Ski Patagonia

By Wayne Bernhardson

In the South American summer, take to the boats in Nahuel Huapi National Park

So close to the city of Bariloche it seems like a massive urban playground, Nahuel Huapi—Argentina's first national park—is still wild high country of glacial summits, dense southern beech forests, azure alpine lakes, and wild rivers. Hiking, rock and ice climbing, mountain biking, and whitewater rafting and kayaking are all on the docket. In the winter, you'll find some of the country's best skiing. Looking for a more sedate experience in the skiing off-season? Go sailing on Lago Nahuel Huapi, the glacial trough that gave the park its name, which can include crossing the Andes to Chile by a combination of boats and buses.

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