Enjoy it all year round
Mendoza Winter Vacations: Ski, Wine & Adventure
Mendoza winter holiday season is one of South America’s best-kept secrets: while most picture Argentina in summer, those in the know arrive between June and September, and keep coming back.
The Andes turn white, wineries open with fewer crowds, and you can ski a world-class slope in the morning, then taste Malbec by the vineyard at sunset. SAK Wine & Travel has designed these winter trips for years, handling every transfer and reservation so you can just enjoy it. Explore our fully customized Mendoza adventure packages.
IN WINTER VACATIONS LIVE THE ADVENTURE
Mendoza’s winter goes well beyond the slopes. From white water rafting on the Mendoza River to horseback riding through the Andean foothills, the season opens up a full range of outdoor experiences for every pace and comfort level. Below, a selection of SAK’s most popular winter experiences — all private, all guided, all designed around your group.
When Are Winter Vacations in Mendoza 2026
If you landed on this page looking for the exact dates, here they are first: Mendoza’s official 2026 winter school break runs from July 6 to July 17, according to the provincial Dirección General de Escuelas (DGE) calendar. That’s two full weeks, starting somewhat earlier than in most of the rest of Argentina, where many provinces begin their break in late July or even the first week of August.
Why does Mendoza schedule its break earlier? It comes down to the provincial academic calendar, which distributes class days differently from the national average to balance the second semester’s course load. In practice, this means that if you’re planning a family trip around these dates, you’ll find the ski season in full swing at Las Leñas and Los Penitentes, with fresh snowfall and the Andes at their best time of year.
During these two weeks, the provincial government and local municipalities typically organize a full cultural calendar: theater for kids, film screenings, workshops at cultural centers, and free or low-cost activities designed for local families staying in the city. If you’re traveling from another province or from abroad, this works in your favor too: the city feels livelier, there’s more entertainment on offer, and winter atmosphere fills every corner, from the plazas to the markets of the Old City.
| Province | 2026 Winter Break Dates |
|---|---|
| Mendoza | July 6 to 17 |
| Buenos Aires (City and Province) | July 20 to 31 |
| Córdoba | July 6 to 17 |
| Rest of the country | Varies by jurisdiction, generally last week of July / first week of August |
But beyond when school lets out, what really matters is what you’ll do with that time off. And that’s where Mendoza gets interesting.
Enjoy It Year-Round: Why Mendoza Winters Are Different
Mendoza has that rare quality of being a true four-season destination, and winter, far from being a quiet time for tourism, brings together some of the most sought-after experiences of the year. The combination of snow in the mountains, dormant vineyards (which are still very much worth visiting), and a city that comes alive with food and culture makes July, for many travelers, the best time to discover the province.
The key is that you don’t have to choose between snow and wine: in a single weeklong trip you can ski in the morning and be tasting Malbec by sunset, something that simply isn’t possible in most other mountain destinations because of the distance between ski resorts and wineries.
When Is Winter in Mendoza?
Astronomical winter in the southern hemisphere runs from June 21 to September 21, but in touring and ski-season terms, Mendoza’s strong season runs from June through September, with July and August as the busiest months at the ski resorts. City temperatures in Mendoza typically range from about 39°F to 61°F (4°C to 16°C), while up in the mountains, in areas like Los Penitentes or Las Leñas, temperatures can drop well below freezing, especially at night.
It’s worth noting that Mendoza’s winter climate is dry and sunny, which often surprises travelers expecting a gray, rainy season. That means that even on days without snow, it’s entirely possible to head out to the wineries or go trekking in the foothills bundled up warm, without worrying about rain.
Ski & Snow Activities in the Andes
The two most important ski resorts near the city of Mendoza are Los Penitentes, a little over two hours away, and Las Leñas, somewhat farther but with world-class slopes and more complete on-mountain infrastructure. Los Penitentes is ideal for a full-day trip without needing to stay overnight in the mountains, while Las Leñas tends to be chosen for multi-day stays, given its own on-site accommodations.
For first-time skiers, both resorts offer lessons with instructors and dedicated beginner areas, so no prior experience is needed to give it a try. If you’re after something more relaxed, there are also snowmobile rides, snowshoe hikes, and simply taking in the mountain scenery with a warm hot chocolate in hand.
Explore Adventure Tours
Wine Tours & Tastings in Winter
Contrary to what many people think, winter is an excellent time to tour wineries in Mendoza. There are fewer visitors than during the harvest high season (March-April), which means more intimate, personalized visits. Many wineries take advantage of the season to offer fireside tastings, pairings with seasonal dishes like stews and fondues, or spiced mulled wine experiences, especially popular in the Uco Valley and Luján de Cuyo.
Boutique wineries in particular often have more availability for small groups or private visits, something that’s much harder to come by during peak season.
see our wine toursEnjoy the city during winter vacations
You will fall in love with the city as soon as you step on Mendoza soil. Mendoza has countless high quality services to make your stay a complete pleasure during these winter vacations, and SAK Wine & Travel knows the best of them.
Walks and parks, museums, cinemas, theaters and squares invite you to share the local art and culture.
Hiking & Trekking
Visit to the high Andes with trekking to Quebrada del Durazno – SPVD
Mendoza Tours
Sightseeing
Make the Most of Your Winter Vacation: Adventure Awaits
Beyond classic skiing, Mendoza winters open the door to adventure activities that don’t have the same appeal at other times of year. Trekking with snow-capped views, condor watching in the foothills, and 4×4 excursions into high-mountain terrain all gain a visual and emotional edge when the Andes are covered in white.
If you’re traveling with kids or as a family, there are more relaxed options too, like dog-sled rides at select mountain resorts or simply playing in the snow in designated areas, with no need to book ski lessons.
Hot Springs & Relaxation near Mendoza
After a day of snow or trekking, few things compare to soaking in natural hot springs. Cacheuta, just over an hour from the city, is the best-known and most accessible option, with open-air thermal pools where the contrast between hot water and cold mountain air makes for a sensory experience many travelers describe as one of the most memorable parts of their trip.
There are other, more remote hot spring options as well, ideal if your itinerary includes several days in the mountain region and you want to build in a day of pure rest between activities.
Discover Cacheuta's Thermal Waters
Adventure & Outdoor Activities
The province offers plenty for travelers who want to stay active: horseback riding in the foothills, hiking through mountain ravines, and, for the more adventurous, rafting on specific stretches of the Mendoza River where winter conditions allow it (always with certified guides). Each of these activities can be combined into a single itinerary without long transfers between them.
See our adventure toursMendoza Winter Activities by Traveler Type
Not sure which experiences fit your trip best? Here’s a quick reference:
| Traveler type | Recommended experience | Duration | Level | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Wine lovers | Private Uco Valley wine tour — 3 wineries + lunch | Full day | All levels | Book Now |
| Adventure seekers | Ski / snowboard at Las Leñas | 2–7 days | All levels | Book Now |
| Active adventurers | High Andes backcountry ski — off-piste ski touring near Aconcagua | Full day | Active adults | Book Now |
| Families | Kids-friendly cooking class — harvest, cook & eat at a Mendoza winery | Full day | All ages | Book Now |
| Couples | Cacheuta hot springs + private wine tasting | Full day | All levels | Book Now |
| Solo travelers | City tour + blending class + Andes rafting | 3 days | All levels | Book Now |
Winter Gastronomy & Cultural Experiences
Mendoza’s winter cuisine turns comforting: lamb stews, fondues, wood-oven empanadas, and, of course, constant pairings with Malbec. Many restaurants in the wine region offer seasonal menus built specifically for these months, featuring dishes that rarely appear on summer menus.
On top of that, July usually brings a lively cultural calendar to the city, with exhibitions, live music at wine bars, and events that fit naturally into your itinerary without any extra planning: just show up and join what’s already happening that week.
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FREQUENT QUESTIONS
What are the best winter activities in Mendoza?
Mendoza in winter offers an unusual combination that very few destinations can match: skiing and snowboarding at Las Lenas and Penitentes, private wine tours through cellars that are less crowded than in summer, natural hot springs at Cacheuta, white-water rafting on the Mendoza River, and mountain trekking in the high Andes. SAK Wine & Travel can build an itinerary that combines any or all of these into a coherent trip.
When exactly is winter in Mendoza?
Winter in Mendoza runs from June through September. July is the peak of the season, with the most snowfall in the mountains and the highest concentration of visitors. June and August offer similar conditions with fewer crowds and slightly lower prices on tours and accommodation.
How cold does Mendoza get in winter?
City temperatures in winter range from around 2°C at night to 15°C (35-59°F) during the day. Mendoza is known for its sunny winters — even in the coldest months, most days are clear and bright. Pack layers: a warm jacket for mornings and evenings, and something lighter for when the afternoon sun hits.
What ski resorts are near Mendoza?
The three main options are Las Lenas (4 hours from the city — the largest and most internationally known), Penitentes (2 hours — ideal for beginners and families), and Los Puquios (a smaller day-trip option). SAK arranges private transfers to all three, including luggage and equipment.
Is Mendoza a good destination for families in winter?
It’s an excellent choice. Penitentes has a well-equipped ski school for children, a toboggan run, and terrain that’s genuinely safe for beginners. Beyond the snow, the city has parks, museums, and chocolate shops that work well for families with younger children. SAK designs custom family itineraries that mix snow days with cultural experiences and enough downtime to keep everyone comfortable.
How can I book a winter vacation in Mendoza with SAK?
The easiest way is to contact us directly via WhatsApp at +54 9 261 715 9303 or by email at info@sakwinetravel.com. Tell us your dates, the size of your group, and what kind of experience you’re looking for — we handle every detail from there. We accept bank transfers and Mercado Pago with flexible financing options.
How can I book my trip?
Podés comprar a través de todos nuestros canales de venta. Envianos un mensaje por Whatsapp o llamanos al +54 9 261 715 9303. También podés enviarnos un correo electrónico a info@sakwinetravel.com Contanos qué días son tus vacaciones de invierno y cuántas personas viajarán. ¡Nosotros nos ocupamos de reservar todo y que no tengas que preocuparte por nada!
When does the 2026 winter school break start in Mendoza?
Mendoza’s 2026 winter school break runs from July 6 to July 17, according to the official calendar from the Dirección General de Escuelas. That’s two full weeks, somewhat earlier than in most other Argentine provinces.
Why does Mendoza have winter break earlier than other provinces?
It comes down to how the provincial academic calendar distributes class days across the year. In practice, this works in travelers’ favor: the ski season in the mountains is already in full swing by those dates.