Ski Las Lenas, Argentina

Las Lenas is Argentina's premier ski resort for extreme skiing and hele-skiing on its extensive off piste terrain. This resort attracts the best of the best, who flock to Las Lenas to train and vacation during the Northern Hemisphere summer months. And while the resort features very steep lift -accessible terrain, it also boasts a lot of very wide intermediate and beginner runs for all abilities. The ski season runs from June to September and is divided into high, mid, and low seasons.

The resort is Argentina's highest ski area, with an 11,328 foot (3,453 meter) top elevation, 7,431 foot (2,265 meter) base elevation, and 3,897 foot (1,188 meter) vertical drop. Twelve lifts service 40 runs, 1 snowboard park, and 1 half pipe. Skiable terrain is 10% beginner, 23% intermediate, and 67% advanced.

Skiing and snowboarding is completely above tree line, so there are substantial lift and terrain restrictions during storms. AND, 80% of the terrain is dependent upon the Marte double chair, an old chair that goes to the very top, which is closed at least half the time due to weather, avalanche control, or wind. When the Marte double chair is closed, you'll be restricted to a few short runs around the base area.

The off piste skiing features giant bowls and very steep chutes. Most of this terrain is open for you to explore and you can get permission from the military at certain check points on the mountain to go anywhere you want. BUT, go with a guide or someone that knows exactly where they are going, as there are many cliff areas, and avalanche danger zones that you should always be aware of. Do not go off-piste without a partner, a transceiver, and a shovel.

Las Lenas is a self-contained Andean village resort, and hosts many different restaurants, bars, shops, hotels, and even a casino. Buses run throughout the village, making it easy to get around and no matter where you're staying, you can walk everywhere. Accommodations are all ski in ski out and close to the skiable terrain, and include first-class hotels, apartment hotels, and dorms. The Virgo is considered the best hotel in Las Lenas followed by the Piscis, Escorpio, Acuario and the Aries.

Off mountain accommodations are located at Los Molles, a small town located 18 kilometers away from Las Lenas, where there are cabins and a couple of hostels to stay in.

Argentina's culture and its food have been heavily influenced by European immigration. French, Italian and Spanish cuisine has all made its way into the gastronomy.

Apres Ski comes alive at night - the Latin people know how to have a good time - with the bars in resort regularly open until the very early hours as the locals and tourists drink and dance the night away. The highest-elevation casino in the world is located at the Piscis Hotel and features roulette, baccarat, red dog, a large number of blackjack tables, and over forty slot machines.

The recommended way to get to Las Lenas is to fly into Buenos Aires International airport (EZE) and then catch a charter flight to Malargue (LGS). From Malargue, it’s a 45 minute drive to Las Lenas Ski Resort.

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