Experience the raw isolation of a snow-buried thermal village, combining rugged volcano ski touring with natural geothermal recovery in the heart of the Andes.
At a Glance
Ski touring and snowmobile access across 15,000 hectares of wild volcanic terrain.
Winter access exclusively via tracked vehicles from the town of Caviahue.
A rustic, open-air thermal pool — the piletón — right in front of the hotel.
Basic, comfortable 3-star apart-hotel in a remote, snowbound setting.
Copahue, Neuquén, Argentina.
The Experience
Situated at the base of an active volcano in northern Neuquén, Copahue is not a polished luxury retreat — it is a raw, adventure-driven destination in the middle of the Andes. In winter the entire village is buried under snow, essentially becoming a frozen ghost town. Only a single, basic 3-star apart-hotel and one outdoor thermal pool remain open for those willing to venture out.
Accessed strictly by tracked vehicles from the nearby resort of Caviahue, it serves as a base unlocking over 15,000 hectares of wild skiable terrain. Days here require effort, focusing on snowmobile exploration and ski touring toward the summit of the Copahue volcano. The reward is authentic and immediate: returning from the high alpine to soak in the natural, rustic geothermal waters right outside your door.
For a balanced itinerary, this adventurous outpost can be combined with a stay at the charming nearby ski resort of Caviahue.
A Typical Day
Morning
Start your day in your apartment with a simple, hearty breakfast. After checking the weather and the plan for the day, step outside into the peaceful, snowed-in village. You will use snowmobiles to quickly access the vast, open backcountry terrain on the flanks of the Copahue volcano — and for those wanting to push higher, there is always the option to switch to touring gear and skin up.
Afternoon
After a packed lunch on the mountain with great views over northern Neuquén, enjoy long, rewarding descents back toward the valley floor. You can ski right into the snow-covered streets of the village. From there, drop your gear, grab a swimsuit and walk over to the rustic piletón, the outdoor thermal pool right in front of the hotel.
Evening
Evenings here are all about comfort, centred on traditional, heartwarming Argentine homemade meals. It is a laid-back time to share stories from the mountain, enjoy honest local food and appreciate the simple, quiet vibe of this isolated Andean outpost before resting up for another day on the volcano.
Location
Copahue sits at the foot of an active volcano in northern Neuquén, close to the Chilean border. In winter the road in is only passable by tracked vehicle from Caviahue, and the village itself disappears under the snow.
37°49'02.1"S 71°05'51.0"W
Begin Your Journey
Every AoniTem journey begins with a single conversation. Tell us how you ski, what you want to feel, and where you want to go — we'll take care of the rest.
