Mendoza: más de 20.000 turistas se acercaron a la nieve y mañana abrirán dos centros de esquí sobre la ruta 7

The much-anticipated winter season in Mendoza, Argentina, has finally arrived in spectacular fashion, with a significant snowfall transforming the Andean landscape into a coveted destination for vacationers. Over the past weekend, more than 20,000 tourists flocked to the region, eager to experience the pristine snow. However, extreme weather conditions and ongoing road maintenance efforts by the provincial highway department (Vialidad) have limited access, confining most visitors to areas like Polvaredas and Punta de Vacas, approximately ten kilometers from the primary ski resorts. Despite these initial access challenges, the outlook is rapidly improving as two major ski centers, Penitentes and Los Puquios, are slated to open their doors this Tuesday, signaling a full immersion into the winter wonderland for visitors, particularly those from Buenos Aires concluding their holiday break.

Awaiting the Snowfall’s Full Potential: Tourist Influx and Infrastructure Readiness

The allure of the snow has undeniably captivated the imagination of winter holidaymakers, drawing a substantial influx of over 20,000 tourists to Mendoza’s iconic mountain terrain this past weekend. While the dramatic weather, characterized by extreme snowfall, has been the star attraction, it has also presented logistical hurdles. Access to the prime winter sports hubs, including the renowned Penitentes and Los Puquios ski resorts, located closer to the international border with Chile, has been restricted. Visitors were largely confined to Polvaredas and Punta de Vacas, points that, while offering a glimpse of the snow-capped peaks, fall short of the full resort experience.

However, this situation is on the cusp of a significant transformation. The ski resorts, though currently closed, are fully prepared for operation. Concessionary companies have confirmed to LA NACIÓN that they will commence operations this Tuesday. This eagerly awaited opening will finally allow tourists, especially those from Buenos Aires in the final week of their winter vacations, to fully engage with Mendoza’s majestic mountains and partake in a wide array of winter activities.

Pablo Tijeras, the head of the Municipal Urban Guard for Las Heras in Uspallata and Alta Montaña, expressed optimism regarding the imminent reopening. "Everything is in condition for the resorts to open their doors this Tuesday. Coordination has been established with both snow parks, ensuring they will be operational," he informed this publication. Representatives from the resorts themselves have echoed this sentiment, assuring visitors that their primary activities and services will be available from day one. This includes access to base slopes for skiing and snowboarding, as well as opportunities for sledding and scenic panoramic tours. Resort operators have indicated that higher-altitude slopes will be gradually opened as weather conditions permit and safety protocols are fully met.

Southern Gem: Las Leñas Roars to Life

In the southern reaches of the province, the esteemed Las Leñas ski resort, recognized as one of Latin America’s most significant winter destinations, is already operating at full capacity. Last Saturday saw the majority of its ski slopes officially opened for public use. Travelers heading to this premier destination are advised that Route 222, the primary access road, is currently "navigable with caution," and the mandatory use of snow chains is enforced to ensure safe passage through the wintry conditions.

Navigating the Storm: Weather Forecasts and Safety Imperatives

Official forecasts indicate that the current severe weather system is expected to persist until the early days of August. Despite the persistent snowfall, intermittent "climatic windows" are providing crucial opportunities for road crews to undertake essential clearing operations on Route 7, a vital artery for both tourism and cross-border trade.

Provincial government officials have placed a strong emphasis on safety protocols for those traveling through the affected areas, urging extreme caution to prevent accidents. This past weekend saw two unfortunate incidents involving women who were sledding on unauthorized hillsides, colloquially known as "culipatín." One of these incidents resulted in fractures and injuries to various parts of her body, underscoring the inherent risks associated with venturing into unprepared areas.

Gabriela Testa, the president of Emetur (the provincial tourism entity), provided further details on the weather outlook and operational plans. "The forecasts suggest that the storm could extend until August 5th or 6th. From then on, we will assess how to proceed with further habilitations, always prioritizing safety," she explained. Testa reiterated that the paramount objective for all involved institutions is to safeguard the well-being of individuals.

Prioritizing Safety: A Call for Responsible Tourism

Testa strongly recommended engaging in winter sports exclusively at designated and authorized locations. "Currently, the mountains offer two habilitated snow parks, Penitentes and Los Puquios, which provide all the necessary safety conditions for recreational activities, whether it involves sleds, culipatines, sliders, or skiing. We urge everyone to play only in authorized zones, as off-piste areas can pose significant risks," she detailed.

The Emetur president highlighted the continuous preventive efforts undertaken by national forces, the Mendoza Police, municipal urban guards from Luján and Las Heras, and mountain patrols. However, she emphasized that the responsibility also lies heavily with the visitors themselves. "Prevention is never enough if individual responsibility is lacking. We must all look out for each other. Building a snowman is not comparable to sliding down slopes that are not prepared for such activity," she added, stressing the importance of individual awareness and adherence to safety guidelines.

The Unyielding Border: International Pass Closure and Trade Implications

Meanwhile, the international border crossing to Chile remains impassable and disconnected from Argentina. The Sistema Integrado Cristo Redentor (SICR), the primary Andean border crossing, has been closed for over ten days. This prolonged closure has resulted in a backlog of more than 1,500 trucks awaiting clearance to proceed to the neighboring country. The only activity permitted thus far in the border town of Las Cuevas has been the establishment of a "sanitary corridor," a measure likely related to health and safety protocols. The collaborative efforts of Argentina’s National Highway Administration (Vialidad Nacional) and its Chilean counterpart will be crucial in the coming days to determine when and how transit between the two nations can be safely resumed.

The economic implications of this prolonged closure are significant. The SICR is a vital route for Argentinian exports, particularly agricultural products, and imports. The delay not only impacts logistics and supply chains but also incurs substantial costs for transportation companies and potentially leads to shortages or price increases for certain goods in both countries. The current weather conditions, while beneficial for local tourism, are inadvertently exacerbating the challenges faced by international trade.

Historical Context and Economic Significance of Mendoza’s Winter Tourism

Mendoza’s reputation as a premier winter destination is built on its dramatic Andean scenery and the promise of world-class skiing. The province has long been a magnet for domestic and international tourists seeking to experience its snowy landscapes. Ski resorts like Penitentes, Los Puquios, and Las Leñas have historical significance, with some operating for several decades and contributing substantially to the regional economy.

The winter season typically runs from June through September, with the peak demand occurring during the July school holidays. This year’s substantial snowfall, while creating access challenges, is a positive sign for the industry, indicating a robust snowpack that can sustain operations for an extended period. The economic impact of winter tourism in Mendoza is multifaceted, extending beyond direct revenue from ski passes and accommodation to include employment in the hospitality, retail, and transportation sectors.

The timing of the resort openings is critical, especially as the last week of the July school holidays is underway. The ability for these resorts to open their doors promptly will allow many families to salvage their vacation plans and make the most of the remaining holiday period. This also sets a positive tone for the upcoming August season, which is also a popular time for visitors.

The Role of Infrastructure and Government Investment

The current situation highlights the ongoing importance of investment in and maintenance of mountain infrastructure. The efforts of Vialidad in clearing and maintaining Route 7 and other access roads are critical for ensuring the safety and accessibility of tourist destinations. Challenges such as extreme weather events also underscore the need for robust emergency response plans and continuous infrastructure upgrades to mitigate risks.

Government bodies like Emetur play a pivotal role in promoting tourism, coordinating with private operators, and ensuring the safety and quality of the visitor experience. Their communication regarding safety guidelines and operational updates is vital for managing public expectations and promoting responsible tourism practices. The collaboration between provincial and municipal authorities, along with national agencies, is essential for navigating complex situations like the current one.

Broader Implications and Future Outlook

The successful opening of Penitentes and Los Puquios, coupled with the continued operation of Las Leñas, will be a significant boost to Mendoza’s winter tourism sector. It demonstrates the resilience of the region’s tourism industry in the face of challenging weather conditions. The recovery of international transit through the SICR will be the next critical development, impacting not only the tourism sector but also the broader economic landscape of both Argentina and Chile.

As the winter season progresses, continuous monitoring of weather patterns and road conditions will be essential. The commitment to safety, as emphasized by provincial officials, will remain paramount. The proactive approach to managing visitor safety, coupled with the economic imperative of reopening key tourist and trade routes, will shape the remainder of Mendoza’s winter season and its impact on the regional economy. The allure of the snow-capped Andes continues to draw visitors, and with the resorts set to open, Mendoza is poised to offer an unforgettable winter experience, albeit with a necessary emphasis on caution and preparedness.