Las Leñas Ski Resort

Carved into the high Andes of Mendoza province, Las Leñas is Argentina’s most serious ski destination – a place where powder hounds and expert skiers find their nirvana. This purpose-built resort sits at a base elevation of 2,240m, with runs topping out at 3,430m, offering some of the longest vertical drops in South America. The vibe is rugged and unpretentious, with a compact village of lodges, bars and gear shops huddled at the foot of the slopes. In summer, the same lifts give access to epic hiking and mountain-biking trails, but winter is when this place truly shines.

Highlights & What to See

• Martín Volcano – The iconic peak that dominates the skyline; its south face offers legendary off-piste descents for advanced skiers and snowboarders.
• Las Leñas Ski Circuit – Over 30 runs covering 230km, from gentle greens (barely there) to hair-raising double blacks like the famous La Cascada.
• Heli-skiing in the Andes – Access remote, untouched powder bowls on guided heli-ski trips – a bucket-list experience for serious riders.
• Summer activities – When the snow melts, the terrain transforms into a playground for hiking, mountain biking, and horseback riding through dramatic Andean scenery.
• Local après-ski – Unlike glitzy resorts, Las Leñas keeps it real: warm up with a glass of Malbec at a base-lodge bar, sharing stories of the day’s runs.

Suggested Time to Spend

Most visitors come for a week-long ski holiday, flying into Mendoza and driving the 4 hours to the resort. Three to four days is enough to ski the main runs and take one heli-ski day, but a full week allows for rest days, exploring nearby valleys, and chasing fresh snow. Summer visitors can cover the hiking and biking highlights in 2–3 days. The resort operates from mid-June to early October for winter sports, and December to March for summer activities.

Nearby Areas Worth Combining

• Mendoza City – Argentina’s wine capital, famous for Malbec vineyards, olive groves, and the stunning Cerro de la Gloria park.
• Valle de las Leñas – The broader valley offers scenic drives, hot springs, and gaucho culture in small towns like Malargüe.
• Cañón del Atuel – A spectacular river canyon with dramatic rock formations, ideal for a day trip from Las Leñas in summer.
• Aconcagua Provincial Park – Home to the highest peak in the Americas (6,962m), a bucket-list destination for trekkers and mountaineers.

Please check official sources for current details.