The Bajada de Antorchas takes place in Ushuaia, the southernmost city in the world, located in Tierra del Fuego, Argentina. Often called the "End of the World," Ushuaia is famous for its breathtaking landscapes, with snow-capped mountains, dense forests, and the icy waters of the Beagle Channel.
Beyond its natural beauty, Ushuaia is a major destination for adventure seekers. Every winter, it hosts the Bajada de Antorchas (Torchlight Descent), a National Festival that attracts visitors from across the globe. Held at the Cerro Castor ski resort, the event transforms the slopes into a glowing river of fire, as skiers descend the mountain in a mesmerising display of flickering torches against the snow.
The spectacle begins when fireworks light up the peak, signalling the start of the descent. Experienced skiers, having made the two-hour climb to the top, ignite their flares and carve their way down the slope. Below, a larger group of skiers awaits with their own torches, ready to join the fiery procession as it winds toward the base.
Meanwhile, spectators gather at the foot of the mountain, near the Aerosilla (chairlift), where the air is filled with the sounds of community bands playing festive melodies. Families and tourists warm themselves with hot chocolate, eagerly awaiting the arrival of the glowing figures carving down the mountain.
The event culminates in a dramatic ritual: when all the skiers reach the base, they set fire to a massive effigy of a monster, a symbolic act meant to ward off bad omens and invite a prosperous winter with abundant snowfall and safe skiing conditions. The festival has grown in popularity, drawing over 2,500 spectators in recent years, as both locals and tourists embrace this unique fusion of sport, tradition, and spectacle.
I first learned about the Bajada de Antorchas through a video by Alex Hackel, a professional skier and content creator. His YouTube video, I Went Skiing at the End of the World, not only highlights the stunning landscapes and world-class skiing of Tierra del Fuego but also captures the cultural significance of the festival. In the video, he takes part in the torchlit descent, ultimately arriving at the effigy, where the flames rise into the night, carrying with them the hopes of all those gathered.
More than just a ski event, the Bajada de Antorchas is a celebration of community, nature, and renewal. Against the backdrop of the world’s southernmost city, this fiery tradition continues to burn ever brighter as, year after year, it is attracting more visitors from all over the world. This extraordinary festival unites locals and visitors in a shared moment of magic at the End of the World.
