Las Leñas
| Company type | Ski resort |
|---|---|
| Industry | Tourism, Skiing |
| Founded | January 1983 |
| Headquarters | Mendoza Province , Argentina |
| Products | Skiing, Snowboarding, Mountain biking, Horseback riding, Climbing |
| Website | www |
Las Leñas is a ski resort situated in the western region of Mendoza Province, Argentina. Renowned for its dependable powder snow and terrain ideal for advanced and off-piste skiing, development commenced in January 1983, with the resort opening by July alongside a 300-bed hotel. The ski domain presents a variety of slopes catering to all skill levels, from beginners to experts, including vast off-piste areas. Elevations span from 2,240 m (7,350 ft) up to , featuring a vertical descent of and a skiable expanse covering across 27 trails. Its longest continuous run extends , establishing it as the most extensive ski area accessible by land in South America. Among its amenities is the Piscis Hotel, home to the casino at the highest altitude worldwide.
The typical ski season lasts from mid-June through mid-October, although recent years have seen operations conclude by mid-September. During summer months, visitors can engage in mountain biking, horseback riding, climbing, and various other outdoor pursuits.
Available services include a ski and snowboard academy offering childcare and specialized programs that take advantage of the large off-piste terrain. Lodging options on-site range from luxury hotels to apartment-style accommodations and dormitory-style sleep houses. The compact commercial area contains a bank, ski retail outlets, chocolate and gift shops, a supermarket, cafés, dining establishments, and nightlife venues.
Due to its remote location away from major urban centers, Las Leñas generally experiences low visitor density except on weekends, resulting in shorter queues for lifts compared to other Argentine ski destinations.
Las Leñas was the venue for men's downhill races during the 1986 Alpine Skiing World Cup and 1987 Alpine Skiing World Cup, as well as hosting women's downhill and super-G events in the 1990 Alpine Skiing World Cup. Additionally, it hosted the sole edition of the Winter Pan American Games in 1990.
Geographic location
Situated approximately from Buenos Aires, Las Leñas can be reached via car, bus, or air travel. The closest airports are Comodoro D. Ricardo Salomón Airport near Malargüe, roughly 95 km distant, and Suboficial Aytes Germano Airport close to San Rafael, both providing regular domestic flights with bus transfers available to the resort.
The paved access road to Las Leñas is seldom closed due to snow; however, severe weather conditions may prompt temporary shutdowns enforced by the Gendarmería. Vehicles are required to use snow chains unless fitted with appropriate snow tires.
Elevation
- Base elevation: 2,240 m (7,350 feet)
- Mid-mountain elevation: 2,835 m (9,301 feet)
- Summit elevation: 3,430 m (11,250 feet)
- Vertical drop: 1,230 m (4,040 feet)
Climate
Las Leñas experiences a warm-summer mediterranean continental climate (Dsb), characterized by four months with average temperatures above , and three winter months below . Summers are generally mild and dry; winters bring substantial snowfall essential for skiing activities.
Winter Pan American Games
In 1987, the Pan American Sports Organization (PASO) designated Las Leñas in Argentina as the host for the inaugural Winter Pan American Games. Originally scheduled for 1989 but delayed until 1990 due to inadequate snow conditions, the event was held from September 16 to 22. It featured 97 athletes representing eight nations: Argentina, Bolivia, Brazil, Canada, Chile, Colombia, Mexico, and the United States. Competitions comprised six Alpine skiing events across three disciplines: Slalom, giant slalom, and super-G.
Alpine Skiing World Cup
Las Leñas marked a milestone as the inaugural Argentine ski resort to organize an International Ski Federation Alpine Skiing World Cup competition, hosting the men's downhill events on August 16 and 18, 1985, which kicked off the 1985-86 season. Prominent athletes in this event included Karl Alpiger (SUI), Markus Wasmeier (FRG), and Helmut Höflehner (AUT).
The venue once again served as the opening stage for the men's downhill races of the 1986-87 season on August 15 and 16, 1986, where Peter Müller (SUI) emerged victorious overall.
During the 1989-90 season, Las Leñas was the site for the initial women's downhill and super-G competitions held on August 8 and 9. Michaela Gerg (FRG) led the standings, followed closely by Anita Wachter (AUT) and Michela Figini (SUI).
| Position | Athlete | Nation | Total Points | Race One | Race Two |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Karl Alpiger | Template:SUI | 50 | 25 | 25 |
| 2 | Markus Wasmeier | Template:FRG | 25 | 10 | 15 |
| 3 | Helmut Höflehner | Template:AUT | 24 | 15 | 9 |
| 4 | Doug Lewis | Template:USA | 21 | 20 | 1 |
| 5 | Bruno Kernen | Template:SUI | 13 | 8 | 5 |
| Position | Athlete | Nation | Total Points | Race One | Race Two |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Peter Müller | Template:SUI | 40 | 25 | 15 |
| 2 | Leonhard Stock | Template:AUT | 31 | 11 | 20 |
| 3 | Franz Heinzer | Template:SUI | 30 | 15 | 15 |
| 4 | Marc Girardelli | Template:LUX | 18 | 12 | 6 |
| Position | Athlete | Nation | Total Points | Race One | Race Two |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Michaela Gerg | Template:FRG | 31 | 25 | 6 |
| 2 | Anita Wachter | Template:AUT | 25 | – | 25 |
| 3 | (tie) Michela Figini / Petra Kronberger / Cathy Chedal | Template:SUI / Template:AUT / Template:FRA | 22 each | 12/7/2 | 10/15/20 |