Ski resorts across the Argentine Andes, in Patagonia and Mendoza province, are facing a difficult season as a lack of snowfall has left slopes without the thick base needed for skiing. The crisis comes as most provinces are on winter school break, traditionally the busiest time of year for tourists heading to the mountains to enjoy the snow and winter sports. A long-awaited snowstorm hit Bariloche (Río Negro province), Villa La Angostura, San Martín de los Andes (Neuquén) and Malargüe (Mendoza) between Tuesday and Wednesday, blanketing the region in snow.
According to the National Meteorological Service, more snowfall is forecast through Monday, but it may not be enough to build a sufficient base on the ski runs. These destinations are home to some of Argentina’s best-known ski resorts: Cerro Catedral in Bariloche, Cerro Bayo in Villa La Angostura, Cerro Chapelco in San Martín de los Andes and Las Leñas in Malargüe. Other major ski resorts, including Cerro Castor in Ushuaia and La Hoya in Esquel, Chubut province, have not experienced the same shortage of snow this year.
You may also be interested in: Herald favorites: Argentina’s best hiking spots Not enough snow Resorts in the worst-affected areas have been operating at reduced capacity after closing runs with insufficient snow cover. In some cases, sections of the mountain have yet to open this season and, in those that have opened, they’ve had to resort to using fake snow to compensate. In Bariloche, only the beginner slopes at Cerro Catedral were operating, tourists visiting the resort told the Herald.
They reported long queues for the lifts on Thursday morning and said they were charged full price despite most runs remaining closed. A day pass costs around US$110 per person. According to local media, Las Leñas plans to operate at full capacity from this weekend, while other ski resorts are expected to open additional runs as snowfall increases.
The impact extends beyond lift ticket sales. Many people who had planned skiing holidays have cancelled their trips altogether. Visitors who do not ski but had hoped to see snow in the mountains — one of the region’s main attractions — have also changed their vacation plans.
You may also be interested in: What not to miss in Patagonia A drop in tourism Tourism operators say the lack of snow is already taking a toll on visitor numbers.
Summary from source