Las Leñas Skiing/Snowboarding and Eating

Mendoza, Argentina

  • Duration

    9 days, 8 nights
    August 18-26, 2027 ($4150)

    or

    12 days, 11 nights
    August 18-29, 2027 ($5350)

  • Location

    Las Leñas–Mendoza, Argentina (Flights to Mendoza City (MDZ))

  • Maximum participants

    12

  • Price

    $ 500 (reservation deposit)
    $ 3650 (second payment)

Join Saveur the Journey for a Advanced/Expert level Southern Hemisphere Ski/Splitboard trip to the Mendoza Province of Argentina in August 2027. Escape the hot summer stateside and travel across the equator to chase an endless winter with this small-group, Sidecountry/Backcountry focused South American ski trip to the high-altitude resort of Las Leñas in the Andes. With a base at 7,350 ft (2240m) and the lifts topping out at 11,250ft (3430m), Las Leñas provides almost 4000 ft of vertical and is a massive resort, with more total skiable terrain than Whistler, Canada. The Marte chair at Las Leñas gives access to superb steeps, bowls, and couloirs. Due to the high altitude, the quality of the powder up high is considered some of the best in South America. When the storms roll in and the visibility drops, we can find exciting, untouched lines lower down by ski touring. The resort is geographically remote (about four-and-half hours drive from Mendoza city) so it takes some work to get there, but the payoff is a stunning location with potentially limited competition for the more advanced powder lines.

A local Argentinian guide and ski instructor will get you to the front of the lift lines and show you the best powder stashes and where to experience superb Argentinian wines, pampas beef, chocolate, and culture. Possibility for resort skiing at Las Leñas, lift-serviced sidecountry, and full backcountry touring all with professional guides. Optional Cat Skiing as well!

$4,150.00

In stock

Pay a deposit of $500.00 per item
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Knowledgeable Guides

Guides who are passionate about Argentina and Skiing/Boarding.  Don’t speak the language?  We have you covered!

Experience the culture

Share an Asado with locals, enjoy craft brews, and learn about the famous and lesser known Argentinean wines.

Small Groups

Small groups allow tailored experiences and high level of service.

Located in the Mendoza region of Argentina, famous for rugged peaks, South America’s largest wine production, and culinary traditions (Asado), Las Leñas is a world-class destination. This high altitude resort receives an average of 6 meters (21 feet) of snow a year, and is all above treeline, allowing for sweeping views of impressive peaks, spires, and twisting valleys. 14 lifts give access to 39,000 acres of terrain, with the Marte chair (a two-seater that goes to the top of the resort), considered one of the best in South America. In addition to lift-serviced terrain, there are tons of options for venturing in the backcountry with a guide for properly equipped and experienced skiers/splitboarders. This trip starts in Mendoza city (Mendoza Airport, MDZ) where we will pick you up and transport you the 4.5 hours to Las Leñas, with a stop at a winery and four-course lunch on the way.  We will spend 7 days exploring Las Leñas and its impressive terrain, combined with the outstanding food and wine of Mendoza, facilitated by Argentine native and longtime ski instructor at Las Leñas, Juan Cruz!

August is a great time to ski at Las Leñas. Corresponding to the Northern Hemisphere’s spring, August typically brings some nice storms but plenty of sunshine and clear days, coupled with a stable snowpack, perfect for chasing bigger lines. Las Leñas can have variable snow conditions with dry powder up top and heavy, wet snow near the base. We recommend bringing an all-mountain board or skis between 100 mm – 110 mm underfoot to deal with the diversity in snow we might encounter. Touring bindings, skins, and avalanche safety gear (beacon, shovel, and probe) are highly recommended for anyone wanting to take advantage of the off-piste and backcountry playground that Las Leñas has to offer.

It is essential to have knowledgeable and experienced ski guides in order to safely venture into the backcountry in such dramatic terrain. We will be led by Victor McNeil and Juan Cruz Garcia Barros. Victor is a fully certified IFMGA guide known for his ability to find excellent snow and lines in all terrain while maintaining the highest level of safety. Juan is a native of Argentina who ski guides in Argentina (Las Leñas), Hokkaido, Japan, and the US. Juan will provide intimate knowledge of the area for the best powder stashes and hidden runs, and will also welcome us to family-style asados (Argentinian style barbecues), track down the best Patagonia trout, procure excellent wines, and provide us with insider knowledge to build the best possible experience.

A trip with Saveur the Journey always has a focus on great food. Argentinians have a passion for food, wine, and craft beer. The famous asado, where juicy cuts of lean grass-fed beef, chicken, pork, lamb, sausages, and goat are slowly cooked over a carefully tended fire, comes from the gaucho tradition and is both a gastronomic as well as cultural event. As the fire turns to coals and the meat sizzles, everyone snacks on cheese, charcuterie, and chips, while enjoying a drink together. You can expect the slightly smokey meat to be served with chimichurri or salsa criolla, salad, roasted vegetables, and plenty of craft beer, Argentinian wines, or a Fernet and cola. Argentina is renowned for its meats, especially the grass-fed pampa beef and Patagonian lamb as well as wild boar, deer, trout, and salmon. One evening we’ll enjoy a wine tasting to learn about Argentina’s classic (Malbec, Syrah, Cabernet Sauvignon, Chardonnay) and lesser known wines (Torrontes, Semillion, Douce Noir).

We will have a rest day built into our itinerary so that we can explore the culture, food, and scenery around Las Leñas (though you are welcome to continue skiing on your own). After a leisurely morning and late breakfast, we will explore a few impressive viewpoints including Pozo de las Animas, “well of souls.” Pozo de las Animas are two sinkholes about 1000 ft across with light blue lakes in the bottom.  Then it will be off to Hotel Termas Lahuen-Có for lunch at renowned Argentine Chef Francis Mallman’s restaurant. Mallman blends his background in traditional Argentine cooking with French techniques, where he honed his craft. He is an expert in cooking and smoking over live fires. After lunch we can head to the hotel’s hot springs for a relaxing soak. We will also have time to explore the quaint village of Los Molles.

Our accommodations will be in cabins in Los Molles, a lovely and relaxed mountain village located about 20km from Las Leñas Resort. Los Molles has several excellent restaurants and a hotel with relaxing hot springs. There are variety of cabins including some that sleep 2/3 people, some for 4/5 people and 1 for 8 people. The cabins are ideal for those who want to share a room or bed with someone they know, or to have a roommate, and there are options for having your own cabin (single supplement charge) as well. The cabins are rustic but comfortable and the family that runs them are very warm and welcoming people, and also great cooks. There is a nice group space to enjoy a glass of wine and some appetizers, play games or hang out, and we will eat several dinners here as well.

To maximize untouched lines, consider joining us on an optional Cat Skiing day at Valle Hermoso Cat Skiing. Reserved for advanced and expert skiers and riders only, you can expect long runs with lots of vertical in a stunning area with tall spires, deep canyons, and open wilderness. You may even spot an Andean Condor. In addition to blasting down fresh lines all day, you will be treated to an outdoor lunch (weather permitting) or in a refuge as well as a charcuterie and cheese plate with a glass of wine when the day’s exploits come to an end.

Want more to do in Argentina? Join us on a ski/split touring trip for 4 more days at Paso Pehuenche in some very wild and dramatic terrain. For this 4-day, 3-night small group extension, we will rely on our legs and guides to chase big lines in the backcountry. Using Geodesic domes located at 8000 feet, with solar power and wood stoves as a cosy base, we can access an virtually unlimited amount of backcountry runs with anywhere from 1500-8000 feet of vertical. For this trip extension you can expect full days of skinning with amazing scenery and descents that you will talk about for a long time to come. To join this trip extension, you must have experience ski touring, using crampons and ice axe, and must be a very strong skier or splitboarder in virtually all conditions. Get in touch for more info!

 

Sample Itinerary- subject to change

Day 0
This day is optional and is on your own.
Arrive at Mendoza (MDZ) Airport in Argentina.
Take airport shuttle to Hotel in Mendoza city.
Check into hotel, rest and relax or explore Mendoza on your own.
Dinner on your own.
(Alternatively, please plan to arrive at the Hotel in Mendoza by 9 am Day 1.)

Day 1

Breakfast at Hotel
We will meet at the Hotel at 9am
Welcome introductions and orientation
Check out of Hotel
Transfer to Las Leñas (~4.5 hours)
Lunch and winery visit with 4 course lunch
Check into hotel
Avalanche Safety training/exercise
Light dinner
Covered (lunch, dinner, transfer to Las Leñas)

Day 2

Breakfast at hotel
Hit the slopes or rentals
Visit the resort and lift accessed backcountry depending on conditions and desires
Lunch on your own at resort
More skiing/boarding
Optional Apres Ski
Return to Hotel
Dinner out(included)
Covered (breakfast, Las Leñas lift tickets, dinner)

Day 3

Breakfast at hotel
Pack Lunch (optional)
Break into small groups for sidecountry/backcountry/resort skiing
Lunch at restaurant (not included) on the slopes or packed lunch
More Skiing/Boarding
Return to hotel
Dinner
Covered (breakfast, Las Leñas lift tickets, dinner)

Day 4

Breakfast at Hotel
Pack lunch (optional)
Ski/board Las Leñas in small groups
Touring option/sidecountry/resort skiing
Slopeside lunch (not included) or packed lunch
More Skiing/Boarding
Asado Dinner (Argentinian barbeque experience)
Covered (breakfast, Las Leñas lift tickets, dinner)

Day 5

Early breakfast at Hotel
Optional Catskiing day in Valle Hermoso
or Ski/board at Las Leñas (included)
Dinner out in Las Leñas in small groups (not included)
Covered (breakfast, lunch for catskiing)

Day 6

Optional Rest Day
Late breakfast, late start
One or two touristic viewpoints(Pozo de las Animas) + Lunch in Los Molles(Could be in Francis Malmann’s restaurant in hotel Lahuencó) + Hotsprings
Ski options: Skiing/touring from the resort full daySkiing half day and then joining hotsprings in the afternoon.
Ski touring around Los Molles and then join lunch and/or hotsprings
Ski touring an itinerary that drops us on the road to Los Molles, getting picked up and joining lunch and/or hotsprings
Dinner
Covered (breakfast, lunch, transportation, Dinner)

Day 7

Breakfast hotel
Pack Lunch
Backcountry tour/sidecountry/resort skiing at Las Leñas  (included)
Lunch slopeside or packed lunch
Dinner
Covered (breakfast, dinner)

Day 8

Breakfast at hotel
Pack lunch (optional)
Ski/board Las Leñas /backcountry (included)
Lunch (not included)
More Skiing/Boarding
Option of Hotsprings
Farewell dinner out (included)
Covered (breakfast, Las Leñas lift tickets, dinner)

Day 9

Breakfast at hotel
Pack up and check out
Transportation to Mendoza City (~4.5 hours)
End of trip!
Not included:

Check into hotel in Mendoza City
Fly out the next day

TRIP PACKAGE INCLUDES

  • All accommodations (double occupancy)
  • 6 Days of Lift Tickets at Las Leñas
  • Optional backcountry/sidecountry touring with IFMGA certified ski guide
  • Most Meals (8 breakfasts, 4 lunches, 6 dinners)
  • All transportation by van during trip
  • English/Spanish speaking guides

NOT INCLUDED

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FAQ Las Leñas Ski Trip

You must be an Advanced to Expert level skier/splitboarder. You must be in good physical shape, able to skin 1000 vertical feet per hour, up to at least 3000-5000 vertical feet. Must be able to make dynamic turns in all kinds of conditions and on steep slopes. You must be familiar with your gear, able to make efficient transitions and keep yourself warm and fed/hydrated during the day. You must have beacon/shovel/probe and ski crampons, as well as skins that cover your skis edge to edge. “Pin-tech” bindings are highly recommended with skis in the 100-110mm width underfoot that are light enough for long days, but can deal with variable conditions.

****IMPORTANT NOTE. Before booking this trip you must either attend an Eagle Cap Mountain Guides trip or be evaluated by one of our trusted guides. Please get in touch for more information.****

No!  Speaking Spanish is definitely an asset but not at all required.  As is the case with many ski towns/resort you will find many people speak some English. It is a great idea to learn a little Spanish as your effort will be appreciated. Our Spanish speaking guides will provide translation, organize logistics, get us to the interesting spots, and help you enjoy your experience.

Argentina is famous for their cuisine and in addition to Asado (slowly grilled meats) there are many stews (like Carbonoda), empanadas, fresh trout, wild game, chorizo, and steaks served up with chimichurri to savor. We will provide breakfast with a good variety of foods to get your day started. On the mountain you can expect hearty lunches for reasonable prices (steaks, pasta, sausages, big salads, etc). Argentina has a rich wine tradition and Mendoza is the center of Argentine wine production. We will learn about and try wines from this famous wine producing area of Mendoza.

Bariloche can have variable weather in late August. Cerro Catedral has over 3700ft of vertical drop so you can encounter cold and windy up top and warm, spring skiing conditions at the bottom. As always it is best to dress with layers. Be prepared for temps in the high teens as well as warm sunny days where the air temperature is well above freezing.

The cabins are rustic but cozy and comfortable and located about a 20 minute drive to the ski resort while being in the quaint alpine town of Los Molles, with good access to a variety of restaurants. The cabins can accommodate 2-4 people, or there are larger cabins for 5/6 people and one 8 person cabin. Single rooms (for a supplement) are also available.

Yes it is possible to share a room at the cabins, either with someone you already know (please let us know) or with someone else on the trip who is willing to share. There may also be the option to have your room for a single supplement charge. Please enquire for availability.

We recommend that you bring your own gear, providing that you have suitable all mountain snowboard or skis in the 100-110mm width underfoot. Having touring bindings (or splitboard) and skins is highly recommended if you want to explore the sidecountry/backcountry options. There are rentals available and they are reasonably priced. If you decide to rent gear we strongly recommend bringing your own boots. Avalanche safety equipment is required for backcountry/sidecountry riding and rentals are available as well.

Please contact us to let us know about your dietary restrictions to see if you can be accommodated.

If you need to cancel a trip that you have already booked and it is at least 90 days before the start of the trip your deposit is half refundable. Final payment for the trip is due 60 days before the start of the trip.  Cancellations between 30 and 59 days before the of start of trip are 50% refundable (of total booking cost). Cancellations less than 30 days are non-refundable (100% of booking cost). No refunds will be made if you voluntarily leave a trip for any reason after the trip has begun. The same applies if you leave a trip or cannot fully participate in a trip due to injury or illness. Refunds will be at the discretion of the Company if you are involuntarily forced to leave a trip for any reason. No refunds will be made for any accommodation, transport, sightseeing, meals or services not utilized.  For this reason, we recommend you consider purchasing travelers insurance (try World Nomads), which will cover the cost of your trip in extenuating circumstances.

If a trip does not receive the minimum number of bookings the trip may not run. Please confirm with us before you purchase airfare or make non-refundable plans.

Gratuities for guides are not included in the price of you trip and are much appreciated. Tipping is at your discretion. Normally average tips for excellent service are around 10%-20% of the trip cost. Tips are pooled together and shared equally among the guides.

If you are coming from the US, Canada, Mexico, most of Europe, Australia, South Korea, South Africa and Turkey you do NOT need a Visa to enter Argentina for stays shorter than 90 days. You do need a valid passport.

For this trip you will need to arrive at Hotel Mendoza by 9am on Tuesday, August 18. Most flights from the US arrive in Argentina in the evening, so you will likely need to arrive on Monday, August 17th, which probably means leaving the US on August 16th. Mendoza El Plumerillo International Airport (MDZ) is the airport you will want to fly in and out of. There are taxis/shuttles available from the airport to the Hotel Mendoza, or Sheraton Mendoza Hotel with a cost of around $15-20 USD.
If you do arrive on August 17th you are responsible for booking the hotel. We recommend the Hotel Mendoza as a nice, centrally located hotel (around $100 a night), or the upgrade option closeby would be the Sheraton Mendoza Hotel (around $200 a night). If you want to share a hotel room with someone else on the trip, or for the whole trip, I am happy to connect you to a suitable roommate. You are also welcome to stay somewhere else in Mendoza and meet us at Hotel Mendoza at 9am on August 8th. We will then do an orientation, introductions, and begin our 4.5 hour drive to Las Leñas with a stop at a winery for a tour/tasting and 4 course lunch.
One thing to note is that some flights from the US to Mendoza will require you to change airports in Buenos Aires. I would definitely try to avoid any flights that require an airport change (there are lots of other connection options, as well as flying through Buenos Aires without an airport change). If you are a glutton for punishment and want to transfer between EZE and AEP in Buenos Aires, there are buses, taxis, and probably the best option, hired cars that you would book in advance. It will take about an hour to transfer between airports (not including going through immigration, collecting your baggage, and checking into your next flight). If you have a 5 hour layover, that should be enough time to make it. If you can find a flight that doesn’t make you change airports, that is ideal.
The trip ends on August 26th. We recommend booking a flight for August 27th, though it is also possible to book an evening flight on August 26th. We will be able to drop you off at the Mendoza (MDZ) airport on August 26th, or at the Mendoza Hotel.
We may have an option for a ski touring (backcountry) trip extension August 26-30. Let me know if you might be interested in that and if you would like more information.
Most airlines are still waiving change fees as long as you don’t book “basic economy fares.” I like Scott’s Cheap Flights to find good deals. They have a paid and free version and they send out deals that they find by scouring the internet. Another good option is using Google Flights to track the price of your flight itinerary. They will notify you when the price drops. Whenever possible, book directly with the airline, which will make any changes much easier.
More questions?

Contact us

Our team

Juan Barros

Local ski/culture guide

Juan Cruz Garcia Barros was born and raised in Buenos Aires, Argentina. Juan started skiing when he was 16 years old, and from that moment he never stopped. Juan started his career as a ski instructor in Colorado (USA) while he was in university getting his Business degree. Then he started working in Las Leñas Ski Resort in Argentina, which led to him moving to Mendoza, Argentina‘s amazing wine province, and home to the biggest mountains in the country, the Central Andes. Furthermore, his ski instructor career took him to Japan, where Juan worked for the past 4 winters, and where he got into ski guiding and also working as a photographer. Currently he is finishing his masters degree in Sustainable Development in Japan and eagerly waiting for winter in both hemispheres!

Victor McNeil

IFMGA Certified Ski Guide

Victor McNeil is a native of the Pacific Northwest and currently lives in Northeast Oregon with his wife and two golden retrievers. You will find Victor working and recreating in the mountains year around, from guiding three week expeditions on Denali to ski guiding in his home mountain range the Wallowas. Victor has a passion for travel and exploration and has skied around the world. In 2016 he became the third certified Splitboard Mountaineering Guide through the American Mountain Guides Association in the country. Victor now “splits” his time between split boarding and skiing. When not ski guiding, he also runs a non-profit avalanche forecasting center in the Wallowas. Victor loves sliding on snow and can’t wait to share some turns with you.