Only 13 kilometers north of Esquel, La Hoya is a modest ski area that, thanks to its location on the Andes’ drier eastern side, gets a fine powder that compensates for its relatively small size. It’s substantially cheaper than Bariloche, and the infrastructure is improving, but low capacity can mean long lift lines.

Ranging from 1,200 to 2,500 meters above sea level, La Hoya has 25 runs totaling about 22 kilometers on 60 hectares. Its modern lifts include the 1,100-meter Telesilla del Bosque, which also carries hikers to high-country trailheads in summer (US$2), and the 1,018-meter Telesilla del Cañadón. In season, it also has a ski school; the Fiesta Nacional del Esquí (National Ski Festival) takes place the second week of September.

Equipment can be rented on-site or in Esquel at La Bolsa del Ski (Rivadavia and 25 de Mayo, tel. 02945/452379, www.labolsadeski.com). In Esquel, contact the Centro de Montaña La Hoya (25 de Mayo 646, tel. 02945/453018).