Visitor reviews for Las Lenas

• September 07, 2008
  Jose from ARGENTINA
  

  Alex, totally agree with you, the problem it's the owner, a guy from Malaysia how doesn't gives care about the resort, only wants the water reservation, and the lifts are bad, since 1983, we pray all the years than the Malaysian sail Las Lenas and Lowestien the ex owner comes again!
  Cheers

• September 07, 2008
  jose from ARGENTINA
  

  Las Lenas... it was a very good place. I totally agree with Alex! Alex you are the man... I ski there all my life and now I wana search some other places, I love Las Lenas snow and its pretty close of my house, 1200 km, 10 hours by car, but year after year Las Lenas it's expensive more than Europe, and the lift are since 1983, slow ugly all the time out of work, its a shame, the people in the holle valley smoke and I have to change my lunch place many times about that, now its a big storm in all the resorts of Argentina, Bariloche have 1mt in the base and 350 in the top and Las Lenas too, the only problem now in Las Lenas is the owner, it's a guy for Malasia and the only business its looking for is the water reservation, and the lif and the resort doesn't gives a damn!!
  Well thanks for said than here all of the skiers talk in English, in Buenos Aires too, and I'm a big traveler to and now the best ski resort we have is Bariloche or Castor, but the problem in Bariloche you have to look very well the snow, because many times the snow its bad or not much,
  Cheers!

• September 01, 2008
  ValdiSkier from FRANCE
  

  I have been skiing in Argentina since 1995 and Las Lenas is the best spot for off-piste skier. The terrain is amazing from the top (Cerro Los Fosssiles accessible from chairlift Martes) and much more if you are ready to walk with all equipment. You will get a lot of pleasure when you can ski it: long and steep to very steep runs. (like skiing in Jackson Hole or Chamonix or Val d'Isere).
  But there is a high cost for it since infrastructure is the worst in Argentina which by international standard is very low. So low of the low could be a real pain if you are a one or two week skier here.
  Las Lenas is a very windy spot. And with wind most of interesting chairlifts are closed and so you are stuck in the base (nothing to do, nowhere to go).
  By the way, we had good ski conditions from mid July to the end of July this year, even if we could not ski all days (as you can in most European resorts in winter).
  Family skiers, you should prefer Chapelco. (beautiful place, correct on-piste ski, low off-piste). You can afford go to hotel Terra Alta in Las Pendientes (ski-in, ski-out) and very good value.
  Students skiers, you should prefer Bariloche.
  Those ready to get the best infrastructure in Argentina should go to Cerro Castor but so far away...

• August 26, 2008
  Alex from UNITED STATES
  

  Preamble: Virtually any ski area is awesome if the snow is. Therefore good powder snow generally trumps good (i.e. steep, gnarly) terrain.
  Pros & Cons of LL:
  Pros
  --Amazing terrain. The resort itself offers a sizable massif replete with steep chutes, open bowls, and easy access from the elusive (see Cons) Marte lift.
  --More amazing terrain. Behind the resort proper are a series of backcountry peaks accessed with 40-minute to 4-hour boot packs that rival the best of North American terrain.
  --Friendly people. The locals are nice and always eager to show foreigners around, mostly out of pride and eagerness to showcase their terrain.
  --A lot of English-speaking foreigners. There's no shortage of good, English-speaking skiers with whom to connect and tour. Whether at the few bars or in the apartment houses and hostels, you'll find loads of ex-pat skiers and riders with whom to party.
  Cons
  --Crappy snow. Though it typically snows significantly once every week on a good year, it's often associated with a lot of wind leaving you with a small window during which to ski soft pow. Within 24 hours you're generally relegated to 2 inches of breakable crust atop heavy powder (it falls heavy being a maritime snowpack). If you're on a snowboard or super fat, stiff skis it's easier to manage but by no means epic.
  --Lift closures. Marte, the lift that gives you access to the excellent inbounds and backcountry terrain, is closed the vast majority of the time, at least in my experience. While there for 2.5 weeks, Marte was open a total of 5 days. It was closed the rest of the time due to wind or weather, and sometimes it wasn't entirely convincing that the wind or weather were the culprits.
  --Expensive. A beer at pretty much the only "boliche," or disco (i.e. club), in the evening will cost you as much as a beer in a nice Manhattan bar. The lift tickets are as expensive as most US resorts, as well, and the lifts are much less reliable (see above). Food at the one grocery store is expensive. If you're looking for cheap accommodations for an extended period of time, you should expect to pay around $35/night for a bed/cot in a ghetto apartment usually full of other dirtbag ski bums which isn't bad if you don't mind filth.
  --Poor infrastructure. If you're staying in an apartment near where the ski instructors live (i.e., the "residencias") you have to take a shuttle ("colectivo") from the base of the resort or walk about 7 minutes. They run regularly, but they look and smell like Cold War, Soviet relics and run on dirt roads that get muddy with the snow. The lifts run slowly (there's one quad and the rest are doubles) and often shut down due to wind.
  --Smokers galore. I've traveled all over the world and can say with confidence that I've never encountered more cigarette smokers than in LL. In the bars, in the apartments, in the lift lines, on the lifts, you name it (and will smell it).
  --Customer service. In the hotels service is decent, everywhere else it's mediocre at best. Most of the people working there are young and disinterested. The patrollers don't seem to be well-informed about run and lift closures, telling you that something will open at such and such a time and then it won't.

  Bottom Line: LL requires a lot of time and patience. I don't recommend going there for a 1-week holiday. The inconsistent weather conditions make it unreliable for powder skiing, and even when it does snow, wind and lift closures hamper pow skiing opps. On the other hand, if you have more than 2 or 3 weeks, don't mind extended periods of groomed skiing and hunting for wind buffed faces during dry spells, have a lot of money to stay in one of the nice hotels or are a dirtbag, ski bum not concerned about staying in squalor, then LL can be cool.

• August 13, 2008
  Marco from PERU
  

  Las Leñas has good terrain, medium to small size compared to large US ski areas. The main issue is their managment which has to be the worst in the world. Absolutely no respect for the tourist who comes to this place. On any given day at least 50% of the lifts will be closed for no reason. Lifts are 25 years old, slow and lack maintenance. The Marte lift almost never opens and if it opens the lines are at least 1 hr long. Prices are astronomical, even for US standards. Food at most of the restaurants is of very low quality and definitely overpriced. On one of my two trips to this place my snowboard jacket was stolen by a lift employee. Filed charges with the local police office, nothing happened. Avoid this place. Bariloche is a much better choice on a good snow year (not this year unfortunately). Or try Cerro Castor in Ushuaia which is much better also and has more consistent snow.

• July 22, 2008
  Paulino from BOLIVIA
  

  I recommend Las Lenas. I've been in Chapelco and Valle Nevado and Las Lenas is the best of all. The lifts were opened because there was a good climate. Loved the lift Marte and the track Apolo. If you are searching for acommodations very near to the tracks go to hotel Acuario. The snow in Chapelco is very poor compared with Las Lenas, however the lifts are very good. Las Lenas is a paradise for beginners, recommending the tracks Venus and Minerva

• October 24, 2006
  Javier MM (Vasque Snowboarder) from SPAIN
  

  Este verano (septiembre 2006) estuve 2 semanas en Las Leñas y me pareció algo increíble, bárbaro, espectacular. Es cierto que los remontes no son de última generación, pero teniendo en cuenta las posibilidades de Freeride que ofrece la estación, ésto no es inconveniente. También es cierto que la silla de Marte es muy sensible a que la cierren, pero cuando está abierta es el mejor sitio del mundo... (Oh man!! Tenés que venir!!). Teniendo un buen nivel de ski/snowboard (Avanzado-Experto), esquiar los exigentes fuera de pistas de LL supone tocar el cielo, el paraíso del Freeride, y para quien le guste, del Extremo. Además, cuando Marte está cerrado siempre existe la posibilidad de hacer Heliski en Valle Hermoso o Snow-cat en las proximidades de la estación (esta última alternativa es mucho más barata). En definitiva, LL es para quienes amamos la montaña y disfrutamos proyectándonos por ella ;-)

• August 29, 2006
  Scramby Egglestein from UNITED STATES
  

  I suppose I got lucky, based on many of the poor reviews here, but I had an outstanding time riding in Las Leñas over the past week. Here are the positives: The bright skies and sun were relentless for all but the last day I was there, and it served to soften up the icy morning conditions to make an incredible surface by noon daily. The back country is all it's cracked up to be. The lifts were all open everyday. The Wine Bar rocks, as do the cafés on the mountain. There are natural gullies off the Volcano lift which make for interesting half-pipe-like riding. The people are quite friendly. Here are the negatives: The lifts are every bit as slow and antiquated as you'll ever care to know. Vegetarian options in the restaurants are scarce and the servers seem to take great pride in that. The clubs openly and crassly discriminate against North Americans by charging them ludicrous prices (US$14) to get in while South Americans are kindly welcomed for free (this nearly resulted in a number of brawls at the door). ... Perhaps I got lucky, but overall I had a stunningly good week in Las Leñas.

• July 06, 2006
  Pedro from ARGENTINA
  

  Voy a las leñas hace casi 20 años ya. Tuve la oportunidad de esquiar de chico, y conocer este hermoso centro. Fui a Chapelco un año, pero mi familia quedo muy disconforme, ya que la nieve era de muy mala calidad, así como los medios y pistas. Las leñas tiene medios de elevacion viejos, pero, tampoco son inutilizables! Es un lindo paseo, a la mejor nieve que uno pueda tener. No tiene comparacion con Cerro Catedral, o Chapelco, ya que ambos se encuentran más al sur, en zonas de mucho bosque, y a menor altura. Todo eso produce una humedad muy grande, lo que hace, que la nieve, sea siempre humeda y pesada.

• April 29, 2006
  roger blairs from AUSTRALIA
  

  i have skied in argentina for the last 7 years from ushuaia in the far south to penitentes in the north last year was my first at las lenas.My stay coincided with the heaviest snow fall and best snow depth for years ,late august.Yes the skiing is magnificent especially under the martes chairlift however things to consider,it is not a beautiful place only rocks and snow the lake district with places like chapelco are a much better place if you go as a couple and want some ambience.The prices for everything is astronomical by argentinian standards though forigners will still find it cheaper than the US or europe.The lift system is antiqauted and frequently stops after snowfall or wind they close most of the mountain for days at a time.I prefer chapelco its so much more beautiful though the skiing is not as challenging if you have to go to las lenas you can stay in the nearby town 1hr of marlague for 20 dollars a night and get the bus up for 5 dollars also if you stay in the town of marlague you get at whopping 50 % discount on the lift tickets at las lenas.

• January 15, 2006
  Franz from AUSTRIA
  

  I´ve being going to Las Lenas for 12 years now, and I can tell you, since I have skied almost every where, that Las Lenas is somewaht spectacular. It´s true, the lifts are very old and they close them all the time, but believe me it´s worth it, once you are at the top of Marte, you realized that there is no other place like it.
  Go to Las Lenas and check it out, you wont regret it.

• August 28, 2005
  Dave from UNITED STATES
  

  I ski in South America every summer. This is the second time I've been to Las Lenas, the first time was terrible and I thought I'd give it a second chance. This time has been no better. They don't seem to keep chairs open, the whole resort was closed today except a couple of Puma's. There isn't wind but it is snowing, if I was in the US this would have been a great powder day for some reason they can't seem to keep the lifts open here. The food isn't very good either. I've skiied both Valle Nevado and Portillo in Chile and they have much better restaurants and variety of food. The wine list at Las Lenas is also very poor. All in all, very expensive for what you get, I won't be returning to Las Lenas again ever. If you think Las Lenas is good, you really should try other resorts they are MUCH better.

• August 22, 2005
  from ARGENTINA
  

  The conditions of snow and pistes of LL are one of the best of Sud America. But the company that is in charge of this resort is probably the worst you can find. I finished arriving from one week in LL. Every day they closed lifts without reason. After a 1,00 mts. in base and 2,00 mts. in the top snow falling, we had a sunny, clear day without wind, but TERRIBLE for skiers and sonwboarders, because we had to wait in lines of 40 to 60 minutes, because they didn´t pack pistes neither clear snow under lifts, so these didn´t run. A lift tower was turned but nobody went to repair it, another lift closed. It seems to be that this business is near the bankruptcy, or the employees are making a plot, because there are no clear reasons to understand such disorganization. Advice: spend your money in another resort different from Las Leñas, at least until it changes its management.

• May 30, 2005
  Chris from UNITED KINGDOM
  

  Las lenas is the best south american ski resort. Off piste ski is awesome. I reccomend it without hesitation.

• May 09, 2005
  Steve from CANADA
  

  Las Lenas back country riding has set new standard that will be hard to beat. A very beautiful place filled with good people. Can't wait to go back.

• April 21, 2005
  Steve Burch from UNITED KINGDOM
  

  I went to Las Lenas and loved it! Snow was kind of sketch so best to go at least for 2 weeks to guarantee good snow. We had 7 days of really warm snow but then it snowed 80 cms early August. If you are going check out www.laslenasski.com. Once the season starts they have live pictures and different accommodation options, they helped me big time! Be sure to go to the Wine Bar (it is the coolest) and go on a 1 day cat skiing trip offered through the resort.

  Steve

• July 16, 2004
  Reese Ewing from BRAZIL
  

  I've skied in LL for the past three years and am going next week. I have to say that it is one of the most stunning and adictive places. The 'off piste' stuff over the top and around the back of the main mountain is like nothing I've ever seen and I started skiing in Colorado when I was about 10yrs old and I'm almost fourty now. I've skied Whistler and a bit of Canada and much of the Rockies.
  There is a risk, however, with skiing in LL. It can have irregular snow, especially in July. The month to go is August if you want the best chance of getting dumped on and it does get big dumps. There are no trees if thats what you are looking for and without the reference, the vast open white bowls and steeps can give you virtigo, I kind of like the feeling. It may also be a bit frustrating for the advanced skiers if they shut down the main lift Marte to the good stuff for a day after a big snow to check for slides. I bought AT bindings and skins to in case it is closed.
  Last year when I was walking my skies over a small-rock field to drop into an entry on the front face I found a fossilized scalop shell in the shale. I was standing at about 11,000 ft looking at the village 3000 ft below. There are about 9-10 decent joints to eat. If you like squash and steak, it's on every menu. But make sure you buy lots of good wine in BA before heading to the hill, I recommend the Argentine malbecs, fairly consistant grape.
  After skiing the steeps over the top of the mountain, you'll think about this place long after leaving it and it will give you a rush. chrs

• July 05, 2004
  Eliana from BRAZIL
  

  I've just spent the most stressful week of my life EVER in Las Lenas.
  When I booked my trip I was worried there wouldn't be snow and we'd have to cancel. Five days before departure there still was no snow and we requested cancellation. That same day it snowed and Las Lenas decided to open.
  Please. It snowed ONE DAY, and ever since temperatures have been reaaly high (average 10C during the day). Those guys should NOT have opened. They weer irresponsible and careless of their visitors.
  They said they would open with all trails but that was a LIE. Several trails were closed, actually one wouldn't even know they were trails (since they were covered in grass) if it wasn't for the still skilifts in those areas.
  In the areas where there was snow (higher up), there was just as much stone. Some trails had so many red flags on the floor you'd have to walk not to run over them.
  Stone came with ice too, since the last snow had fallen on June 22. Not even the snow cannons could work due to the weather conditions.
  In the middle areas, pure slosh. Great fun for snowboarders, hell for skiers.
  For a couple of days, the resort was out of power. Yes, the whole thing had no power. COmbined with the lack of snow, and the resort's refusal to compensate the visitors at all, it generated a protest right there in the middle of the slopes.
  I never want to go to that place again and I strongly disrecommend it to everyone who is the least worried about their safety.
  Those people are reckless and only care about covering their money losses. They do not invest one dime of the lot of money we spend there in refreshing equipment or bettering their structure. The lifts are 20 years old. It takes you an hour to go up a slope and 15 minutes to go down. Then about 20 more minutes in line to get back on a lift.
  People say that it's one of the best places in the world for off-piste skiing, and I don't doubt it. But if you have the smallest bit of concern for your safety and comfort, you won't go there.