La Hoya

La Hoya is a ski resort in the Chubut province of Patagonia (Argentina). The resort is famous for its bowl-shaped topography with the ski slopes facing south (so they're in the shade throughout the day). Temperatures are colder at La Hoya than in neighboring areas and the resort tends to have powder conditions and the ski season lasts longer than at other area resorts.

The ski area was initially a military base used for mountain training in the 1940s. The road to Esquel was constructed in the 1950s, and when the military turned the facilities over to civilian management, the idea of using it as a ski resort came into being.

The park has a vertical drop of 850 meters (2,790 ft) and the longest run is 5.1 km (3.2 miles). 20 runs are maintained with most terrain requiring at least intermediate skiing ability. There are 3 easy trails (green), 8 intermediate trails (blue), 8 advanced trails (red), and 5 expert trails (black). The ski area is served by 4 chairlifts and 5 T-bar lifts. The resort also has a small terrain park and has off-piste opportunities for ski touring.

The resort has snowmaking capability with 5 snow cannons that they operate on 3 km of trails.

In the summer months of December through February, the hills turn green with leaves and splashes of colorful flowers. The ski trails become ideal for mountain biking and hiking.

Aerolineas Argentinas flies from Jorge Newbury Aeroparque in Buenos Aires to Esquel (EQS  ^IATA), the nearest town. Flights take about 2-1/2 hours each way and are reasonably priced. Car rentals are available at the Esquel airport and chains can be installed on request.

Adult lift tickets cost between US$70 and $100 in 2024, depending on the "season" (low, mid, high). Be aware that lift ticket prices fluctuate drastically based on exchange rates and inflation (which is why prices here reflect US dollars, which is more stable).

• -42.833396-71.2567661 Ezquel Ski Rentals, La Hoya Mountain Activity Center, ☏ +54 294 568 8936. Daily 09:00 - 18:00. Full range of ski and snowboard equipment.  (updated Mar 2025)

• -42.819491-71.257651 El Zorro, Cerro La Hoya. Daily 09:30 - 17:00. Modern, clean ski lodge with huge windows looking onto the slopes. Portions are generous but prices are high. AR$2000.  (updated Mar 2025)
• -42.815461-71.2564482 El Refugio, Cerro La Hoya, ☏ +54 929 454 13608. Daily 09:00 - 17:00. Pleasant mountainside ski lodge. Serves soups, stews and sandwiches. AR$5000.  (updated Mar 2025)

There is no lodging at the ski area, but the nearby town of Esquel has several lodging options with varying services and price levels.

• Catedral Alta Patagonia
• Trevelin
• Esquel