Las Leñas

Skiing

Las Leñas Ski Resort. From the top (3,429 meters/11,250 feet), a treeless lunar landscape of white peaks extends in every direction. There are steep, scary, 610-meter (2,000-foot) vertical chutes for experts; machine-packed routes for beginners; and plenty of intermediate terrain. A terrain park for snowboarders has jumps and a half pipe. There's also a free-style slope. Off-piste skiing can be arranged through the ski school.

Facilities: 3,300 hectares (8,154 acres) skiable terrain; 1,230-meter (4,035-foot) vertical drop; 64 km (40 mi) of groomed runs, the longest is 8 km (5 mi); 15% beginner, 40% intermediate, 45% expert; 1 quad, 6 double chairs, 5 surface lifts. There are no detachable quad chairs or high-speed lifts.

Seasonal Rate Information: Low: June 13-26. Medium: July 4-10, August 8-September 4. High: July 11-August 7. Special: June 27-July 3, September 5-closing.

Lessons and Programs: Multilingual ski and snowboard instructors give 2½-hour classes or two-hour private lessons for all levels. Good intermediate skiers to experts can experience untracked slopes with heli-ski and off-piste skiing accompanied by trained guides and avalanche experts.

One-Day Adult Lift Tickets: Low: 206, Medium: 272, High: 315

Rentals: The following one-day rental packages are for three types of skis or snowboards, boots, and poles. The price depends on the quality. Low: 96-176, Medium: 124-228, High: 148-270. To rent just one of these items, you must inquire at the shop. "Fat skis" for deep-powder and off-piste skiing are scarce, so bring your own. Las Leñas, Mendoza. 11/4819-6000 in Buenos Aires; 2627/471-100 in Mendoza. www.laslenas.com. Weekdays 9-6, June-late September, depending on snow.