The La Hoya Ski Resort:
Chase the coattails of Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid while skiing down the sunny hills of La Hoya. The nefarious duo passed through the area of La Hoya a century ago, holding up a store in the nearby town of Esquel. This Argentina ski resort, on the other hand is known for its safety, excellent snow, impeccable infrastructure, and a long Patagonia ski season. It is located close to the quiet city of Esquel, Province of Chubut, in Argentina. The mountain has a wide, glacially shaped circular basin where all ski runs join at the base, making it easy to keep track of your company. In the 1930s, pioneering Patagonia skiers were attracted by this natural formation and thus began La Hoya’s storied ski history. Since then many skiers of all abilities have tested their edges in the fluffy powder. Off-piste Argentina skiing opportunities attract mono and bi-pod thrill seekers from around the world, while the secure groomed trails appeal to beginners and families. The nearby Los Alerces National Park, known for its ancient alerce trees similar to California’s redwoods, adds another level of natural wonder to this area. Ski Argentina!
The Skiing at La Hoya:
Crystalline peaks expand out in every direction as you ascend La Hoya’s 7,053 ft (2,150 meters) and watch the 148 acres of ski area unfold around you. You will have 24 groomed runs to enjoy, which you can access from nine different lifts, capable of transporting 4,400 skiers per hour. The mountain’s orientation and aspect allow for year round "Champaign Powder" conditions most anytime. If the snow falls short, though, there is a modern system of artificial snow production to maintain quality runs and skier safety. There is excellent Patagonia ski terrain for beginners, intermediate, and advanced skiers. If you would like to tour, there is a circuit for snowmobiles and phenomenal touring with deep, deep snow. The mountain is interconnected with passes and tours so it is one of the safest ski resorts in South America. La Hoyaski resort is also popular among snowboarders. There is also a ski school, snow garden, and children’s nursery. The longest trail is 3 miles (5 km) long.
Apres Skiing:
On the moutain at La Hoya there are restaurants and a small shopping center to explore after your day of Argentina skiing. In Esquel, a lakeside town only eight miles from the ski resort, you will find accommodations, restaurants, shopping, and museums. If you have time you may plan a day excursion to the Parque los Alerces. Or continue tracking Butch and Sundance to the Welsh town of Trevelin where they hid out as farmers until the Pinkerton Agency, hired by the Union Pacific Railway, tracked them down.
Night Life:
Located on the Argentina ski slopes there are two pubs to quench the thirst of hard hitters, La Piedra at 5,249 ft (1,600 m) and Del Refugio at 5,905 ft (1,800 m). Nearby Esquel, located at 1804 ft (550 m) above sea level, offers a great view of the October the 16th Valley (covering most of the region). The city also has casinos, cinemas, dancing, and many pubs and bars.
La Hoya Ski Resort Statistics:
• Total acreage: 148 (60 ha)
• Peak Elevation: 1,850m (6,070ft)
• Base Elevation: 1,350m (4,430ft)
• Vertical Drop: 500m (1,640ft)
• Longest Run: 3 miles (5km)
• Lifts: 9
• Runs: 24- 10% Beginner, 30% Intermediate, 40% Advanced, 20% Expert
• Typical Argentina Ski Season: April, May, June, July, August, September, October, November*
(*South American Winter Ski Season is the North America Summer.)
La Hoya Trail Map:
Our Ski South America Tours:
Chile & Argentina Skiing Overview , Resort Tours: Chile Skiing Resort Tour , Argentina Skiing Patagonia Resorts , Backcountry Tours: Ski Argentina Patagonia Backcountry , Ski Chile & Argentina Backcountry Tour , Mountaineering Tours, Ski Patagonia Skiing in Argentina , Hut to Hut
South American Ski Resorts:
Chile: Portillo , Valle Nevado , Termas de Chillan , Pucon - Villarica , Argentina: Las Lenyas , Alta Patagonia – Catedral , Cerro Chapelco , Cerro Bayo , La Hoya , Ushuaia
