Light Snowfall and Energy Cutbacks

South American winter school holidays are in full swing and resorts are crowded with vacationing families, meaning high season prices and high demand. Argentina, however, is currently on the brink of an energy crisis, having shut off its gas exports and asking residents nationwide to cut back on energy use. All Argentine ski resorts have banded together in a petition to the Energy Secretary to make an exception and allow resorts to operate at full speed and not hurt business. Check before heading down to Argentina as to whether all runs at your ski destination are in operation.

Alta Catedral, Chapelco, Cerro Bayo, Caviahue and La Hoya are all expecting intermittent snow throughout the week, having received a dusting this past Thursday. Las Leñas received a light dusting this Monday but is operating at 82% and with just a 60cm base at mid-level and 80cm at the top. Cerro Castor is expecting snow tonight and tomorrow morning, possibly lasting until Wednesday.

Upcoming events: Cerro Castor will hold an ATV ice racing championship on July 21 and 22, and will host the Snow Golf Championship Argentina on August 11 and 12, with both national and international pro invitees who will play a 9-hole, PGA-designed course. Skiers and snowboarders who like to eat will want to visit San Martin de los Andes during the Chapelco Gourmet Festival, with live music, tastings and presentations of gourmet food products, on August 22 and 23. Caviahue will hold its 5th Annual Snow Polo event on August 10 and 11.