What to Pack for a Snow Trip in Argentina: A Practical Guide for Tourists

Argentina offers top-tier winter experiences, from the snowy mountains of Patagonia to the glaciers of Tierra del Fuego. To make the most of your winter trip, packing properly is essential.

This informative guide covers what snow clothing and gear you’ll need, tips by region (Patagonia, Mendoza, Tierra del Fuego), and advice on buying and renting snow equipment.

What to wear in the snow in Argentina: layering system and essential clothing

The key to dressing for the snow is wearing the right layers. In Patagonia, temperatures can range from 0°C to -10°C. It's recommended to wear at least three layers:

• Base layer: snug thermal wear (top and leggings) to wick away moisture.
• Mid layer: fleece or warm sweater for insulation.
• Outer layer: waterproof, breathable, and windproof jacket and pants (Gore-Tex-type materials).

Technical materials make a big difference, even if you're just walking through a resort. Bringing an extra set of dry clothes is highly recommended.

Also, bring thermal underwear as your base layer, then a warm fleece or sweater, and finally waterproof and breathable snow pants and jacket. Don’t forget thermal socks, waterproof gloves, a wool hat or balaclava, and a scarf or neck gaiter to protect from the cold.

Sunglasses or snow goggles with UV protection are important (sun reflection on snow is intense), along with sunscreen and lip balm to prevent burns. One smart tip: don’t overload your suitcase—many bulky items (jackets, pants) can be rented in Argentina, saving you space and weight.

Proper footwear for the snow

Waterproof and functional boots

Good snow boots are a must. This is not the time for sneakers—you need waterproof boots with non-slip soles, thermal insulation, and room for thick socks. Recommended brands: Salomon, Sorel, Montagne.

Bringing spare thermal socks is key. In extreme conditions, you can also add thermal insoles or portable traction cleats.

Essential accessories

• Thermal and waterproof gloves
• Warm hat or ear band
• Neck gaiter or buff
• Sunglasses or snow goggles
• Sunscreen and lip balm
• Water and snacks
• Waterproof backpack

Technical gear and on-site rentals

Skiing, snowboarding, and more

You can rent full equipment at all major Argentine ski resorts: Bariloche, Las Leñas, Cerro Castor, and more. Shops offer high-quality gear from international brands like Atomic, Rossignol, and Salomon.

Many travelers also rent snow clothing locally, which reduces luggage size. Full kits (jackets, pants, boots, gloves) are commonly available for daily or multi-day rental.

Where to buy

You’ll find specialized outdoor and winter clothing stores in Buenos Aires, Mendoza, Bariloche, and Ushuaia—including brands like The North Face, Columbia, Montagne, and Ansilta. Some regions also offer duty-free shopping.

Clothing tips by region

Neuquén, Río Negro, Chubut

• Climate: humid, cold, frequent snow. Highs of 5–7°C, lows below zero.
• Must-have: waterproof outerwear, boots with good traction, neck gaiter.
• Extras: plenty of rental options, accessible technical gear in local stores.

Mendoza

• Climate: dry cold, high sun exposure. Daytime temps from -5°C to 5°C.
• Must-have: versatile layers, sunscreen, UV-protection eyewear.
• Extras: rental options in Mendoza city, San Rafael, and Las Leñas.

Tierra del Fuego

• Climate: sub-Antarctic, humid and windy. Highs of 3–5°C, lows down to -10°C.
• Must-have: hooded windproof jacket, waterproof pants.
• Extras: limited daylight in winter. Rentals available in Cerro Castor and Ushuaia.

Where to rent ski equipment and snow clothing in Argentina

Many international tourists choose to rent outer snowwear (jackets, pants, après-ski boots, gloves) instead of buying it—especially if they don’t plan to use it often. Argentina has specialized stores and rental shops in all major cities and winter destinations, where you can find complete outfits and equipment.

For example, in Buenos Aires (before heading to the mountains), it’s possible to rent from dedicated shops. The Vertical Ski & Snowboard chain—the largest rental service in the country—has branches in Buenos Aires (Acassuso) and ten other cities, making it easy to try on gear in the city and pick it up directly at the resort. Other options include outdoor and camping gear stores like Eurocamping (ECO) in the Microcentro or major brand stores like Montagne and Columbia.

In Bariloche, Argentina’s top snow destination, you’ll find plenty of rental shops both downtown and at the base of Cerro Catedral. Options range from large chains (Escuela Xtreme, Epic, La Base, Rosario Ski) to small independent shops.

It’s common to rent the full kit (skis or snowboard with boots and poles, helmet, and goggles), as well as snow clothing. Rates are usually per day, with discounts for longer periods. Many places offer standard and premium gear options. If you prefer to buy, Bariloche has excellent outdoor and ski shops with jackets, pants, and accessories. Tip: book ahead during peak season and try everything on the day before to make sure it fits.

In Mendoza/Andes region (e.g., Las Leñas ski resort), you’ll also find solid rental options. The base of Las Leñas has an official rental center with over 2,000 ski and 500 snowboard setups. Many visitors rent directly there for convenience. Alternatively, nearby cities like San Rafael or Mendoza offer rental stores; the Vertical chain is also present in Malargüe and Las Leñas itself.

Snow chains are required for vehicles, but if you don’t have warm clothes, Las Leñas also rents outerwear (one-piece suits, jackets, etc.) at local resort shops. If you need to buy gear, Mendoza city has mountain gear stores, although the variety is more limited than in Buenos Aires or Bariloche.

In Ushuaia (Tierra del Fuego), the gateway to Cerro Castor, you’ll find multiple rental shops for snow gear and clothing. The local Tourism Office lists several rental locations in town, such as Cumbre Rental Ski & Outdoor (Gob. Deloqui 51) and Dr. Snow (Gob. Deloqui 737), where you can rent jackets, pants, waterproof boots, gloves, boards, skis, poles, and accessories.

At the base of Cerro Castor, there is also an official rental shop offering full ski and snowboard equipment (though usually excluding personal accessories like gloves or goggles). In Ushuaia, it's best to rent clothing in town before heading to the slopes. If you plan to do alternative snow activities (dog sledding, snowmobiles, etc.), there are winter parks that provide the required gear.

In other Argentine snow destinations, the rental situation is similar: there are always options in town or at the resort base. For example, in San Martín de los Andes (Cerro Chapelco), you’ll find several rental shops both in town and on the mountain (including national chains). The same applies in Villa La Angostura (Cerro Bayo) and Esquel (La Hoya), where tourists can rent gear on arrival.

For smaller ski resorts, it’s wise to check in advance whether there's an on-site rental or if you should rent in the nearest town. In any case, the quality and condition of the gear are key: make sure boots fit well and that bindings are adjusted properly for safety.

Tip: Bring personal accessories that are harder to rent or that you prefer to own (for hygiene or comfort), like thermal socks, long underwear, glove liners, ski mask, or helmet (if you already own one). Everything else—from snowboards to jackets—can be easily rented or bought in Argentina, which is well-prepared for snow tourism.