Vallecitos

Located in the majestic landscapes of the Los Andes range, at the foot of the Cordón del Plata mountain, Vallecitos is a lovely spot that has great powder snow. Being amongst the coldest resorts in South America, Vallecitos is one of the most favorable places to learn to skiing or enjoy mountain climbing. It´s one of the highest ski resorts around the world.

Its shelter are all near slopes of varying difficulty, making it a natural winter sports school. A total area of 100 hectares and 9 different slopes where users can practice downhill, skiing and competitive skiing, all combined with mountaineering and other sports. Vallecitos ski resort also offers lodging services, four shelters, equipment sales and rental, a restaurant and six ski lifts.

Framed by the majestic landscapes of the Andes, at the foot of the Cordon del Plata, the Vallecitos ski resort is an enchanting place with immaculate snow.

Amongst the coldest resorts, the Vallecitos ski resort is one of the best places in Argentina to practice or learn alpine skiing, as the proximity of its mountain huts allows you to practice the mountain with different degrees of difficulty. This place is a true natural school of white sports.

Skiing in Vallecitos

With a total surface area of 100 hectares, the 9 slopes of the Vallecitos ski resort allow for alpine, cross-country or competition skiing. In addition to skiing, Vallecitos offers the possibility of practising high mountain mountaineering in a spectacular environment. The resort has a hostel, 4 refuges, shops for renting and selling equipment, restaurants, bars and 6 ski lifts with a transport capacity of 2,400 skiers per hour.

It can be reached from Potrerillos, via the International Road to Chile, but has a branch to the resort. The total distance is 17 km.

Sustainable development of the Vallecitos ski resort

Mendoza is the most irrigated province in Argentina, where water resources depend mainly on the melting snow and glaciers of the closed Andes mountain range. In this region, the Blanco river basin is one of the most important, covering approximately 300 km2 and flowing from the highest peaks to the Potrerillos dam (1300 masl). The objective of this work was to perform a preliminary characterisation of stable isotopes in surface and groundwater, ice and snowmelt to contribute to a better understanding of the hydrological cycle in the region, using a Los Gatos DLT-100 analyser. Hydrochemical analyses were performed on 157 samples.

THE ISOTOPIC COMPOSITION OF RAINWATER IS MORE ENRICHED THAN THAT OF STREAM WATER, CLEARLY INDICATING THAT THE SOURCES OF STREAM RECHARGE ARE LOCATED AT HIGHER ELEVATIONS.

The runoff regime of streams indicates that snowmelt is the main source of water and, based on the theoretical evolution of isotopes in meltwater, the composition of streams corresponds to the first melt, without fractionation. Secondly, it is more impoverished than the original snow. The isotopic composition of ice is more enriched than that of stream water, indicating that melt is the main source of recharge. The hydrochemical results indicate the importance of geology in determining the composition of runoff, which is supplemented with isotopic data to gain a better understanding of the hydrological system.

Unforgettable experiences in Vallecitos

Skiing is not the only option if you go to the mountains in the Vallecitos ski resort. There are many other activities to do, and the resort offers the possibility of snowshoeing. It is a rather physical activity, but the scenery is worth it.

The Vallecitos mountain resort in summer

In summer, activity does not slow down in the Vallecitos ski resort. Its shelters are occupied by mountaineers from all over the world who come to Mendoza to climb the peak of El Plata and the neighbouring mountains, as well as those who dare to challenge the imposing Aconcagua.

Hotels in Vallecitos

Villa Mansa ****

Villa Mansa is located in the countryside of Luján de Cuyo, 20 km from Mendoza. It offers elegant rooms with balconies and views. The hotel offers swimming pools and visits to several wineries.

The rooms at Villa Mansa are quite spacious and bright. They are decorated in pastel colours that contrast with the colourful paintings on the walls. They are equipped with LCD satellite TV, minibar and other amenities.

Among the skies ****

Located in the best Malbec area of Mendoza, Entre Cielos organises winery tours, horseback riding among the vineyards and outdoor activities in the area, such as hiking and rafting. There is also an exclusive wellness centre with a Turkish bath. Skiing is possible at the Vallecitos ski resort.

The rooms are beautifully decorated and feature a clean, contemporary design. Most of them offer views of the mountains and vineyards.

Skiing at Vallecitos: the strengths of the resort

• The Vallecitos ski resort is an eco-responsible resort: numerous initiatives have been undertaken to protect the environment.
• A wide range of services for families.
• It also has a wide range of restaurants.
• It also has adapted access for people with reduced mobility.
• Ski and snowboard schools with experienced professionals.
• Ideal location for freestyle lovers, thanks to its snowpark