Argentinien

The Caviahue ski resort in the province of Neuquén, which is rather unknown even within Argentina, offers a selection of impressively flat pistes nestled in a volcanic lunar landscape. The Caviahue volcano is interesting as a smoking ski tour destination, while the surrounding terrain mainly offers sled-access potential.

Aaron Rice (Instagram: @airandrice) from Utah broke the world record for vertical meters climbed on touring skis this year and is well on his way to achieving his goal of 2.5 million vertical feet (= 762,000 vertical meters). What sounds incredible to the downhill-oriented ski tourer is also hard to grasp for the uphill-oriented. So the question arises: who is the crazy type and how many vertical meters can you theoretically cover in a calendar year?

The Cerro Bayo ski resort near Villa La Angostura in Argentina's Lake District is a little overshadowed by the larger, better-known Cerro Catedral on the other side of the lake, but with nice touring and off-piste terrain it certainly doesn't have to hide. It is also much less busy.

The small Argentinian town of El Bolsón is located a good 200 kilometers south of Bariloche on the Ruta 40. Fruit and berries are grown here in summer and Bolsón is better known for the jams made from them than for its ski resort. If you want peace and quiet, this is the place for you.

October can be a difficult month in Argentina. As if on cue, the country realizes winter in the northern hemisphere is near, and that it's time for a change in seasons. Chairlifts close, temperatures rise, and snow retreats up the mountainsides. Walking farther and farther in shoes each day gives one plenty of time to ponder their situation, and the farfetched nature of their pursuits.

The story of the GPO (short for Giant Pacific Octopus) began in the fall of 2012, when Drew Tabke designed a ski with which he would later win the Freeride World Tour. And although the GPO has proven big mountain qualities, it is still an all-round freeride ski for (almost) everyone.

Zach Paley reports on fresh snow and tense bad weather boredom in Las Leñas.

It seems everyone comes out to play in the summer. Even those of us that love the snow find other ways to stay entertained in the mountains. For a while, it seems winter can be forgotten. Though for some, something is missing.

We had an all-round good end to the season in the winter and northern summer in Las Leñas, Argentina: the weather remained good and the spring temperatures spoiled us with the best firn every day. After a long week of big tours, we took it easy on the last few days of the season and skied the countless variations in the ski resort.

Last week we were spoiled every day with great weather, lots of sunshine and little wind. We were finally able to ski the peaks in the touring area around the ski resort. At high altitudes, we found set powder snow in all exposures and top-quality firn in the lower half.

Finally back in Argentina: the land of wine and asado. Our journey by bus from Nevados de Chillan to Las Lenas took a whole three days.

Once again this season, we will be providing you with the best web videos of the week on PowderGuide every week.