Las Lenas (Argentina)

Most of the mountain has an easy way down accessible by any intermediate skier. You have to find the challenges, typically outside of the groomed trails. Due to its remote location, Las Lenas is rarely overcrowded but the base and better runs will have lines at the lifts.

Note that the trail color ranking is as follows:

• Green: beginner
• Blue: intermediate
• Red: advanced
• Black: very difficult (hike-able access only)

Unfortunately it was very difficult to distinguish the difference between the dark blue and black used on the trail map but it was equally indistinguishable to tell the terrain apart either. Here the marked, groomed runs all looked like intermediate runs whether they were marked intermediate or advanced.

Beginners and Intermediates:

Beginner terrain is at the lower elevations with the easiest terrain accessible from the lifts Venus I and Venus II, catering to those who would like a longer run. This mountain always has a way down for the intermediate skier via a groomed flat run with no surprises.

Advanced Ski Terrain:

Advanced or "red" runs are accessible from the "Caris" and "Vulcano" lifts. The Jupiter run in the upper mountain is marked advanced but rides along side the Apolo run marked intermediate.

The "Marte" lift line is not marked as a trail but with enough snow and the proper conditions, would make a sweet run. It is fully observable from the lift. On the far left side of the trail map you will find "Cenidor" and "Pluton", one of the few "black" runs on the mountain and is accessible from the other side of its ridge from the top of the "Caris" lift. The upper terrain is home to the hike-able "black" very advanced runs and is detailed in the next section below.

Tree Runs:

Las Lenas is above the tree line - no trees.

Mogul Runs:

The terrain is steep enough for the development of moguls but we did not find any run that would qualify as "a mogul run". The trail map marks the "Caris II" run to the left of the summit of the Minerva II lift as the "Zona Bumps" but none were to be found.

Hiking Terrain:

The upper peaks of Las Lenas contain advanced hike-able terrain as marked on the photo below. Snow conditions and the entrance to the chutes will determine its viability.

Out of Bounds Skiing:

Off piste gates are marked on the trail map with a yellow arrow outlined in red. The the most notable and remote are those shown on the right hand side of the trail map from the top of the "Iris" and "Vulcano" lifts. Remember to never travel alone, bring the appropriate gear and that it is not patrolled so if the coverage or snow quality is bad, know that you are stuck there for the duration of the run. The policy at Las Lenas is to sign a disclaimer at the ski patrol office or at the ski school, wear a helmet and bring a shovel, probes and backpack as well as an avi beacon and a RECCO rescue system.

Las Lenas Pros and Cons:

• Pros:
  • Large scenic resort nestled in the majestic Andes mountain range.
  • Inexpensive lift tickets and good food.
  • People are friendly and helpful even to those who don't speak Spanish and can't mime.
  • Family friendly resort with activities for all.
• Cons:
  • Credit cards are limited to Visa, there is only one ATM in town which charges a huge fee.

There are two marked terrain parks, one for beginners on "Venus II" and the other next to the "Minerva" lift.

The base of the mountain contains the cluster of hotels, apartments (condos), restaurants, bars and service buildings which comprise this ski village. At its core is a single building known as the "Piramide" which contains the only ATM in town and a few stores which which provide the only place to shop. When looking for an ATM, note that it is called a "Banco Automatico". No one knows what you are talking about when you mention an ATM. By the way, its on the top floor of the "Piramide".