Las Leñas 2010

**enlosandes** · 09-03-2010, 03:56 PM

So today, Las Leñas had everything from Eduardos to Cartel, including the south face, closed for no apparent reason. It wasn't duro and there weren't rocks, in fact coverage is the best it's been the whole season.

After chatting with the military at check point Charlie, he confirmed it was due to yesterday's Gringo onslaught on the south faces and under the Marte chairline, that had been closed.

In a nutshell, the pisteros vs gringos tension is heating up, and it appears the pisteros are not pleased.

As a gringo that has been obeying the rules, this latest move by the pisteros does not make me too stoked.

Hopefully it was only a one day closure.

This place has way more drama than any other ski area I have spent time at. I can't wait until we buy the place and run it correctly.

**covert** · 09-03-2010, 08:29 PM

do you plan on removing las leñas from argentina or just firing everyone that sucks?

**enlosandes** · 09-04-2010, 06:03 AM

Originally Posted by covert

do you plan on removing las leñas from argentina or just firing everyone that sucks?

We will be removing everyone that blows, starting with the Goalie. There are some great employees as well, that will be promoted.

We consider ourselves secret shoppers this season, and are observing closely.

**enlosandes** · 09-04-2010, 02:06 PM

Today was all about skiing with the foxes.

**enlosandes** · 09-05-2010, 05:26 PM

Here one more fox shot.

**tlhahaha** · 09-08-2010, 04:26 PM

whats going on, no posts in quite a few days? I will be there next week, is there any powder left?

**enlosandes** · 09-08-2010, 05:49 PM

Originally Posted by tlhahaha

whats going on, no posts in quite a few days? I will be there next week, is there any powder left?

Powder is mostly gone except up high and south facing.

Snow is melting fast, skiing is limited to Eduardos to Paradisio, except for some hikes and the occasional south wall poach.

**tlhahaha** · 09-08-2010, 07:14 PM

r u saying the south face is closed by patrol or it is unskiable?

**enlosandes** · 09-09-2010, 06:01 AM

Originally Posted by tlhahaha

r u saying the south face is closed by patrol or it is unskiable?

Frankies and Exocet are skiable, but closed by patrol.

Human Error and under Marte are both boney but skiable, and also closed.

**tlhahaha** · 09-09-2010, 07:57 AM

then, was I right when I said season is over u just can't c it?

**enlosandes** · 09-10-2010, 06:00 AM

Originally Posted by tlhahaha

then, was I right when I said season is over u just can't c it?

No, you were not right at all.

Marte has been open almost every day and skiing continues to be very good, just a bit more limited on the descents available.

**enlosandes** · 09-11-2010, 04:23 PM

The last couple days Marte has been open, but the off piste closed due to "firm" conditions. The worse part is there is some great wind buff, not firm conditions.

When we start our own ski area, we will let the rider decide, not some patroller that is more concerned about drinking mate than skiing. IMO, the only time a slope should be closed is if there is high avalanche danger.

**enlosandes** · 09-13-2010, 03:51 PM

Las Leñas just announced a closing date of Monday, September 20. It has been windy the last few days, with no Marte. Hoping to finish with a bang. Stay tuned!

**enlosandes** · 09-15-2010, 02:09 PM

Just a quick update that Marte hasn't been open for the last 4 days due to wind and/or visibility.

Here's an flavorful photo on the morning commute, not something you see on the way to most ski areas.

**liv2ski** · 09-16-2010, 07:19 AM

Maybe I am trippin, but what was that, a 3 month season

I hope La Nina doesn't punk Mammoth in the same fashion.

**enlosandes** · 09-16-2010, 03:55 PM

After the longest stretch without Marte this season (4.5 days), Leñas delivered today. 6-10 inches of medium density powder over a smooth surface that skied killer.

This was also the most active avalanche cycle of the season, and some slopes ran pretty far.

**enlosandes** · 09-16-2010, 04:56 PM

It's all ball bearings these days

**enlosandes** · 09-19-2010, 06:52 PM

The last 4 days have been prolly the best stretch of skiing this season. Super smooth, no one around and nice weather.

Tomorrow is the last day.

**Squirrel99** · 09-19-2010, 09:52 PM

thanks for sharing the photos this summer from the Andean Sabbatical in Las Lenas. wish I coulda made it down.

**enlosandes** · 09-20-2010, 01:27 PM

Marte went on afternoon wind hold and it started snowing. And so it ends. I'll try an do a recap and post some other pics when I am reconnected to the world.

Peace out from Los Molles, Argentina

**Pancakes** · 09-20-2010, 10:26 PM

Great job keeping us all informed. I enjoyed reading it all.

**enlosandes** · 09-26-2010, 08:03 AM

Even though the snowpack was thin, there was a lot of skiing to be had. I would estimate Marte to be open about 75% of the season, and except for the extreme week, no one around and no lines.

Besides a lack of wind and snow, the early part of the season was much colder than normal. Many runs were steeper and more technical than in a normal season.

A late season 2 foot storm extended the season a couple weeks.

As always, skiing at Las Leñas can prove frustrating, or offer some of the best lift served terrain on the planet, sometimes in the same day.

Our time in Argentina is quickly coming to an end. As such, ELA will disappear. Thanks to all you maggots for the inspiration and of course smack talking.
See you in the mountains!

Here are a few more photos from the season

A cold videographer

The cabin in Los Molles we rented, with mighty Horqueta in the background

Mrs ELA hiking in the big Andes

Suerte checking out the goats at the cabin

Skiing on ball bearings adds an extra black diamond to the rating