Taking the Flipside
Amanda Barnes looks at some alternative winter activities
As the snow falls, most people head up to the Andes to take advantage of the great skiing. The main resorts are packed with people skimming the slopes. However, read below if you want to do something slightly different this winter.
Ice, Ice BabyFor those who fancy something a little more challenging, you won’t find anything much cooler than ice climbing. Andes Vertical will take you out for the day (or two) for a serious workout and serious fun on the stunning frozen glaciers. A car journey takes you just past Puente del Inca, dropping you off at an impressive snaking frozen glacier.
With all your equipment, and the hand of some of Andes Vertical’s fit young guides, you crunch your way in crampons along the snow and up to the frozen path. This is where the fun really begins.
With a pair of ice picks and fierce-looking crampons you hack your way up vertical ice formations, over frozen plateaus and up to standing position
Read more...Ski´s the Limit
Whether you are an international playboy with a penchant for skiing, or a penny pinching backpacker who’d like to learn, Mendoza has something to offer you. Resorts vary from the ultra-chic to the baby small.
Las Leñas
This is the biggest and best and most expensive. It attracts...
Some Very Good Years
Amanda Barnes visits three of Mendoza’s most historical wineries
Wine has been pumping through the bloodstreams of humans for over 7000 years. It started out in Georgia and Iran in 5000BC, then the Romans really started to get merry on the stuff, taking it from BC to AC, and the Christian church kept ...
Wineries
Ruca Malen
Excellent food, great guiding and first-class wines. The pairings over lunch make for an unforgettable culinary experience. Generous tastings and gorgeous views of the vineyards and mountains. 30 minutes from Mendoza Center. Ruta Nacional 7, Km 1059, Agrelo, Lújan de Cuyo. 562-8357. www.bodegarucamalen.com
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Renacer
This Chilean-owned winery creates the label Punto Final, one of Mendoza’s best value Malbecs. Small, modern operation with tour that includes a hands-on lesson in blending. 20 minutes from Mendoza Center. Brandsen 1863, Lujan de Cuyo. 261-524-4416 or 261-524-4417. www.bodegarenacer.com.ar
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Great wine lodge Club Tapiz, high-end restaurant Terruño and an instructive wine tour that includes an invigorating horse and carriage ride and a tank, barrel and bottle tasting. Ruta Provincial 15, Km 32, Agrelo, Lújan de Cuyo. 490-0202. www.tapiz.com
Terrazas de los Andes
Cool minimalist design and rich complex wines make this a winery with finesse and style. Convenient to visit on way to Valle de Uco. Ruta 86, Km 6.5, Luján de Cuyo. 420-0800. www.pulentaestate.com
La Azul
Simple, small production winery with not so simple Malbecs and Merlots. 90 minutes from Mendoza Center. R.P 89 s/n. Agua Amarga, Tupungato. 422-175. www.bodegalaazul.com.ar
Related Articles: Valle de Uco Tour with Trout & Wine
What To Do
Silver Mines of Paramillos
On the Fly
Flight of the Condor - Skiing Penitentes
Where to go
The Colors of Plaza Independencia
Octoberfest
Las Lenas Skiing
Meeting Mendoza
Asado
With Open Arms
Con Air
