Ski organizers in South America announced a last-minute Freeride World Qualifier聽race to take place September 4 and 5 at Penitentes, Argentina, . To take advantage of the area鈥檚 snowfall this year, the will be open to all skiers (with a cap of 80 participants).
Tom Winter, the Freeride World Tour Americas manager, told Powder that the site at Penitentes鈥攚here South America's only聽big mountain skiing competition this year will take place鈥攚as chosen for its remoteness and variety of terrain.聽鈥淭he entire valley is spectacular, and while the ski area is small, there are tons of hike-to options, both immediately above and adjacent to the resort as well as along the highway,鈥 he told聽Powder. 鈥淚t鈥檚 really a hidden gem and I鈥檓 really impressed with the potential here.鈥
Penitentes聽is a three-hour drive from Mendoza, Argentina, and somewhat isolated, according to Powder. Most businesses are cash-only, cell service is limited, and travelers arriving in Argentina from Chile will have to cross the border during regularly scheduled times (between 8 a.m. and 8 p.m.), which are subject to change due to weather or other concerns.