SNOWING MAY 16 IN CHILE!

[greensandmerlot]

Hi! So I read your blurb indicating that Octagon was better than Inca, and Tres Puentas was great as well. I only have a week to spend there at the end of July, and I'm trying to decide which resort I want to stay at. Which do you recommend for a better snowboarding experience? My friends and I are a mix of intermediate to advanced snowboarders. We dislike the traverses, but will take them if they lead to untracked powder. Any description/comparison/further recommendations would be greatly appreciated!

Thanks!

[klar]

When I was there Laguna was officially BC. So no control there. I have no idea where the other two are since I don't even know all the names on my home mountain.

mh yeah, i don't really get all the bc/ob/inbounds but not groomed stuff, my simplistic european viewpoint is that if it's not a groomed piste it's your own problem. if laguna is on the lookers left end of the resort, lomo and palmera are on the right, down in or near the trees and bushwhack back to the base. i just know what the runs are called because i like offhandedly telling people how i skied totally sick shit in some place with an exotic name

[zimmer]

He's not necessarily talking about getting a mountain guide, he's talking about having a travel coordinator. It's a damn good idea. Having had shit go wrong down there, I can say it's really nice to have a knowledgeable, well connected person on your side.

too each their own

It's hard to really appreciate the A-Factor until it really screws up your plans. When you're on a long trip, it might not affect you too much, but for people with only a couple of weeks to spare it definitely swings the argument in favor of an organized/guided trip.

[Yossarian]

In SA, if it's not groomed, you can't assume it's controlled or safe.

It's like Euro-rules, only more so. Assume nothing, and take care of yourself.

Regarding Catedral, Laguna was def not controlled when we were there, and I doubt it is now that it is officially "inbounds." Same for the other areas. Of course, these areas DO get traffic anyway, and people will go out there after storms with no avy gear whatsoever, but for me personally, I'll always be beeping + shovel/probe + partners out there.

Dropping off the back to Refugio Frei is known to be particularly slide prone. Grab a local guide for the day to do that.

And yes, I concur, lift openings have to do with lifties, wind, weather, and so on, not snow safety.

Gotta love it there! Can't wait to get back. (Seriously!)

EnLos, Split, and you others, definitely keep us posted on conditions!!

[enlosandes]

Since we are talking about controlled/not controlled in bounds, I have to repost this slide I set off ski cutting Exocet last year at Las Leñas. The crown was about 18 inches and several hundred feet wide. This is very lift served and in full view, but ski patrol doesn't control the south side because the terrain is too rad for them to ski

[801 jav]

Nice pic Enlos, that would raise some concern if you saw that happen inbounds often here in the states.

[enlosandes]

Nice pic Enlos, that would raise some concern if you saw that happen inbounds often here in the states.

Concern? How about a lawsuit?

[bklyn]

Hi! So I read your blurb indicating that Octagon was better than Inca, and Tres Puentas was great as well. I only have a week to spend there at the end of July, and I'm trying to decide which resort I want to stay at. Which do you recommend for a better snowboarding experience? My friends and I are a mix of intermediate to advanced snowboarders. We dislike the traverses, but will take them if they lead to untracked powder. Any description/comparison/further recommendations would be greatly appreciated!

Thanks!

Is your group interested in hiking for the goods? Paying extra for snowcat/heli access? Will you enjoy one of these on your board?

If the answer is no, Portillo is not for you. It's very small.

[801 jav]

It's hard to really appreciate the A-Factor until it really screws up your plans. When you're on a long trip, it might not affect you too much, but for people with only a couple of weeks to spare it definitely swings the argument in favor of an organized/guided trip.

That would be some costly insurance against the A-Factor as the total price of one of these tours is unreal. Add up tour cost, airfare, plus travel insurance... how's $4200.00 for 1 week, or $600.00 a day!! Who can afford to do these trips??


Jav... not Jay.

[covert]

try $2000 for two weeks + airfare. look harder...

[801 jav]

What's the best way to keep your stuff safe in SA when your on the hill? I've heard of some problems... but then again shit gets stolen everywhere.

[squeakygonzalez]

Hey Greensndmerlot, if snowboarders skip Portillo for sure, 3 Valleys is
better and has a half pipe and awesome out of b road shots from
El Colorado to the road and hitch back to Valle Nevado. Only
thing is it is the last week of holidays so pretty busy. I was on
the phone today calling every placeat Valle Nevado, Termas
and Farellones and El Colorado and there is nothing July 21-28
at all.

Go to 3 Valleys and save money and cool vibe at one of these 2 places

http://www.southamericaski.com/view.asp?p=572

Or Termas de Chillan which is very cool for snowboarders, and can take
a cool train there

http://www.southamericaski.com/view.asp?p=535

Best of luck