The company behind Argentina’s legendary Las Leñas ski resort is pursuing plans to develop a new skiing destination in the Andes, approximately 19 miles from its existing mountain. The proposal calls for new ski terrain, snowcat access, boutique accommodations and eventually permanent chairlifts and surface lifts.
The project would expand the existing Valle Hermoso tourism complex in Argentina’s Mendoza province, turning a remote mountain valley that has traditionally operated as a summer destination into a year-round resort. According to local reporting the company hopes to take advantage of the area’s substantial winter snowfall and high-elevation terrain.
The proposal reached an important regulatory milestone last week when the provincial government scheduled a public hearing for November 18, 2026, as part of its environmental review process.
A New Ski Area Near Las Leñas
The proposed development is located at Valle Hermoso, a remote mountain valley approximately 19 miles west of Las Leñas. The site sits around 7,380 feet above sea level and is surrounded by high peaks that can accumulate substantial snowfall throughout the Southern Hemisphere winter.
The project is being advanced by Altos Cerros S.A., a company associated with the Walbrook group, which also operates Las Leñas.
Rather than immediately building an extensive lift network, the company proposes developing the skiing operation in stages. Initially, it would be a cat-skiing using 10 passenger snowcats. This approach would allow the operators to establish a skiing destination without immediately constructing permanent lifts in the remote terrain.
The second phase would involve installing chairlifts and surface lifts, potentially beginning in 2030 or later, depending on environmental approvals and infrastructure development.
The proposed ski area would complement Las Leñas rather than replace it. The existing resort would serve as an access point and provide logistical support for the new operation.
Las Leñas is widely regarded as one of South America’s premier big-mountain skiing destinations, particularly famous for its steep terrain, extensive off-piste opportunities and access to the surrounding Andes.
Plans Include 15 Boutique Lodges and Expanded Tourist Facilities
In addition to the proposed skiing operation, the developers want to expand the existing Valle Hermoso tourism complex with as many as 15 boutique lodging units.
Each lodge would accommodate four people, providing space for up to 60 overnight guests when the proposed accommodations are fully developed.
The lodging expansion would take place over approximately five years and cover a proposed building area of roughly 16,150 square feet.
The project also includes improvements to the existing campground and RV facilities, expanded restaurant and retail space overlooking Valle Hermoso Lagoon, and a solar energy installation intended to help power the remote development.
Access presents one of the project’s biggest challenges. The gravel road leading to Valle Hermoso frequently becomes impassable during winter because of heavy snowfall.
The Mendoza provincial government described improvements to the access road earlier this year, but winter access remains a major consideration for the proposed skiing operation. The developers envision using Las Leñas as a base for winter transportation, potentially moving visitors into Valle Hermoso using tracked snow vehicles.
Environmental Review Will Determine What Happens Next
Despite the ambitious plans, the development has not received final environmental approval. The Mendoza government has scheduled a public hearing for November 18, allowing residents, environmental organizations and other interested parties to comment on the proposed expansion.
The project’s environmental assessment has already been reviewed by several provincial and national agencies, including Argentina’s National Water Institute.
The institute found that the development could be compatible with the surrounding environment if appropriate mitigation measures are implemented, but reviewers also identified several issues requiring additional attention.
Among the concerns are water usage from Valle Hermoso Lagoon, potential effects on nearby glaciers and periglacial environments, wastewater management and the protection of traditional livestock routes used by local ranchers.
The developers will need to address those concerns before the government determines whether the project can proceed.
For now, the proposed ski area remains in the planning and environmental review stages, with no confirmed construction schedule for the lifts.
If approved, Valle Hermoso could eventually give visitors to the Las Leñas region another way to explore the high Andes, beginning with snowcat-accessed skiing and potentially developing into a permanent lift-served destination.
