lenses. A low-light lens is non-negotiable for Patagonia storm days. A sunny lens for the Chilean Andes Centrales bluebirds. One pair of goggles with interchangeable lenses works.
Backcountry kit: if you're booking any guided off-piste or touring day, bring your own beacon, shovel and probe. Rentals exist but they're inconsistent and the guide will spend half the morning checking everyone's batteries instead of skiing.
Skins and AT setup: only bring if you're booking 2+ touring days. Otherwise rent from Martin Pescador (Bariloche) or La Cumbre (Santiago). Both are reliable.
Leave at home: the expedition parka, the second hard shell, the third pair of gloves. South America is a 7 to 14 day ski trip, not Antarctica. Pack lighter than you think and use the resort town laundry on day 4.
Author
Khosro Ronagh (Cogo)
Founder of YourSnowPlanner. 150 to 200 ski days a year across Argentina, Chile and major ranges. Personal planning for skiers heading to South America.
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