CASA Snow Reports & News

Posted on May 26th, 2008 by gomez.
Categories: Recent Posts.

September 10th
Nevados de Chillán, Chile
An excellent and windless day of fresh snow at Chillán today. It was warm, the snow heavy and creamy, and the visibility was in and out at best, but we all had a fantastic time getting off the beaten path on the last day of the trip. Smiles and beers all around at the end of the day.

September 9th
Nevados de Chillán, Chile
The sun was shining and the two Volacanos of Chillan were out in all their glory. We took a quick ride up the Fresco t-bar and then made our way up to the summit of Volcan Nueva…about 3 hours of hiking. It was the second volcano we summited on this trip. The clients were stoked and the ski down was pretty good. We found some patches of packed powder, but the puelche had done its best to blow most of it away. We are hoping for some new snow tonight and blue skies tomorrow to close out our Southern Cross trip.

September 7th
Nevados de Chillán
A mix of cloud and sun today, quite warm with very little wind. All lifts were spinning, a great day for introducing new folks to a favorite resort. Groomed trails were excellent, off-piste was quite variable. Tres Marias was worth skiing a couple times before the bottom quarter warmed up to the point of full stickiness. A few patches of crazy wind-crafted strudel that indicated the puelche has been blowing in from Argentina for the last few days. Some cream-cheesy patches of snow in a couple of gullies. Good day of skiing.

September 5th
Corralco, Chile
A blue sky morning with deep snowbanks along the access road. There was rain and then powder and then wind in the most recent storm to hit this tiny little resort. They were busy digging out the primary (and only) chair for the weekend, so we road the Poma lift as high as we could and then started walking with the summit in mind. By the time we made it the wind had picked up and the clouds had moved in, but the journey down was better than expected. Wind affected but still soft, and fully spring conditions down low. A spectacular day overall.

September 4th
Villarrica, Chile
A second day of clear skies and bright sun, but this one came with a strong puelche wind. No lifts open, the fresh powder from previous days is blowing around in little tornadoes on the volcano, discouragingly visible from town. We will cut our losses today and move on to Lonquimay.

September 3rd
Villarrica, Chile
After two days of rain our window finally arrived. We rode Villarrica today, bluebird and with about 6 inches of fresh snow. The views were amazing, and hardly a breeze to be felt. Tomorrow more of the same and we go for the summit!!!

September 2
Villarrica, Chile
Waiting out the rain in Pucon, confident that it is falling as snow up on the volcano, Villarrica. The streets are like rivers, walking around town would be more easily done with a little boat. Expecting clearer skies tomorrow.

September 1st
Cerro Castor, Ushuaia, Argentina
WOW!!!! This place is incredible. The peaks in this zone are spectacular, I was in continuous awe all day. We started our first day of our END OF THE WORLD TOUR today and got stoked with good snow and no wind. The skies were overcast but you could see the peaks running up and down the valley. Cerro Castor resort has a plethora of short hikes to access some super fun terrain and is incredibly picturesque. Lenga forests cover the bottom slopes. There are some wild rock features up high. The resort has a good lift system and easy out of bounds access. The snow consistency was very dry, fast but smooth. We are excited for the week of skiing that lies ahead here in The land of Fire, Tierra del Fuego!!!

August 30th
La Parva, Chile
Yesterday we skied some of the steepest lines of Santa Teresita, still chalk full of the latest snow, and with Marco, our driver, running shuttle for us we were able to make three laps! After such an epic day we hit up apres pretty hard, so today began a bit slow. But we hiked to La Chimenea and found even more pow waiting for us. Though the High Andes trip started out a bit slow, we finished with a bang and our clients went home tired and satisfied!

August 28th
Valle Nevado, Chile
And our prayers were answered. With the sun shine all around us and foot plus of pure Andean pow at our feet, we wasted no time getting after it! Valle Olympicos was our first run and it was a rat race to plow through as much pow as possible after that. Highlights were two short hikes in Valle Inca with fresh tracks for all, and a culminating run down Santa Teresita…Man we love powder!

August28th
Chapelco, Argentina
We received more snow overnight, about 3 inches, which freshened up the mountain quite nicely. Patrol finally got the La Teta lift open for the first time during this storm cycle. We had decent visibility during the morning and early afternoon, but clouds set in for the last couple of hours. The powder was very good until 2pm and then was either skied out or very sticky. Out of bounds, La Pala’s upper pitch was super fun, the out was pretty grabby and rollerballs collected on the run outs. All in all a great day, more terrain openings and a nice fresh coat of snow.

August27th
Chapelco, Argentina
We received a serious dumpage here at Chapelco, outside of San Martin de Los Andes. The snowline was quite low, visible from the town center and the forest hillsides surrounding town. We received close to 40cm of dense powder on the mountain. The tree skiing was excellent. Our group ventured out to the La Pala out of bounds area and were treated to some fresh lines of thick powder. We had this area mainly to ourselves throughout the day and did not experience any fracturing. There was definitely a slab on the upper layer but did not step down or create significant sluff. Temperatures stayed cold and we all enjoyed a super fun day of powder skiing.

August 27th
Portillo, Chile
After two days of bluebird hard pack at Ski Arpa, we made our way to Portillo. You could still see the runouts of the massive avalanches that ripped out a week ago! The snow was firm and the wind and snow were building. By the time we stopped for lunch at Tio Bobs, it was full storm conditions. We had to make an early departure due to potential closure of the road down from Portillo. Off to Valle Nevado tomorrow…

August 26th
Cerro Catedral, Argentina
We got hammered at Catedral, over 40cm of super dense powder, some of the thickest snow I’ve ever skied. Rain pounded throughout the night but snowed heavily up high. Not many lifts were open, however they did open the upper 4 pack by noon. The tree skiing was very good as the snow was lighter in the forest and the visibility much better. Unfortunately very little terrain was open and you had to download to get off the mountain. The snow and coverage on the upper mountain however was solid and fresh lines abound!!!

August 25th
Cerro Catedral, Bariloche, Argentina
Heavy rainfall and wind hit the area today. Not many lifts open and super sloppy. Rain is supposed to change to snow this evening.

August 24th
Cerro Catedral, Bariloche, Argentina
No new snow today, however decent snow was found on the upper mountain. The Nubes lift was running as well. Winds picked up in the afternoon and a big storm is moving in. Temperatures need to drop however to pick up snow.

August 23rd
ARGENTINA WINS THE GOLD MEDAL IN FUTBOL!!!!!
GOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOALLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLL!!!!!!!
ARGENTINA 1 NIGERIA 0

August 22
Nevados de Chillan
Wind direction changed last night, coming from the east rather than the north today. Blew pretty hard for much of the day, but all the lifts were a go. Hiked from the top of the Fresco t-bar to the crater of the new volcano, following a cat track all the way. Skied a mix of wind-buffed powder and super firm wind ribs. Nothing but blue skies overhead. New storm supposed to be coming in tomorrow evening.

August 22nd
La Hoya, Argentina
An absolutely beautiful day at La Hoya. Sunny Bluebird sky, no wind, spring-like temperatures. The snow got nice and soft with the sun’s beating down on it. Very corn-like. Off-piste was variable but soft snow was readily available and our group was able to hit up several different off-piste bowls. La Hoya is a true gem in the Andes! It is practically empty, a great value and has a ridiculous amount of terrain to ride if you are up to some short hikes.

August 21
Nevados de Chillán
Another clean windless day. No new snow, but plenty of fresh lines to be had for those searching. Not much traffic on the hill, a nice change from the busy long weekend. Workers were busy crafting a boarder-cross course next to the Pillin T-bar; the comp starts tomorrow. Groomers were skiing well today too.

August 21st
La Hoya, Argentina
Wind grooming is great, strong winds were present at La Hoya today, nothing out of the ordinary and deposited fresh snow in many sweet locations. Los Dientes chutes were skiing great and the La Luna traverse had some sweet lines. The wind was in hurricane force as we climbed to the far summit but the skiing below was excellent. Chalky powder to be had for sure and La Hoya has so much terrain to explore!!!

August 20
Nevados de Chillán
A couple of centimeters of fresh snow fell yesterday and last night. The resort was looking fresh and clean with tracks barely visible under the dusting. Skies were blue and the wind wasn’t anywhere to be seen today. The Pirigallo was skiing well (but a bit tricky past the waterfall and on the exit). Got a bit socked in late in the day, still good snow to be had but couldn’t see a thing. Many tracks down the Fingers for the first time we’ve seen this season.

August 20th
La Hoya, Argentina
No new snow at La Hoya. Wind packed conditions throughout the mountain. More of a chalky consistency. Ruffled looking snow skied the best and was very soft. Off piste conditions were variable but no worries with slabs breaking off. Also pretty cold. All and all it was a good day on the mountain and our group was able to explore a vast amount of terrain. The potential at La hoya is amazing and is my favorite resort in Argentina

August 19
Nevados de Chillán
Hard and fast today at Chillán. Started to snow part way through the day. Super strong winds, only the Beno and the Chueco were running for upper lifts.

August 19th
Ski Arpa, Chile
Day two of cat skiing at Ski Arpa and it delivered again. There was no new snowfall, but the wind had covered all of our tracks from the day before. The wind was gusting throughout the day, but we all covered up and enjoyed another day of shredding under the shadow of Aconcagua. This place truly rules…you need to come and experience the wild west of cat skiing, long live Ski Arpa.

August 18th
Ski Arpa, Chile
I heart Ski Arpa!!! With 30 cms of fresh Andean love and blue bird views of Aconcagua, we could not have asked for a better first day for our High Andes Adventure. Face shots and smiles were abundant. After three epic runs, we all opted to pay $25 for the extra run…900 metres later looking back up Avalanche with leg burn and silly grins on our face we felt we had made the right choice! Tomorrow we go back for day two…sunshine and more pow shots are expected.

August 18th
Cerro Bayo, Argentina
Surprise!Surprise! Love those days when you show up to the hill with low expectations and get blown away. Bayo got about 6 inches overnight of super light dry pow, visibility was excellent and the only wind was on the ridgelines. The skiing off piste was super smooth. Sluffing was evident on steeper slopes. Our entire group loved the hike to the summit and were rewarded with fresh tracks all day long!!!!! Cerro Bayo could be one of the most picturesque ski centers in the Americas with outstanding views of Lago Nahuel Huapi and its islands, inlets, and pennisulas. Today super energized our group, many who did not have much backcountry experience.

August 17th
Cerro Catedral Bariloche, Argentina
Today’s skiing was so so. Off piste snow tended to be a bit crusty and wind hammered. There was still good skiing to be found on the upper mountain but we have been getting spoiled. There was also another avalanche triggered at Catedral today by an independent party.

August 16th
Cerro Bayo, Argentina
Our final day of CASA’s first Argentine Powder Triangle of the season ended with powder and blue skies. The forecast called for more storms but we got a break in the weather and had clear visibility throughout the day. About 6-8 inches of fresh blanketed the upper mountain. Nobody but our group made the trek to the top of Cerro Bayo where all sorts of lines are to be had. The snow was a bit thick but easily plowable with the right tool, phat skis or a snowboard. We all skied our brains out and ended the tour on a very high note!!!

August 16th
Nevados de Chillan, Chile
On the 15th we were tortured all day watching the rain dump, but finally it turned to snow in the evening. The morning of the 16th greeted us with about a foot of fresh and some sucker holes in the clouds. We played on the Elefante all morning and when the Don Otto opened in the afternoon we hit up Valle Pirigallo for the best turns of the trip. We closed out our Classic Shortie trip with a memorable 8 mile Tres Marias run. More precip in the forecast…

August 14th
Chapelco, Argentina
More precipitation fell at Chapelco. The upper Teta lift opened today even though visibility was difficult. The snow was heavy down low but the tree skiing providing plenty of good times. All throughout South America heavy precipitation is predicted. This does not surprise me as I have noticed throughout the years huge storms roll in with the full moon, which is August 16th.

August 14th
Nevados de Chillan, Chile
Today the wind was out with a vengeance. The upper mountain was closed all day but we made the best of the situation by exploring the lower section of Tres Marias, slashing our way through the blown in stashes. But as usual, along with the wind came precip. As we ended our day soaking our bones in the natural hot springs at the Pirigallo Hotel, the flakes began to fall. Over 60 cm is due to fall in the next two days…we will let you know how it goes. Happy powder hunting to all.

August 13th
Chapelco, Argentina
More new snow fell at Chapelco throughout the day. We spent most of the day riding in the Lenque forests that make Chapelco such a unique ski destination in South America. Most of the off-piste is closed, patrol actually serious about it too, due to high avalanche danger.

August 13th
Nevados de Chillán
Overcast all day today, wind blowing hard as a big front gets ready to move in. Supposed to start dumping tonight and continue for a couple days. The conditions today are best described as firm. That said, there were some wind-loaded spots that made for good turns, and the Tres Marias was skiing quite nicely (probably groomed this morning).

August 12th
Valle Nevado heading to Nevados de Chillan
Yesterday we rode knee to hip dip polvo at Valle Nevado, however, we fought through the milk jug for most of the day! It dumped all night on the 10th and the wind was howling, so blind as bats we searched for the best stashes. In the afternoon the sun finally fought its way through the clouds and we were blessed with a final run with epic views from the top of the Mirador lift all the way down to curve 7 on the road, close to 3000ft of vert!!!
Today we are in route to Las Trancas and Nevados de Chillan. Reports of a good dump down there have us exicited for our next 4 days of skiing! Saludos a todos!!!

August 11th
Cerro Catedral-Bariloche
It snowed all the way to the lake in Bariloche last night. About 6 inches fell in town which means good things for the mountain. 35 cm of goodness actually! Catedral was awesome today. We hiked to the top of Nubes lift for 4 epic pow pow runs. The best day at Catedral this season!!!!!!! Wicked Awesome to be exact.
The areas in the Patagonian region of Argentina have really picked up recently!!

August 10th
El Colorado
No new snow in the last few days, but the groomers are soft and skiing well. Off-piste is a mixed bag with pockets of preserved powder broken up by crusted-over tracks in places, and firmly packed chunky snow in other spots. North facing slopes were pretty solid. Mike skied La Chimenea at La Parva today with a couple of clients and reported that the snow in there was wind buffed and easily edgeable. The wind was howling at higher elevations on La Parva and a large front was moving in throughout the afternoon. Forecast is calling for 10 to 15 cms tonight.

August 7th
Nevados de Chillan
Rolled into Chillan again to meet up with the Endless Winter Tour. It had been blowing the previous days, but snow had fallen and moved around the mountain. While ridgelines had glare ice, the bowls had fantastic powder. Again we were pleasantly surprised, not expecting much and being delivered the goods. Our good friend, Niko, is now running a snowcat to the top of Volcan Viejo. Now a 3 hour plus hike takes 26 minutes in the cat. We were treated to a perfect bluebird day with little to no wind.

August 2nd
El Colorado
ABSOLUTELY EPIC- a Five Star Day!!!!! Santa Terasita was amazing. About 50 cm dropped last night and woke up to blue skies. The new snow carpeted the mountains with that ideal Andean Pow. Super smooth consistency as the storm came in with minimal wind. Days like today are what we live for. The base in the High Andes is ridiculously good and Santa Terasa is skiing as well as I have ever seen it in all my years coming down. The two runs we had will be etched in my brain for quite some time. Also sounds like another large front is coming our way. Word in Argentina is a storm dropped some great snow in the Patagonia region. Thank you August Snow Gods!!!!

August 1st, 2008
La Parva
Nothing like skiing a wicked storm on the first of August, gotta love it!!! Another substantial Pacific front moved into the Andes today. The wind really picked up late last night and you could just feel something big coming in. Today it consistently snowed all day, piling up each run we took. The ‘milk jug’ visibility was challenging but the storm event had little wind and this storm will set up the High Andes very nicely. What a way to start the month of August!!!! We are expecting 40-50cm out of this Andean storm cycle

July 31st
Valle Nevado
Once again we were blessed with blue skies and a coating of new snow. Our group skied at Valle Nevado today. We also had 2 guests go heli snowboarding. They were treated to waist deep powder in the Olivares Valley and were absolutely blown away. At the resort the 10 cm of new snow made for some super fun turns. We spent a lot of time in Tres Puntas, Valle del Inca and Valle Olympico. The expansiveness of Valle Nevado’s terrain is impressive. For our final run Travis and I hit up Santa Terasita. 1800 vertical of carpet fresh pow. The Santa Terasita face never ceases to amaze me. There are so many lines to be had.

July 30th
Portillo
Our CASA crew headed up the impressive Liberadores highway to Portillo for the day. Portillo has added a new sling shot lift below the Roca Jack that allows one to really rack up the vertical. Portillo’s sling shot pomas are one of a kind. The area’s coverage is excellent, however a big wind event earlier in the season stripped the lake of its snow causing it not to freeze over which affects some the off-piste lines that make Portillo so incredible. None the less you can really accumulate vertical at this resort and its pitch is the best in Chile.

July 29th, 2008
Valle El Arpa
You could not ask for a more spectacular day in the Andes. Crystal clear bluebird day with otherworldly views of Aconcagua, the tallest peak in the Americas. Our group skied cream cheese goodness on multiple slopes. No wind, fresh tracks and 12,500 acres of terrain for 12 people. We had epic runs down: Buena Vista Bowl, El Triangulo, Ratonera, and Las Cornisas. We had the good fortune to ski with the legendary Toni Sponar. The cats are running smoothly, the coverage is excellent, the stability is bomber, and the road still an adventure. Arpa is one of the coolest snow destinations on the planet!!!!

July 28th, 2008
Valle El Arpa
Our first day at El Arpa this season! The coverage is excellent. We were treated to 10,000 vertical of shin deep packed powder. We had fresh turns on all our runs. Lots of billard table smoothness. Arpa has a great crew of guides this season. Anton JR is on board. The road is clear to the base area. Our group of 12 had over 1000 acres per person, Not Bad!!!!!

July 25th
Nevados de Chillan
After yesterday’s intense wind gales snow was deposited throughout the mountain. You had to look for it, but when you found it, wow! Super smooth swaths of wind groomed yeah-YO! An evening freshening left about 6 inches of dry Andean love. Tres Marias got opened for the first time this week and provided us with a glorious afternoon cruise. The Don Otto remained closed which allowed us heli-esque turns throughout the morning.

July 24th
Nevados de Chillan
Yesterday the resort was empty even though there was 2 1/2 feet of fresh. Today the sun poked out and was the end of the Chilean school holidays. The resort was packed and winds continually gusted to up to 70km/hour. Not an ideal situation. Our group ventured to the top of the closed Don Otto in full on hurricane force winds and did find some decent snow and fresh turns but the lift line circus was discouraging. Not a worry as we spent the afternoon soaking our powder muscles in the famous Chillan hot springs!!!

July 23rd,2008
Nevados de Chillan
Last night heavy rain turned to heavy snow in the village of Las Trancas. We woke up this morning to 2 1/2 feet of Andean Powder- YeeeeeHaw!!! Snow blanketed the mountian and 90% of the terrain was accessible. We ventured into the Pirigallo Valley, most likely some of the first tracks laid down there this season. On steeper slopes slabs were breaking off however on 35 degree or less it was powder skiing galore!!!!! It is amazing how one storm can change everything down here. The Chilean season is really shaping up. EPIC POW-POW DAY

July 22nd, 2008
Nevados de Chillan
Our first day at Nevados de Chillan of the season. Formerly known as Termas de Chillan, the new ownership has changed the name of the resort to Nevados de Chillan. A significant storm rolled in to Chillan today. However the wind got the upper hand and much of the mountain was closed. From a visual perspective there is plenty of snow up high. Another storm is pounding the area as I write. The snowline is definitely not nearly as low as it was last year but there is coverage all the way to the bottom of the resort.

July 20th, 2008
El Colorado
The group skied El Colorado today. The snow was surprisingly soft off the La Cornisa lift. We skied 2 laps on Santa Terasita which also had good powder turns, although variable throughout the descent. The avalanche pit I dug was 6 feet deep and did not hit the ground so there is a substantial base. For not having received much snow recently in the High Andes the conditions are holding up nicely.

July 19th, 2008
Valle Nevado
Our first tour of the season went out today and skied Valle Nevado. The area received a trace of new snow. The conditions were packed powder, a styrofoamy consistency that you could edge into well. The best snow was found on-piste. Coverage is excellent up high.

July 18th, 2008

Snow fell throughout the Andes this past week.

  • Arpa received 30cm
  • Termas de Chillan as well as the Bariloche area received significant dumpage

It Is On!!

June 10th, 2008
Termas de Chillan is scheduled to open June 15th, 2008
1st big Andean storm of season has left over a meter of snow in the Chilean Andes