Las Leñas

A high-end ski village in the Central Andes, Las Leñas is isolated from larger towns and sits at the gateway of a high altitude valley with towering peaks and minimal vegetation as far as the eye can see. The Marte chairlift unlocks access to the area’s legendary terrain. From the top of the iconic, old school two-person chair, innumerable bowls, couloirs and peppered faces beg to be shredded. Take note though, after massive storms–that have been known to drop three-plus meters (yes, meters!)–parts of the lift can become buried in snow, or devastating winds can literally flip the chair’s cables over themselves.

Details

Skiable Acres:

43,000

Runs:

30

Vertical Drop:

3,904 feet

Distance To Airport:

miles

Website:

laslenas.com

Las-Leñas

How To Get There

Las Leñas is a bit of a hike to get to as it’s almost quite literally in the middle of nowhere. Once you fly into Buenos Aires International Airport you’ll make your way to the Buenos Aires domestic airport, Jorge Newberry Aeroparque (AEP), which is about an hour drive, to charter a flight to Marlargue Airport (LGS). Las Leñas is about an hour from there via car. Note: charter flights only operate during July and August. The cheapest way to get to Las Leñas from Buenos Aires is an overnight bus that takes 14 to 16 hours.

Las-Leñas

Where To Stay

Unless you’re renting a car, staying in the village of Las Leñas will be your best bet and luckily, the self-contained village has plenty of options for every budget. Virgo Hotel has been said to be the best hotel in the entire village for its five-star service and amenities. Hotel Piscis is another great option for a ski-in/ski-out hotel if you don’t mind the mid-eighties decor. Las Leñas also offers on-mountain apartments that are a more economical option for larger groups. If you are renting a car, the town of Los Molles 11 miles down the valley has a few hotels at a cheaper price point.

Travel Tips From The Pros:

Get used to staying up a bit later than normal. Dinner in South America is often served late and after dinner there is often some drinks at the bar to get warmed up before the disco opens for the night. Dancing until 3:00 am and hitting first chair takes a bit of pacing oneself.

— Sven Brunso

Where To Ski

The advanced and expert terrain within and surrounding Las Leñas will get even the most seasoned skiers’ hearts pumping. Inbounds, you’ll find the most challenging terrain off of the Marte Chairlift, including runs like Eduardo’s, Paraiso, El Collar and the Marte Bowl, which runs under the chairlift. Out of bounds, you’ll find hundreds of chutes and bowls within easy access, many of which filter right back into the resort.

Click To Zoom
Las-Leñas

Where To Eat

For a quick, delicious and modestly priced lunch, Innsbruck is the place to go for a good burger. UFO Point is a spot you won’t want to miss for the eclectic vibe and menu and when dinnertime comes around, Refugio is where you’ll find exquisite raclette to fulfill all of your cheesy dreams. Craving sushi? Las Leñas has its own Japanese sushi joint, called SushiClub.

Las-Leñas

Nightlife

There’s no shortage of after-ski activities in Las Leñas. With your ski boots still on, head to Brasero for a rowdy après scene just steps from the lifts with live music. Looking for a chill night? The bar at Hotel Piscis is the perfect place for a quiet drink. When everyone else heads to bed, the party is just getting started at UFO Point, where the dining area is converted into a dance floor. Hotel Piscis also has a casino for those feeling a little extra lucky.