Ski Arpa is South America's only true Snowcat-serviced resort and
provides
skiers and snowboarders with untracked powder, no crowds, dramatic
views and
ear-to-ear smiles typically available only through expensive heliski
operations.
A two-hour drive from Santiago, Ski Arpa sits under the shadow of
the
western hemisphere's highest mountain, Mount Aconcagua (2,841 feet).
The
adventure begins in the tiny town of San Esteban, where a 4x4 vehicle
takes
skiers up to 8,825 feet to the Ski Arpa base camp, Rancho Avalanchas,
a
picturesque stone backcountry shelter and cafe. From there, skiers
ride
Snowcats to the upper peaks of the resort, reaching latutudes as high
as an
astounding 2,500 feet. From here it's up to 3,500 vertical feet of
intermediate to expert terrain that is entirely above tree line. |