Las LeƱas: South America's Most Extreme Resort
High altitude, massive vertical, and some of the best backcountry access on the continent. Here's why Las LeƱas belongs on your bucket list.
South America's Most Extreme Resort
Las LeƱas doesn't look like other ski resorts. There's no charming village, no tree-lined runs, no gentle learning slopes. What there is: 1,230 metres of vertical drop, a massive above-treeline alpine bowl, and some of the most challenging inbounds terrain on the planet.
The Numbers
- Base elevation: 2,240m
- Summit elevation: 3,430m
- Vertical drop: 1,230m
- Marked runs: 29
- Lifts: 13 (including the famous Marte chairlift)
The Marte Chair
The Marte chairlift is legendary. When it runs ā which depends entirely on wind conditions ā it accesses a ridge at 3,430 metres that opens up extreme chutes, cliff drops, and wide-open powder fields. On a powder day with Marte spinning, Las LeƱas is arguably the best skiing in South America.
The catch: Marte is exposed to brutal Andean winds and runs perhaps 40% of days in a typical season. When it's closed, the resort still offers excellent skiing, but it's the Marte terrain that brings the hardcore crowd.
Off-Piste and Backcountry
Las LeƱas' real magic lies in its backcountry access. The resort sits in a wide valley surrounded by peaks, and with a guide you can access vast amounts of untracked terrain beyond the lift system. Bootpacking to hidden couloirs or traversing to remote bowls is standard practice for experienced visitors.
We always pair our Las LeƱas guests with certified mountain guides who know the terrain intimately.
The Vibe
Las LeƱas is isolated ā the nearest town, MalargĆ¼e, is 70 kilometres away. This isolation creates a unique atmosphere. There are a handful of ski-in/ski-out hotels, a few restaurants, and not much else. You're here to ski, and the mountain dominates everything.
Getting There
Las LeƱas requires a domestic flight from Buenos Aires to MalargĆ¼e (seasonal service) or a 5-hour drive from Mendoza. We arrange all transfers and recommend combining Las LeƱas with a few days in Mendoza's wine country.
Who It's For
Las LeƱas is not for beginners. It's for experienced skiers and snowboarders who want serious mountain terrain, high altitude, and an authentic no-frills ski experience. If that sounds like you, this is your mountain.