Las Lenas 2nd half of July--too early?

[Patrick]

And it's a good thing Patrick isn't headed to South America this year either.

Well, I couldn't go even if I wanted to. What happened in the last few days shows up how quick the situation can change down there. I've been seeing some great stuff from Bariloche and Las Lenas. I presume the skiing is pretty good at many places and they is other snow reported. I haven't look at the forecast, but there was also talk for another warm spell.

Part of the Andes is real good now, but there is always a factor of rolling the dice when you head down. You have to be flexible in location and be ready to move. You also have to keep your expectations in check, because many things can go wrong, regardless of the snow conditions.

[Tony Crocker]

there is always a factor of rolling the dice when you head down. You have to be flexible in location and be ready to move. You also have to keep your expectations in check, because many things can go wrong, regardless of the snow conditions.

Which is why I view South America as an occasional rather than often recurring destination, Given the time and $ commitment required, there are many safer options. Unless you're maintaining a streak.

I say wait for a huge early season like 2002 or 2005. You're still at the whim of weather shutdowns (some of my 2005 trip) and melt/freeze conditions from extended drought (most of my 2007 trip) but at least you remove most of the risk of inadequate coverage.

[Patrick]

Which is why I view South America as an occasional rather than often recurring destination, Given the time and $ commitment required, there are many safer options. Unless you're maintaining a streak.

I don't know, it's the best quality cost ratio skiing from Ottawa for summer skiing if you leave for more than one week. Probably not far from a daily cost of a 100 miles day trip to Tremblant without free lunches.

They are still a few smaller ski areas I'd like to see in SA plus return to Chillan in none hot spring weather.

[Tony Crocker]

for summer skiing

No argument there compared to Oz, NZ, Euro glaciers or the postage stamp at Timberline. But spending the vacation time and $ instead of (rather than in addition to) Japan, the Alps or the West, no. Except for the streak factor.

[Patrick]

for summer skiing

No argument there compared to Oz, NZ, Euro glaciers or the postage stamp at Timberline. But spending the vacation time and $ instead of (rather than in addition to) Japan, the Alps or the West, no. Except for the streak factor.

Still cheaper than those locations ... the thing that isn't factor in your equation which is the most important is ability to travel and take vacation during the winter months (minus 5-days Spring Break). The last time I had vacation approved (it has been turned down afterwards) for that period was during the Montana to Utah trip in 2006. After Morgane started racing in Winter 2010 and I wasn't going to let my wife drive her around to training and races.

[Tony Crocker]

(minus 5-days Spring Break)

is when the high quality ski destination trips should be, particularly since Ontario "spring break" is in a mid-March sweet spot for numerous destinations in the West and the Alps.

[Tony Crocker]

As South America's ski season limps into the home stretch:
Portillo 208 inches season snowfall, base 24-51 inches, today's high temp 68F
Las Lenas is once again rumored sketchy except at very highest elevations on TGR.

It's Sept. 9. If this were happening on Mar. 9 in the West or the Alps, there would be much moaning about what a disaster of a season. These seasons happen a lot more often down there.

[Tony Crocker]

There was a late September storm for those lucky to be in the right place at the right time:
http://snowbrains.com/september-review- ... ns-report/

Las Lenas had closed for the season before this storm hit.

[Patrick]

There was a late September storm for those lucky to be in the right place at the right time:
http://snowbrains.com/september-review- ... ns-report/

Las Lenas had closed for the season before this storm hit.

Or vice-versa. One skier died in a huge avalanche and photographer partner was buried while in his tent in the Torrecillas area.

Freeskier Jordi Tenas Dies in Avalanche in Las Leñas, Argentina | Friend Survives 15-Hrs Under Snow
http://snowbrains.com/freeskier-jordi-t ... nder-snow/

Tribute Video for Fallen Freerider Jordi Tenas | RIP
http://snowbrains.com/tribute-video-fal ... tenas-rip/