Skiing and winter sports in Argentina

Winter sports are not usually among the first things German tourists think of when they think of South America. Yet even in relatively hot South America, there are several mid-altitude and high mountain ranges, meaning winter sports are practiced in almost every country on the continent, albeit on a smaller scale. The ski resorts in the Andes lie at elevations of 2,000 – 3,500 meters, similar to those in the Alps or Pyrenees, and therefore also offer excellent conditions for alpine skiing, cross-country skiing, snowboarding, and similar activities.

The Las Leñas ski resort in Argentina is one of the largest and best-known winter sports centers in South America. Located in the province of Mendoza, Las Leñas lies in the Argentine Andes and offers ski and cross-country trails covering around 225 hectares, with a total length of nearly 30 kilometers; the longest run alone is seven kilometers long. In the Southern Hemisphere, the ski season begins in June and lasts until the end of September, sometimes continuing into October. In addition to the plentiful natural snow, snow cannons are also used at the Las Leñas ski resort in Argentina to ensure the slopes in the Andes are perfectly groomed.

With its own ski school in the center, child-friendly hotels and slopes, and a daycare center, the Las Leñas winter sports resort in Argentina is also ideal for a family ski holiday in the Andes. Several upscale ski hotels have also established themselves in Las Leñas, earning the resort the nickname “St. Moritz of the Andes.” The slopes around Las Leñas are frequented primarily by skiers and snowboarders from across South America, as well as visitors from Canada and the United States.