Located in the mountain range province of Mendoza, it is one of the most important ski resorts of South America. The place has 32 combinations of snow tracks and 11 means of elevation. A complete guide with all the prices and services.

By Fernando Amato

Las Leñas Valley , created specifically for the practice of the ski and other mountain sports, is situated in the province of Mendoza- 430 kilometers (267 miles) from the province capital city. It can be reached by an excellent paved route, from El Sosneado, before arriving at the villa of Malargüe, distant 70 kilometers (43,50 miles) from the valley. Las Leñas has more lift-serviced ski terrain than any other ski area in the Western Hemisphere. More than Jackson Hole and Whistler-Blackcomb. Combine vail and snowbird, remove all the lifts that parallel each other and you will have a fair representation of Las Leñas.

The resort is located in a magic place, 2500 meters (8202 feet) over sea level, and has a modern infrastructure to enjoy the white sports (snow sports). It has 12 tracks and 32 combinations of the same ones, that conform an spectacular area of 60 skiables kilometers (37,28 miles) . Besides, the place has magnificent tracks for free ski, bottom ski and extreme ski. The greater extension of uninterrupted reduction in the country (7,050 meters) (23129 feet), is obtained combining the tracks Apolo, Neptuno and Venus. There are modern means of elevation. The Eros track, with an excellent system of illumination, allows to continue enjoying the ski even though when the sun has gone away behind the mountains.

Comforts and services

As far as lodging, the place has an ample and varied offert that totalizes 3000 beds. It is worth to emphasize some attributes like its international high-class restaurants, a conditionned swimming pool,the tennis courts, the fields of paddle, the minigolf, the international Casino with roulette, black jack, point and bank, poker and slot machines; discos, bars and pubs. The convention center has a capacity for 200 people. The medical center, with modern technology, allows to cover any kind of emergencies. For those who just begin in the ski activity, there are schools and instructors who assure a good learning and 5 kilometers of easily tracks for children and adults.

As far as locomotion means, it has a great parking area, with capacity for 100 automobiles and 70 omnibus (micros). Besides, you can rent snow-motos, cuatriciclos and sleights and there are different guided tours. It has DDN (national dialed direct), DDI (international dialed direct), fax and there are a lot of public telephone cabins strategically located in the inns of the mountain. Thanks to cellular telephones it is possible to be communicated from Las Le–as to any place of the world. The nearest airport is MalargŸe, 70 kilometers (43,50 miles) away.