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 snow starved enthusiasts from the northern-hemisphere for some offseason sport and fun, as well as rich Argentines who like to ski and party. 445km south of Mendoza city in the heart of the Andes, it was purpose built to attract the beautiful people. Some call it Punto del Este in the snow.
It has a total of 35 marked runs that cover a distance of about 64km. The highest reaches 3,430m and another has lights and music to accompany your ride. Of the marked runs, 30% are to be considered beginner, 25% intermediate, 20% black and another 25% double black. Las Leñas is also said to have around 4,000 hectares of out of bounds skiing for experts and thrill seeking riders.
Plan your trip around the weather and keep an eye on the forecast because if it begins snowing the staff will close all but 2 lifts at the base of the mountain which then will accumulate 40 to 50 minute lift lines. Sometimes snow storms at Las Leñas can last for 2 or 3 days so keep that in mind. Also remember that the lifts are a little slower and older than in modern ski resorts and even during normal conditions from the base to the top of the Marte chairlift, the summit, it’ll take you about 45 minutes. The modern village contains luxury hotels, restaurants, casinos, nightclubs and of course a multilingual ski school. If you decide to stay in nearby Malargue (70km) you get a 50% discount on the lifts.
Buses leave regularly from the Mendoza bus terminal. The high season is now upon us, with its higher prices which started on 12 July and go through to 8 August. The cost for anyone who is between 12 and 64 years of age, is considered to be an adult, and will have to pay $65 US for a full day in high season. For more information on nearby accommodation, lessons, rentals, weather conditions and driving directions check out the website at www.laslenas.com or send the resort an email at This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it . There is also a great website to check out at www.laslenasski.com with unbiased information and opinions about the resort.
Los Penitentes
What Los Penitentes loses in size and glamour it makes up for in scenery and accessibility. Named after a row of monk-shaped peaks in the mountains, this tiny village is literally bisected by the main road to Chile (165km west of Mendoza City). With a base altitude of 2580m rising to 3200m, the well-snowed slopes provide excellent opportunities for downhill or cross-country skiing and snowboarding. Nordic skiing and competition skiing are also practiced at Penitentes.
The resort has a total of 28 runs, 11 of which have been approved by the International Ski Federation, but all varying in difficulty stretching a total of 22 kilometres covering about 300 hectares. There are some baby slopes for beginners as well as hotels and hostels to stay over in and rest those sore and weary limbs and backsides. The high season is from 2 July to 5 August and from 13 August to 17 August which will cost you $175 pesos for adults and $145 pesos for minors. Catch the mid season from 6 August through to 12 August and 18 August through to 29 August for just $155 pesos for adults and $120 pesos for minors.
The low season runs from 30 August to the end of the season and costs $115 for adults and $90 for minors. If you are just passing by the resort and have your children begging you to stop, lucky for you they can go tubbing in the tubbing park for around 25 pesos. For more information go to www.interpatagonia.com.
Vallecitos
This is where Mendocino ski history began. It is the provinces oldest ski centre, nestled in the stunning Cordon del Plata mountain range at an altitude of 2,900m (rising to 3,200 for the highest run). 80km south west of Mendoza City and just 16km past Potrerillos, it is perfect for day trips or one night stays. The resort has a total of 12 runs, 20% for beginners, 60% for intermediates and another 20% for advanced and covering about 88 hectares of skiable ground.
Apart from the marked trails there are a number of out of bounds bowls and chutes to be explored and for Nordic skiers there is also quite some ground to be travelled. This is another resort that has outdated equipment when it comes to world standards so be patient and enjoy the scenery. Vallecitos is modest in size but also in prices. Nearby is San Antonio mountain hostel but your best bet for accommodation is in the town of Potrerillos.
Los Puquios
The new and tiny Los Puquios is the economical choice for beginners and children. 4km west of Los Penitentes, four lifts will take you to any of the 10 runs of gentle gradient. The resort also offers tubbing for those not wanting to strap on the skis. Instructional classes and equipment are available at the resort as well. Transport is available through Turismo Uspallata bus company. Prices vary but a half day will cost you approx. $65 pesos and a full day $80 not including rentals. For more information visit the web page at www.lospuquios.com.ar.
Los Molles
Close to las Lenas is Los Molles ski resort. Small and relaxed, it has extra attraction of thermal baths to soak those aching bones after a hard day falling over.
In all the resorts watch out for different events throughout the season such as provincial championships, obsta
