El Arpa snowcat skiing is located NE of Los Andes on a separate (and considerably more rustic (unpaved last 12 KM) road than the one to Portillo. Elevation range is 8,600 - 11,600, slightly higher than Portillo, but as it's not at the crest of the Andes El Arpa gets somewhat less snow.
The drainages used by Arpa face south, which would be desirable for preserving powder. Much of this snow was dry chalk, though only some of it was smooth. Powder is more likely to be degraded by wind than by sun or skier traffic. The 2,000 plus foot fall lines are much longer than those at Portillo and would be impressive indeed in fresh powder.
After the 3 dry weeks I did not expect any powder, but I was hoping for smooth corn as at Mt. Bailey in April 2000. Due to prior wind effect the surfaces were variable, and you had to plan your turns and stay on top of your skis.
There were 4 long runs, totalling 9,500 vertical. The 3rd run was the best, with smooth windbuff in upper elevation chutes and soft but fairly consistent snow lower down. The first 2 runs had a higher proportion of harder snow and the last had some fairly wet snow at lower elevation.
Patrick is supposed to join us tonight and for another day of cat skiing tomorrow. But he missed dinner 2 1/2 hours ago and has not contacted Casa St. Regis where we are staying. As there is no public transportation between Portillo and Los Andes, he may have problems getting here.
The drainages used by Arpa face south, which would be desirable for preserving powder. Much of this snow was dry chalk, though only some of it was smooth. Powder is more likely to be degraded by wind than by sun or skier traffic. The 2,000 plus foot fall lines are much longer than those at Portillo and would be impressive indeed in fresh powder.
After the 3 dry weeks I did not expect any powder, but I was hoping for smooth corn as at Mt. Bailey in April 2000. Due to prior wind effect the surfaces were variable, and you had to plan your turns and stay on top of your skis.
There were 4 long runs, totalling 9,500 vertical. The 3rd run was the best, with smooth windbuff in upper elevation chutes and soft but fairly consistent snow lower down. The first 2 runs had a higher proportion of harder snow and the last had some fairly wet snow at lower elevation.
Patrick is supposed to join us tonight and for another day of cat skiing tomorrow. But he missed dinner 2 1/2 hours ago and has not contacted Casa St. Regis where we are staying. As there is no public transportation between Portillo and Los Andes, he may have problems getting here.