Heading to South America to ski in 2016? Air New Zealand can now also take you there.
Whether you’re planning on hitting the Argentinian big mountain terrain of Las Lenas, the scenic views from the piste in Bariloche or the all inclusive resort of Portillo in Chile you can now fly there with Air New Zealand with direct flights from Australia to Buenos Aires via Auckland.
Choose from Economy, Sky Couch, Premium Economy and Business class on the Boeing 777-200 aircraft with a 12 hour flight time from Auckland to Buenos Aires.
A code share agreement with Aerolineas Argentinas then offers connecting flights to Mendoza (Las Lenas and Portillo are both driving distance) and Bariloche (the gateway town for Cerro Cattedral ski resort).
Las Lenas, Argentina
Las Lenas is big, really big with steep pitches and big mountain backcountry terrain including 40 to 50 degree couloirs in powder bowls all accessed by the Marte chairlift. If you are an advanced to expert skier then Las Lenas has your name all over it. Add snowcat skiing and a thigh burning disco late night disco scene.
The vertical drop is 1190 metres and inbound skiing is divided between 15% beginner, 45% intermediate, 35% advanced and 5% expert (this doesn’t include the steep side country skiing of the Marte chairlift).
The resort boasts over six metres of snow each season.
Cerro Catedral, Argentina
A mere twenty kilometres from downtown Bariloche, Cerro Catedral offers 1200 hectares of skiable terrain with incredible views of Lake Nahuel Huapi. Choose from on mountain accommodation or stay in downtown Bariloche known for a thriving nightlife and chocolate scene.
Cerro Catedral has a 1000 metre vertical rise, 38 ski lifts including a gondola and over 7 metres of snowfall each season.
Portillo, Chile
A mere three hour drive from Mendoza, Portillo is on the edge of the Inca Lagoon. The resort features the famous yellow lodge that houses guests from Saturday to Saturday and is all inclusive with all meals. Skiers and boarders will also find two bars and a nightclub within the lodge walls.
Expect 835 metres of vertical rise, 35 established runs, 14 ski lifts and a host of powder bowls and chutes accessed by hiking. Portillo is known for major snow storms that dump metres of snow at a time.
For more information on Air New Zealand’s flight schedules to Buenos Aires visit www.airnewzealand.com.au/flights-australia-to-buenos-aires
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