The Land of Fire Gets the Most Snow

Ever considered skiing at the end of the world? Cerro Castor, near Ushuaia, Argentina, the world’s southernmost city, is expanding with new runs, lifts, lodging and services to convince the world that skiing on Tierra del Fuego (Land of Fire) is more than a novelty. Cerro Castor claims to have already received 65cm on the resort’s higher altitudes, and snow is forecasted for this weekend. While northern resorts are nervously waiting for their big storm, this resort is one of the few that is confidently banking on a June 15 opening.

The resort has added two new lifts, which will open 4 news runs: 3 difficult and one intermediate. Cerro Castor receives abundant snow due to its southerly location at 54 degrees latitude, but the resort’s low, low base altitude at just 640 feet means that the base often is bare or patchy. To remedy this, Cerro Castor has doubled its snowmaking equipment to assure that the entire base remains covered throughout the season.

The limited base lodging means many skiers stay in Ushuaia, just 26km (16 miles) from the resort. With more than 70 hotels and hostels, there’s something for every budget, and several country hotels can be found closer to the resort. This year, as part of the resort’s plan for a full-scale Club de Montaña by 2010, the resort has opened 7 new luxury cabins for a total of 15, each sleeping 6 people.

Deals. Cerro Castor will offer ticket deals this year. Buy 5 tickets and get 7, or buy 3 tickets and get 4, during the following dates: June 23 to July 1, Aug. 4 to Aug. 17, Sept. 22 to Sept. 30. The tickets must be used consecutively, and must be purchased and used within the aforementioned dates.

For more information and a guide to lodging in Ushuaia, check out their website at www.cerrocastor.com, or call (011-54) 2901 499301.