When we think of Brazil, beautiful beaches, football, bossa nova, and the vast Amazon jungle typically come to our mind. It’s hard to imagine that snowfall and skiing are possible in this huge tropical country.
Brazil is a large South American country, covering the eastern half of the continent and numerous islands in the Atlantic Ocean. Its capital is Brasilia, with São Paulo being the most populous city. With an area of over 8.5 million square kilometers, Brazil is the third-largest country in the Americas and the fifth-largest in the world. It has a coastline stretching for 7,491 kilometers along the Atlantic. Brazil shares borders with several countries, making it adjacent to all South American countries except Ecuador and Chile.
The majority of Brazil lies within the tropics, resulting in moderate seasonal changes. The Amazon rainforest, covering 3.6 million square kilometers, contributes to Brazil’s remarkable biodiversity. Despite a population of over 215 million people, Brazil has a relatively low population density, ranking as the seventh most populous country globally. Its geography includes hills, mountains, plains, plateaus, and ridges. The southern part of the country is predominantly highlands, while the northwest features a plateau with sporadic hills. The southeastern region has a complex system of mountain ranges, including the Mantiqueira Range, Espinazo Range, and Serra do Mar. In the north, the Guiana Shield is a significant drainage basin, separating rivers flowing into the Amazon Basin from those flowing into Venezuela’s Orinoco River system. The highest point in Brazil is Pico da Neblina, reaching 2,994 meters above sea level on the Venezuelan border.
Indigenous peoples originally inhabited the region that comprises present-day Brazil until its first contact with Europeans in 1500 AD through a Portuguese expedition led by Pedro Álvares Cabral. After the Treaty of Tordesillas, the Brazilian territory became part of the Kingdom of Portugal on the American continent until it gained independence on September 7, 1822. Brazil transitioned from being a central part of the Kingdom of Portugal to an empire and eventually became a republic. The initial capital was Salvador da Bahia, later replaced by Rio de Janeiro until the construction of the new capital, Brasilia. Brazil’s current constitution, formulated in 1988, establishes it as a federative presidential republic. The federation is composed of the union of the Federal District, 26 states, and 5,570 municipalities.
Location: Caxias do Sul, Brazil - Photo: Miriam Cardoso de Souza
Snowfalls in Brazil occur annually in the high plains of the South Region, encompassing Rio Grande do Sul, Santa Catarina, and Paraná. While it is a rare phenomenon in other parts of the country, there have been recorded instances of snowfall.
This phenomenon predominantly takes place during the months of June, July, and August. São Joaquim, the city with the highest number of snowy days, attracts an average of 13,000 visitors from various parts of Brazil during this period. The most significant snowfall in the country was recorded in Vacaria on August 7, 1879, with an accumulation of over 2 meters (79 inches) of snow. Snowfall of this magnitude is exceptionally rare in Brazil. There have only been two subsequent snowfalls that reached or exceeded 1 meter (39 inches): July 20, 1957, in São Joaquim, Santa Catarina, with 1.3 meters (51 inches) of snow, often cited as the highest snowfall in Brazil, and June 15, 1985, at Pico das Agulhas Negras, Itatiaia, Rio de Janeiro, with 1 meter (39 inches) of snow.
Serra do Tabuleiro, Florianópolis, Santa Catarina, Brazil - Photo: Daniel Queiroz
In the South Region, due to extensive areas of high altitude and latitude, snow occurs every year in southern municipalities such as São Joaquim, Urubici, Urupema, São José dos Ausentes, Bom Jesus, Bom Jardim da Serra, Cambará do Sul, and Palmas. These cities are considered the coldest in the country. Although snowfall is typically limited to higher elevations, there have been reports of snow at lower elevations, such as Ijuí and Porto Alegre.
In the year 2000, snowfall was reported in over 70 municipalities across the three states of the Southern Region. In 2010, the phenomenon occurred in 21 municipalities in Santa Catarina and the Rio Grande mountains. A historic episode in July 2013 brought snow to more than 140 cities in the region, including Curitiba, the country’s coldest capital, which experienced snowfall after 38 years.
Snowfall has also been observed in the southeastern states of São Paulo, Rio de Janeiro, and Minas Gerais. It has occurred twice in Paranhos, Mato Grosso do Sul, located in the Center-West. In total, snow has been reported in seven states throughout the country.
The remaining states, including the entire North and Northeast regions, have predominantly tropical and semi-arid climates, low latitude, and altitude, making snow virtually impossible. There has been no snowfall evidence even at the highest point in the country, Pico da Neblina.
Brazilian Ski Resorts
Skiing is now possible in Brazil, thanks to the presence of two ski resorts, one indoor and the other outdoor with artificial carpets that replicate snow.
The first place is Snowland in Gramado, a city situated in the southern region of Brazil. Snowland is an indoor park that produces artificial snow, allowing for year-round operation in a cold environment, with temperatures between -5°C (23°F) and -3°C (27°F). Visitors can partake in activities such as alpine skiing and snowboarding, as well as enjoy events related to cross country skiing. Additionally, the park offers other attractions like sledding, ice skating, and tubing. Established in 2013, this park holds the distinction of being the pioneering establishment of its kind in South America.
The second ski resort is Ski Mountain Park in São Roque, Brazil, a popular tourist destination located just 54 km from São Paulo. Nestled on a beautiful mountain, the park offers a stunning panoramic view of São Roque and covers an expansive area of 320,000 square meters, mostly comprised of native Atlantic Forest. This ecological paradise provides visitors with a range of attractions suitable for all ages and interests, making it an ideal destination for families and adventure seekers alike.
No matter the season, the Ski Park offers a wide array of leisure options. Whether it’s winter for skiing and snowboarding enthusiasts, or summer, autumn, or spring for those who prefer other activities, the park ensures there’s something for everyone. From adrenaline-pumping adventures to culinary delights, visitors can expect a diverse range of experiences in this natural wonderland.
The artificial slope at the Ski Park is made of high-quality polyethylene plates imported from European countries, ensuring a realistic skiing experience. Looking to the future, the park plans to make further investments, including the construction of a themed hotel at the mountain peak. This hotel will offer breathtaking views of São Roque, enhancing the overall experience for visitors.
Sources and useful links:
