Cerro Martin off Marte chair, Las Leñas, Argentina. August 13th, 2011.
Las Leñas is notorious for its chaotic atmosphere. It’s quite overpriced, offering only a handful of shops and a single nightclub, which often leads to excessive drinking, especially during the prolonged storm days that can last for weeks. Additionally, the ski lifts operate inconsistently, even in good weather. However, the skiing experience off the Marte chairlift in Las Leñas is unparalleled, arguably the best summer skiing at any resort worldwide. Just yesterday, my friends and I managed seven runs off Marte, each one comparable to the best heli-skiing runs.
Las Leñas Base, Argentina – August 13th, 2011
A few hours later, we were ascending the Marte under blue skies, with no wind and fresh, stable, boot-top deep powder. My first run of the summer was a 4,000-foot descent down the mountain’s front side – sheer perfection!
Although the snow cover was still sparse, with visible rocks, yesterday’s conditions were phenomenal. With another storm approaching, and the forecast looking promising, we’re anticipating an even more spectacular day of skiing next week.
The Infamous Marte Chair at Las Leñas
On the early morning of August 13th, 2011, I left the casino around 4:00 AM, a typical scene in Argentina. The past few days had seen continuous storms, with the forecast predicting more adverse weather. Most people were convinced the Marte wouldn’t open and were preparing for a long night. But, to our surprise, we emerged from the casino to find clear skies and calm winds.
Las Leñas Base, Argentina – August 13th, 2011
A few hours later, we were ascending the Marte under blue skies, with no wind and fresh, stable, boot-top deep powder. My first run of the summer was a 4,000-foot descent down the mountain’s front side – sheer perfection!
Although the snow cover was still sparse, with visible rocks, yesterday’s conditions were phenomenal. With another storm approaching, and the forecast looking promising, we’re anticipating an even more spectacular day of skiing next week.