Los Penitentes (Argentina) facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Los Penitentes |
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A typical sunny day in Los Penitentes
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| Location | Mendoza, Cuyo, Argentina |
| Coordinates | 32°50′30″S 69°50′16″W / 32.841624°S 69.837752°W |
| Skiable area | 300 hectares (740 acres) |
| Runs | 25 |
| Longest run | 7 kilometres (4.3 mi) |
| Lift system | 2 Chairlifts 1T-bar lifts 4 Ski tows 1 Conveyor belts |
Los Penitentes is a popular ski resort in Mendoza, Argentina. It is located about 25 kilometers (15 miles) from the border with Chile. This resort is also 180 kilometers (112 miles) from Mendoza Capital City. You can find it on Ruta 7, near the famous Aconcagua mountain.
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What Does "Los Penitentes" Mean?
The name Los Penitentes means "The Penitents" in English. This interesting name comes from the unique shapes of ice on the mountain sides. These ice formations look like people praying or climbing the mountains.
History of Los Penitentes
Los Penitentes was started by Emilio López Frugoni. He was a ski enthusiast from Mendoza. In 1978, he bought a large piece of land. His dream was to build a ski center close to Mendoza City.
The ski resort officially opened in 1979. Today, Los Penitentes has 25 different ski runs. These runs cover about 300 hectares (740 acres). There are slopes for skiers of all skill levels. Ski lifts help people reach different parts of the mountain. The resort can host about 1950 visitors. It offers many places to stay, like apartments, hotels, and hostels.
Weather at the Resort
During winter, the average temperature at Los Penitentes is about 1°C (34°F). Temperatures can range from -4°C (25°F) to 7°C (45°F). The weather is usually dry and sunny on most days. This makes for great skiing conditions.
Fun Activities to Do
Los Penitentes offers 25 ski runs. They have different lengths and slopes. There are runs for beginners, advanced skiers, and experts. The ski season usually runs from mid-June to late August.
You can enjoy many activities here. These include skiing, snowboarding, and even heli-skiing. Heli-skiing is when a helicopter takes you to untouched snow.
The resort also provides many services. There is a ski school to help you learn. A snow garden is available for younger children. You can find a shopping center, restaurants, and places to stay. There is also a kindergarten and a disco for entertainment.
See also
In Spanish: Los Penitentes para niños
- Cerro Castor
- Chapelco
- Las Leñas
- Cerro Catedral
- List of ski areas and resorts in South America
