Ski Arpa is a dream.
Ski Arpa is a dream. 2,000 hectares of wide open Andes powder just outside a sleepy town called Los Andes. The operation holds true to their claim of 'backcountry skiing in the shadow of the Aconcagua Mtn;' the tallest mountain in South America.
Shea & I checked into the sprawling Casa San Regis lodge just as the sunset over the valley's many rows of vineyards. Our room was monstrous. The living/dining room boasted a giant stone fireplace and a few lounging couches. The food was spectacular and served by candlelight. Incredibly intimate really. Too bad Shea was rolling with me and I with him.
We drove for over an hour up a single track dirt road of gnarly switchbacks. The potholes were craters and the goats made from entertaining obstacles. The ride up did nothing to ease my already nauseous stomach. Not too worry, my health quickly turned for the better after seeing the lines we would be skiing over the course of the day.
Simply put, the skiing was epic. We managed 5 runs for over 15,000 vertical feet of virgin turns. Pretty special.
The story of Arpa is special in its own right. Back in the late '70s an Austrian named Toni Sponar purchased the 2,000 hectares of mountain land with the dream of opening a ski resort. By 1984, Toni had built a small lift in the Arpa valley and opened for business. His wish for plenty of snow was granted. Unfortunately, the 8 meters that fell wiped out both his lift & his finances. He was back to square one: skinning up the faces & guiding tours through his personal backcountry.
Down, but not out. Toni continued to hold onto his dream and by 2003 had saved enough money to purchase two snowcats to lead his clients up the mountains. The operation is tight: 2 cats, 4 guides & a small 20'x10' stone hut at the 'base.' Unfortunately, we didn't have the privilege to ski with Toni, but we did pass by him late in the day. Shea & I skiing down and Toni skinning up to the stone hut. At 74 he still runs the show, still skis & most importantly still schemes and dreams of how to further improve his 2,000 hectare mountain playground of powder. Toni is a legend.
Our pics from the day:
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