If you don’t have the time to hit the slopes amidst the hustle and bustle of the holiday season, the Southern Hemisphere has your back.

When it’s summer for those of us up north, the Southern Hemisphere is experiencing its winter season. One of the best skiing destinations in the world is in the Andes Mountains, one of the longest and tallest mountain ranges in the world. The southernmost portion of the Andes runs through Chile, a must-visit destination for serious skiers and adventure seekers. In Chile the skiing season typically lasts from mid-June to October, with the best conditions in September.

One of the largest draws for the Chilean ski industry is its unique volcano skiing experience. Chile has a number of volcanoes that, when winter hits, provide excellent slopes for adventure seekers.

The Villarrica Volcano first opened three years ago and is now the main focus of the nearby Villarrica-Pucon ski resort. Guests can venture to one of the most active craters in the world and ski back down to the resort on the natural alpine slopes. There are also naturally formed lava flows which have created natural halfpipes that any brave snowboarder would love to shred. In downtown Pucon, guests may experience the young, lively nightlife and genuine Chilean culture.

If you’re looking for a high-profile getaway, head to Santiago. This city is home to a number of renowned resorts including La Parva, El Colorado and Farellones. However, the Valle Nevado is, hands down, the best resort in the area. It has better ski lifts than its competitors and offers mainly intermediate hills but is interlinked with nearby resorts if it doesn’t have anything that speaks to your skill level. These amenities do not come cheap, but many international guests will prefer to spend more on nicer accommodations and modernized infrastructure.

Whether you’re looking to embrace your adventurous side to ski down a volcano or need a relaxing getaway on the slopes, book your next ski trip in Chile next summer — when you’ll really need to escape from the heat.

— Jenna Payesko