Official: Everything you need to know for Las Lenas SA Mini Aug 25-Sep 10

[Squirrel99]

UPDATED LAS LENAS CONTACT INFO HERE: (8/19)

Las Lenas Snow Report
Forecast

Arrival Plans....
Saturday 8/27 and 9/3: Meet up at Wine Bar 9:30/10:30pm
Sunday 8/28 and 9/4: Meet up 4pm/5pm at UFO
exchange #'s, plans, etc...

If you're not listed here, PM me your Las Lenas lodging location and I'll edit/post here at Maggot Basecamp- specific #'s appreciated:

AUG 25 - SEPT 3
PNWBrit + 5 - apart hotel
Artie Fufkin - apart hotel
Mach Looney - corbus #7
Goldenboy- aug17-sep6 - location?
Merlyn-aug 28-sep2 corbus #7 (bariloche- 16-23)
Enlosandes?

SEPT 3 - 10
Squirrel- corbus 8 *edit* corbus 8 reserved through 17Sep
Girlski- corbus 8
Arty50- corbus 8
Tyrone- corbus 8
LPH- corbus 8
Hunterski- Acuario
Stoy- Acuario
Hop- Los Molles (?)
Mach Looney- Corbus 7
Foggy Goggles- Tebas/Corinto?
Tresckow & Kristin - Tebas/Corinto?
Timmay! - Tebas/Corinto? (?)
dgilchrist & colorado posse
Enlosandes (?)

COMMUNICATING IN LAS LENAS:
*Maggot Channel 5.4
*AM Meeting Spot (if not at Marte ) - Innsbruck
*Maggot Daily Apres Location: UFO Point
*Dinner (after 8pm): Johnny's @ Residencia or Brasero (beneath UFO)
*PM Maggot Base: Wine Bar (inside Atenas)
---> Late night: UFO or Corona Club

see below for more details on LL

Arrival/Departure via Mendoza/Santiago or Buenos Aires


Santiago / Buenos Aires
For anyone stopping in Santiago and wanting one of the best value options chekc out www.temporent.cl This hotel is a 35 second walk form the area known as Avenida Suecia that has over 200 bars in a Pedestrian only area. Rates are from $90 USD - $120 USD for huge 1 and 2 Bedroom units. Avenia Suecia has to be hit while you are there!


We have a few hookups here for $100USD per night. Hotel is pimp and 4-Star/4-Diamond. If you're interested in a room Email Me by August 25!

Buenos Aires Airport Transportation: (IMPORTANT)- Do not take an unsolicited taxi ride from Ezezia airport to downtown (re: Maffia). There are official taxi and bus kiosks located inside the arrival Customs terminal prior to exiting into the airport (such as Manuel Tienda Leon). Arrange your hotel transportation through government sanctioned operators only! If you fly in/out of Aeroparque (jorge newbury) local airport- taxi scams aren't quite as common.

Transportation to Las Lenas on overnight bus is via Retiro station in al centro (this is about maybe 12 blocks (?) from the Plaza Marriott) usually about 8pm; secure luggage holding areas available at the bus station. Or via charter flight from aeroparque booked through tour operators (lodging must be included in purchase). For more details, contact Mark at laslenasski.com
Bus Companies include Andesmar and TAC (sorry, can't find their website).

Buenos Aires Nightlife in Retiro District: Kilkenny Irish Pub!

Mendoza

For as little as $7-$20 USD per person, per night. This is an amazing place, clean, friendly English speaking staff and located in the heart of one of the downtown bar districts. They will also assist with winery tours, airport transportation, and bus to/from Las Lenas. For booking information- check here: Damajuana Hostel Reservations Link and view hostel here:Damajuana Hostel

A variety of other small apartment hotels ranging from $30-$150USD per night. Park Hyatt checks in with + prices at $170USD

Both Damajuana and Park Hyatt will send remises (taxis) to pick you up upon request. Mendoza is a small airport- and I have not heard of any taxi issues like BA. Still, best to have your hotel/hostel send a taxi for you or arrange at the airport through the official remises booth.

Dinner/Nightlife in Mendoza- Start at the Chano Bar in Damajuana. This place goes off and weather permitting, patio/street dining for less than $10USD. Proceed to check out the hot vixens at Apeteco disco or GEO (on the hill).

Wine notes: There is a great wine shop located 5-7 blocks from Damajuana. Try the Latitude 33 malbec (so good!).

Transport to Las Lenas:
Via various Bus (ie TAC or possibly Andesmar) from main omnibus station
Leaves daily 6am. Private shuttle via Landrover- email Roby about 10 days before arrival to check availability Roby @ Snownet Make sure to say that you know me to get best rate! Tim (sq99).

*Note- if you choose to return via bus to Mendoza, you may want to call the hotel/hostel and have them send you a remise. Sometimes I've had trouble getting a driver that will allow skis in the taxi lineup.

Airline Flights to/from Mendoza are best provided by LAN Chile


LAS LENAS INFORMATION

EVENING---> HEAD TO THE WINE BAR! Good spot to start the night at 10p/11pm. Roby & Mariano are great friends of the ski community. They are the 'unofficial ambassadors' of Las Lenas


APRES/CAFE- UFO Point (pronounced ooof-oh not like the spaceship!)
Check for us on the deck with lomo completos, cafecitos and Quilmes.
The good service here, the lounge furniture, and good times. Manager last few seasons was Multi Gonzalez- another friend of the gringo ski community and 'official party pimp' of Las Lenas (UFO and Corona Club Fame)


Dinner: Johnnys or Brasero. Note: dinners start after 8pm!!!

There is also a small grocery store in town that has doubled in size with an excellent wine selection- but not much bigger than a 7/11

For those inclined to stay longer something to look forward to...
TGR Premiere! - September 19 Hotel Aries



the other guys premiere (msp) - September 22 Hotel Aries

Other information:
Internet- beneath UFO or inside Aries Hotel
Outside phone lines- Only in Pyramide!

Helpful Gear
-USB cable, so you can upload your TR's to keep everyone stoked!
-backcountry pack, obviously! with shovel, pieps, probe, first aid, etc...
-two-way radios (I propose channel 5.4 - The Baker Channel, because it's the only one I can remember!)
-power bars/clif bars/gu- they don't sell them there- if you like'm, bringem.
-adapter: electical outlets are different, have at least one in your group with an international adapter for argentina
-US Cash- flights departing Argentina have a approx. $18USD tax payable on departure. Also, Chile has entry fees of $100 USD or $75CDN for respective citizens if you exit the airport (connecting passengers do not pay this fee)
-FYI, the ATM in Las Lenas takes wells fargo card and so does the Casino ATM . There is a small bank with odd hours in Piramide
-anything you want to sell and have extra room; pros usually price stuff super cheap so that locals can afford it.
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One of the many peaks in Las Lenas- here's Torrecillas


Special thanks and assistance to Mark http://www.laslenasski.com

drop an email to either Mark, Dave, Huere, or Holly to get hooked up

Ciao!
Senor Squirrel

[girlski0912]

DAMN...I am in good hands obviously. BTW Squirrelly- just got an email from Ms. Holly Walker and she is heading to Argentina for 2 months.

[squeakygonzalez]

For anyone stopping in Santiago and wanting one of the best value options chekc out www.temporent.cl This hotel is a 35 second walk form the area known as Avenida Suecia that has over 200 bars in a Pedestrian only area. Rates are from $90 USD - $120 USD for huge 1 and 2 Bedroom units. Avenia Suecia has to be hit while you are there!

[Tyrone Shoelaces]

Squirrel is the MAN! Can't wait to make some turns down there with you in....oh my....it's only a litte more than 2 months away!!!

[slim]

Oh, I'm so tempted. Sling shot a trip to SA after returning from NZ. Would I still have a job? Do I care?

[basom]

Sling shot a trip to SA after returning from NZ. Would I still have a job? Do I care?

ski lenas, lose job, get squaw pass...


reaches for freshly sharpened secret shiv

[Foggy_Goggles]

[opens Excel to cruch some numbers] Anyone want to throw out a number for a two week trip?

[Foggy_Goggles]

[Foggy_Goggles]

"Las Leñas means "the firewood," and is so named because of the profusion of a particularly woody bush in the treeless valley. "

Lift Tickets $28/day

[Squirrel99]

Yeah, Foggy- PULL THE TRIGGER!!!
flights = anywhere from $650-1000 depending on how lucky you get
hostel lodging in mendoza = cheap $7 per night
bus transport about 50 pesos one way ($17)
accomodations- wild card, but usually about $200 or less per week in apts
lift tix- well, we actually dip into the 'low' season for the 2nd week- down to $23 or so per day.
food- $10-12 USD will buy you a phat steak meal, bottle or two of good wine, an appetizer, a dessert, and about a 20% tip.
Casino Las Lenas- stay the hell out! and you'll make money!

hope that helps w/ the readers digest version.

[Foggy_Goggles]

Thx Rodent. More questions:

Santiago is prefered connection right?

Later is better for the Santa Rosa i.e. 2nd week in Sept. is better than last week in Aug.?

Could I guy going solo buy a roundtrip ticket to Mendoza and figure is all out once their (place to stay buses etc.)?

[splat]

Foggy - wingin it is easy once you're down there. There are Yanks in every airport, most of the people speak Spanglish, and chances are pretty damn good you'll hook up with some other people to share a shuttle to the hill.

I just found out there's a new heli op running out of Bariloche and I'm making tentative plans now to do that, hit Lenas, and then go to Ushuaia. Things are spread apart so much that grabbing a plane is like taking a taxi once you're there.

[Merlyn]

I just found out there's a new heli op running out of Bariloche and I'm making tentative plans now to do that, hit Lenas, and then go to Ushuaia.

Splat - My gf and I arrive in Bariloche August 15 - booked our flight today. We'll be heading towards Las Lenas around the 25th - maybe with a stop in San Martin/Chapelco along the way. What's your schedule?

Also, our BA to Bariloche tickets (one-way) cost us $168 CAN, including all taxes. Seems like a good deal to us. I can get the travel agent's info if anyone's interested.

[Arty50]

Ok, one more very important piece of info is needed.

What ATM cards work in Las Lenas? I know Well Fargo's ATM cards work. My credit union's doesn't. If my sister wasn't there with me, I would have been up shit creek cash wise.

If there's someone there right now, can you check out the ATMs and see what logos they have on it?

Also, I seem to remember that some restaurants take Visa but not Mastercard. Or maybe it was the other way around.

I bring all of this up because Las Lenas is very remote and access to money isn't easy.

[Foggy_Goggles]

Santiago Airport: is 1.5hrs enough to make the conection onto the 9am Medoza flight is they are both LAN?

[cj001f]

Ok, one more very important piece of info is needed.

What ATM cards work in Las Lenas? I know Well Fargo's ATM cards work. My credit union's doesn't. If my sister wasn't there with me, I would have been up shit creek cash wise.

If there's someone there right now, can you check out the ATMs and see what logos they have on it?

Also, I seem to remember that some restaurants take Visa but not Mastercard. Or maybe it was the other way around.

Call your cc company whatever you take. Many will not accept overseas transactions unless you notify them ahead of time you will be leaving the country.

[up an down]

I bring all of this up because Las Lenas is very remote and access to money isn't easy.

arty, there is a bank on the upper floor of the pyramid building . i had no trouble exchanging pesos for dollars or vice versa, but they do want to see a passport... i also had some travelers checks , no problem exchanging those either...it doesn't stay open very late tho.... the % they charged was a bit higher than i was ever charged at a bank in B.A., but i think it was still cheaper than exchanging in the casino.

[Squirrel99]

Santiago Airport: is 1.5hrs enough to make the conection onto the 9am Medoza flight is they are both LAN?

1.5 hours is plenty. I've only got 1.25 hrs between my flights

*after exiting the plane, you go down the arrivals hallway and people entering Chile go to Customs- you instead go back through security screener up to the next floor where the departure gates are. If you do not have a boarding pass for the Mendoza flight- there is a LanChile desk that will have one pre-printed waiting for you. And the terminal is not huge- about 12 gates

oh yeah, and the bank does have weird split hours in LL. possibly to accommodate their 'siesta' schedule so they can party all night

[Tyrone Shoelaces]

PULL THE TRIGGER !FOGGY!!! PULL IT!

Do it....DOOOOooooooooooo it.

[splat]

Splat - My gf and I arrive in Bariloche August 15 - booked our flight today. We'll be heading towards Las Lenas around the 25th - maybe with a stop in San Martin/Chapelco along the way. What's your schedule?

Not sure yet, Merlyn. Trying to piece together a story and get that heli op to pick up some expenses. It's gonna be last-minute, I'm sure.

[shamrockpow]

Also, I seem to remember that some restaurants take Visa but not Mastercard. Or maybe it was the other way around.

There are some restaurants and bars in SA that seem to take Visa only, no MC. I would've had a lotta dishes to wash in Pucon if I wasn't travelling w/people...

[Arty50]

Call your cc company whatever you take. Many will not accept overseas transactions unless you notify them ahead of time you will be leaving the country.

Good point. I learned that the hard way on a previous trip, so I made sure I did that last year before I left. My card worked fine in BA and Bariloche. Just had problems in Lenas.

arty, there is a bank on the upper floor of the pyramid building . i had no trouble exchanging pesos for dollars or vice versa, but they do want to see a passport... i also had some travelers checks , no problem exchanging those either...it doesn't stay open very late tho.... the % they charged was a bit higher than i was ever charged at a bank in B.A., but i think it was still cheaper than exchanging in the casino.

Yup, exchange wasn't a problem thankfully. But you have to have cash or travelers checks to do so...and the bank has to be open...which isn't the case at midnight or 2am.

[Snow Dog]

When I was in Santiago in 2000, American Express Travellers Cheques were worthless -- even the banks wouldn't take them.

International debit machines (part of the Plus network) worked fine (withdrawl only) and were available at larger banks. Good exchange rate too.

I can't remember if I used a credit card.

Cash is king.

[tibaher]

DDDOOOOOOO EEEEEEEEETT!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

(from:the peanut gallery
to:anyone on the fence about going....)

DOIT!

[Spats]

I never had a problem using my ATM card anywhere in Argentina. Some of them even ask if you want pesos or dollars!

In fact, the only country I've found where I couldn't just use my ATM card everywhere was Japan. They have their own, incompatible network, and you have to find special "international" ATMs to get money out. Fortunately the tourist guides tell you where they all are.

Travelers checks are dead.