The Andes extends more than 5000km (3105mi) along of the western coast of South America, it is the youngest mountain range in the world and the second highest after the Himalayas, and it is still growing.

The most renown and exclusive ski resorts are located in the southern part of the Andes, in the slopes of the mountains between Chile and Argentina.

The only Ski Resort in the Bolivian Andes is located in Chacaltaya Mountain, it has a very "primitive" ski lift that is not operational all the time. Unfortunately this glacier is receding very fast mostly because this mountain is facing to the southeast (the dry highlands) rather than to the western slopes that get more humidity from the cloud forest. Skiing in Chacaltaya is possible during the rainy season (January to March) but only after a heavy snowstorm.

Skiing in the rest of the Andes is not easy. Due to the altitude and high solar radiation, snowfields last little and glaciers are reseeding very fast, not mentioning the fact that the snow line starts at 5,000m (16,400 ft).

But, do not get disappointed, the Andes are a great arena where to practice mountaineering ski. Lots of glaciers are long enough to be traversed in several hours of great skiing; of course there are some uphill sections that you will need to negotiate using your skins. In Bolivia we have three main areas we can suggest for this activity: Chaupi Orko in Apolobamba mountain range, Mururata in Cordillera Real and the southern Quimsa Cruz mountain range.