Life below the equator: Snowboarding in Argentina with Bárbara Pérez

Argentina is an untamed and snow-laden canvas with a handful of amazing resorts, some of which reach as high as 3500m! And who better to give us the low-down on this bucket-list destination than resident Dope Snow rider Bárbara Pérez. We managed to corner her for a quick interview to tell us all about her home country and how to ride like a local. Let’s see what she had to say!

You’ve got a unique relationship with this magical place, don’t you? Can you tell us about it?

I was born and raised here, and I've been skiing in Patagonia since I was three. If you’ve never been, I can honestly say it’s one of the most breathtaking places on Earth. The Andes mountains are wild and endless, with incredible views, steep terrain, and snow that feels like it goes on forever.

“Argentina is home for me, and snowboarding here is like returning to where it all began.”

– Bárbara

I know it’s a big question, but what does snowboarding in Argentina mean to you?

The terrain is raw and wild, with fewer lifts and less infrastructure, but that’s part of what makes it so special. The snow is more humid than in other parts of the world, but you get a lot of clear, bluebird days.

What truly drives me crazy – in the best way – is the vibe. The people, the authentic feel of it all. The stars at night, the silence of the mountains, the food, and the richness of Argentinian culture. It’s not just about snowboarding here – it’s a whole sensory experience.

Snowboarding in Argentina is so special, but what should riders expect if they visit?

The biggest differences are definitely the snow conditions, it’s wetter in Argentina, and the infrastructure. Things here are more rustic, more stripped back.

So many natural drops, tons of rocks to play on, and incredibly steep lines. And again, the soul of it all: the culture, the simplicity, the warmth. It hits different. It feels real.

“It’s a freeride and backcountry paradise.”

– Bárbara

Growing up there, you must have snowboarded the best spots in the country. Give us the inside track! Where do we need to go?

Two places come to mind. First, the Ruta de los 7 Lagos area, it’s honestly one of the most scenic regions in the country, surrounded by lakes and untouched forests.

Then on this last trip, we found something completely wild in Real del Pehuenche, right on the border with Chile. It felt remote in a way I hadn’t experienced in years.

It’s always so hard to pin them down, but what were the standout moments for you from your last trip?

One moment I’ll never forget was riding a snowmobile up into the mountains and reaching this insane lookout over the Maule region, right at the border between Argentina and Chile. None of us expected to get that high or see something that beautiful and untouched. We actually ended up crossing into Chile without realizing it, and the views were unreal.

You talked about the culture, and people are a huge part of that. Who were some of the people – either from your team or the area – who made this trip unique?

Nico Marín was with us, he works with National Geographic capturing underwater life. Then there was El Demente, a huge name in streaming in Argentina, plus our creative lead Loli Labureau, our producer Camila Pelassi, and filmmaker Camilo Llorente. It was such a fun and talented team.

“You won’t find fancy ski villages or polished resorts. But the terrain makes up for everything.”

– Bárbara

Argentina is massive, and you said that there’s a remoteness, a lack of infrastructure at times. What kind of challenges does that pose?

Just getting to some of our filming spots was the real challenge. There are logistics to deal with, like clearing customs before they close at six – and of course, things go wrong. Our car broke down and we showed up 30 minutes late to the checkpoint.

But we smiled, stayed cool, and somehow they let us through. When you’re aiming to reach places this spectacular, it’s not supposed to be easy. And if there’s one thing we know for sure: it was worth every second.

We know life on the road, hunting for the perfect shots, can be tough. How do you find balance when you’re working?

Having a strong crew of creators makes a huge difference, we’ve learned how to capture moments from every angle without interrupting the flow. But for me, the key is to keep being surprised.

If I stay amazed by where I am, that energy carries through to the content. Feeling grateful and excited about being in such remote places, like a snow-covered corner of the Andes… that’s the real luxury.

“When we’re out having fun and someone’s got a camera, the good stuff happens naturally.”

– Bárbara

What’s next for you? From the slopes of Patagonia…

If I had to pin it down, I’d say it’s time to go chase that famous Japow in Japan! and then cruise back into spring riding in Laax, of course.

Thanks, Bárbara – that’s a wrap! Argentina’s snow scene is something truly special – wild peaks, welcoming locals, and the thrill of riding where the Andes touch the sky. And with the Southern Hemisphere season running from August to October, there’s always a perfect excuse to plan a winter escape when everyone else is stuck in summer.

Find Bárbara’s style below

Spartan W Snowboard Jacket Women

Big W Snowboard Pants Women Black