| In
the early 90's, I had the good fortune of working in Las
Leņas
as one of their few, fully certified foreign ski
professionals. It was an amazing experience.
I had never then, and I have not
since, found a place that contained some many phenomenal
couloirs and off-piste bowls, all within an easy
traverse from a lift.
In addition, because the Andes are
only 100 miles wide, unlike our Rocky Mountains, the
storm systems coming from the Pacific are wet and loaded
with moisture.
Pushed up to over 10,000, 15,000
feet, and you have a recipe for massive snowfalls. Like
the 4 feet plus just received this past week. (June 14)
The snow falls fairly wet but then
the Las Leņas
advantage kicks in. You see, this resort lies on the dry
side of the Andes. Except for the big storm systems, the
area is almost a desert...similar to Nevada or New
Mexico.
So the snow dries quickly from the
top down. The initial wetness, means it sticks like glue
to the surface but the rest becomes the most amazing
powder.
One other fact. Temperatures do
not vary much. A cold day is -10C (20 F)
Why is all of this important?
The snow pack, after the initial
dump and resultant avalanches is remarkably stable. So
much so that when I was there, we were regularly skiing
fresh tracks on slopes of 50 degrees and more. In the
Rockies, I would be very hesitant to do so.
I will be posting new photos and
updating this trip over the next few weeks, so maybe you
will want to bookmark it. I will email regular news on
this trip specifically. To get on that list, or to save
your place, send me an email to
Argentina@CanadianMountain.com
For the best in snow,
Hugh Tafel - President
www.CmeSki.com
P.S. This trip is limited to 20
skiers/riders only. This is due the fact that it will be
guided by me and another guide/ski pro. We cannot handle
a larger group. So if you would like to be included in
this exclusive company, call or email us quickly before
the seats get taken up. - Hugh -
|
