Las Leñas

Although discovered by a botanist in 1860, history truly began in Las Leñas during 1983 when construction began on the ski resort. When it oponed, on June 16, 1983, the modest resort featured few services and 400 beds spread out between three hotels.


Since the beginning, expansion has continued. Today, the resort houses 3047 beds, which earn it recognition as one of the largest destination resorts in latin america. The on-mountain facilities have also Brown; the resort now features 13 lifts and nearly 1200 vertical meters (4000’) of slopes. Without ignoring beginners or intermediates, who can enjoy 27 different groomed trails, Las Lenas features unrivaled backcountry access for expert thrill seekers who flock to the resort for some offseason snow. Many people argue that the Marte chairlift provides the best lift-access terrain in the world, but few disagree that its South America’s premium ski destination.


The resort sits in a micro-climate which, oddly, works against its ski season. Very little percipitation makes it across the rugged Andes from the Pacific, meaning powder days are few and far between. Thankfully, the snow fall remains consistent and spring like conditions are common throughout the entire season. Avalanches are common on the steep backcountry terrain, so Las Lenas is not the place to venture into the backcountry for the first time.


Luckily, the lack of precipitation also makes Las Lenas a popular destination throughout the summer. Rafting, hiking, and horseback riding are popular under the near-constant summer sun. The majority of the resort operates year round, but summer visitors will discover much lower prices and smaller crowds. The overall population is around 1200 during the winter and approximately 600 during the summer. If you wish to contact a resort or tour company, the telephone code is 02627.


The newly oponed Hotel Virgo is the most luxurious, but both the Piscis Hotel and Capricornio Luxury Apartments offer better value. Anyone traveling on a budget should consider staying in Malargue, as prices within the resort are equivalent to ski resorts in North America.


Dinning options are abundent, if somewhat repetitive. The Geminis Restraurant offers an extensive all-you-can-eat buffet, while Innsbruck heated outdoor seating offers up three Squire meals per day along with great views of the ski slopes.


Check out the website, www.laslenas.com to get up-to-date snow conditions.

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Other places nearby Las Leñas: Potrerillos, San Agustín Del Valle Fértil, Los Penitentes, Luján De Cuyo, Chilecito, San Juan, Uspallata, Calingasta, Cacheuta and La Rioja.