Las Leñas Ski Resort

Argentina’s Legendary High-Andes Destination for Big-Mountain Skiing

Remote Location & Unique Access

Unlike easily accessible Argentinian ski resorts such as Cerro Catedral in Bariloche or Chapelco near San Martín de los Andes, Las Leñas is one of the most remote mountain destinations in the country. Located deep in the Andes in Mendoza Province, the resort sits approximately 80 km (50 miles) from the nearest town, Malargüe, and 419 km (260 miles) from the city of Mendoza. Buenos Aires is more than 1,000 km (620 miles) away if traveling by plane.

While the journey is longer and more challenging compared to reaching Bariloche or Chapelco, this isolation is part of its appeal. The moment you arrive, you are surrounded by massive alpine peaks, expansive open terrain, and a sense of wilderness that sets Las Leñas apart from more resort-style destinations.

Why Las Leñas Is Famous

Among Argentina’s ski destinations, Las Leñas is considered the premier resort for advanced and expert skiers, particularly those who seek steep, challenging terrain. It features some of the Southern Hemisphere’s steepest lift-accessed slopes, making it a magnet for professional athletes, film crews, and big-mountain freeriders.

Where Cerro Catedral is known for its bustling village, nightlife, and diverse groomed trails, Las Leñas stands out for raw terrain and vertical intensity. It is the preferred destination for skiers looking to push their limits rather than focus on resort amenities.

Terrain Scale & Experience

With more than 17,000 acres of skiable terrain, larger than Whistler, Las Leñas offers enormous open bowls, steep chutes, and dramatic couloirs that rise above the treeline. Fourteen lifts, including the legendary Marte Chairlift, provide access to high-alpine zones that deliver some of the best expert skiing in South America.

In contrast, resorts like Catedral and Chapelco offer a balance of forest skiing, groomers, and beginner terrain. Las Leñas is built for those who crave scale, exposure, and high-alpine adventure rather than leisurely cruising through trees or village entertainment.

Family-Friendly Skiing & Ski School

Despite its reputation for extreme terrain, Las Leñas also caters to intermediates and families with wide groomed trails and dedicated learning areas. The Las Leñas Ski & Snowboard School is recognized as one of the best in South America, offering bilingual instruction from professionals with experience in Aspen, Vail, Andorra, and other world-class destinations.

This balance of expert terrain and approachable options makes Las Leñas suitable for groups with mixed abilities something that surprises many first-time visitors.