For those who can’t afford to stay at high-powered, high-altitude Las Leñas, Los Molles is a budget alternative that’s closer to the slopes than Malargüe.

Here, 55 kilometers northwest of Malargüe and 1,900 meters above sea level, it’s only 15 kilometers east of the more elaborate and prestigious resort.

On the south side of the river, the Hotel Termas Lahuen-có (tel. 02627/49-9700 in Los Molles, www.hotellahuenco.com, US$40 pp with half board, US$48 pp with full board) has modernized, at least within the context of its architectural limitations—the south-facing rooms have small windows, for instance—but for those prices it’s hard to complain. Its thermal baths are open to hotel guests for no additional charge; nonguests pay US$4 pp.

The nearby Los Molles Hotel (RP 222 Km 30, tel. 02627/49-9712, www.losmolleshotel.com.ar, US$32 pp with half board in summer) is a pretty comfortable alternative; parts are worn, but the rooms have good views and the price is right. It has a bar with satellite TV, a restaurant, and other spacious common areas.