As we drove up the valley towards Las Leñas, the hillsides were scalped of their snow. Rocks and grass filled the landscape with spotted snow fields that were protected from the northern sun. Las Leñas, like any resort around the world, is at the mersey of Mother Nature and this season was tough on the southern ski resorts. However, the sunset filled the sky and lit the mountain tops that loomed majestically all around us. Having been fortunate enough to travel around North America and much of Europe, I have seen and experienced many great mountain ranges, but something about the Andes speaks to you like no place else. The vastness and undiscovered nature carries a certain allure. In Europe the mountains are developed with farms and roads everywhere, as well as trams to the tops of peaks. In North America everything is spread out and reasonably accessible. However, the Andes are just massive and relatively untouched, yet in the middle of this vast landscape sits Las Leñas. Hundreds of miles from the nearest established town, and six hours from Mendoza. Amidst this great solitude sits this resort at the base of some 16,000’ peaks with four star accommodations and arguably some of the greatest lift service skiing in the world.
Pulling up to our hotel we were excited to say the least. Right on the hill, ski-in-ski-out, the Acuario was plush and the people working at the hotel were great. Right from the minute we arrived there was a smiling face there to help. Recently renovated and decorated with a new age flare, the warm atmosphere kept us close as the lobby bar is about as relaxing as it gets. However, take note as the nights in Argentina can catch up with you fast given that they start late and stay up even later.
Once we got settled in and woke in the morning I was excited to hear the reactions of the rest of the group. The mountains as we were driving in were great, but as we pulled up to the resort the sun had set and the others never say the true magic around them. Mouths wide open, we got our gear together after an amazing breakfast at the hotel and headed up. Having not skied for over five months, it was a little different at first, but like the aggressive and precocious group that we were, “Edwardos” which is the main face above the resort was our first run. It was a sunny morning, and with a storm on the way, so we had to take advantage of the weather while we could. After riding the “Marte,” which seemingly takes you to the moon, we were on top of the world.
270° views of the Andes and it looked like the earth was covered with mountains for as far as we could see. I am not sure how graceful any of us were, but lets just say it was a long first day, as 2500ft descents on the first day of the season is enough to beat up anyones legs. The snow was shaky considering the low amount of precipitation they had received this year, but the rumors of a storm hitting the next morning were mulling around the village.
None-the-less, it was a fantastic first day of the season and we got some great turns.
So, there is only one way to make sure it snows and with a storm on the forecast we hit the night life. Tired yet high on endorphins after a great day, we headed out for some Argentinian fun.
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