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
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Our timing couldn't have been better. After spending the season in Las Lenas last year, I know that you have to wait a good month for fresh snow and good conditions here. On the very first day, we were able to enjoy the 1000-metre descent from the infamous Marte lift with 30 cm of fresh snow. By lunchtime, the next low pressure system was already moving in with wind and snowfall, so we ended the day with wine and steak after three runs.
On Monday, the ski resort is closed due to heavy snowfall and wind and we rest in our apartment full of anticipation. It just wouldn't stop snowing on Tuesday either, but we couldn't wait to make our next turns in the powder snow. We set off in search of skins and found what we were looking for in the Officina. The next day awaited us with overcast skies and a total of 40 cm of fresh snow in the valley. The lifts in the lower part of the ski area were finally open. The snow fell quite wet, which is typical for Las Lenas, but dried out in the days following the snowfall due to the very low humidity.
On Thursday, September 4, it was finally "Marte abierto!" (Marte is open). Early in the morning, all the freeriders gathered at the Marte lift and waited excitedly for the lift to open. At the top station, 1 meter of fresh snow and steep couloirs awaited us. The best day in South America ... so far. After strong winds and closed lifts on Friday, we set off on a short tour away from the ski area on Saturday. The brilliant landscape and great views made up for the powder snow that had been destroyed by the wind and heat. Now we're all hoping for a few windless days to explore the last remnants of powder snow above the ski resort.
And here's a video from the past few days
CERRO FOSILES from Millan on Vimeo. [Editor's note: the video was made by Adria Millan, a friend and skiing buddy of our report Moritz Morlok] Continued...!
