Join SGT and Roxy guest coaches for 11 days of backcountry shredding in Argentina. With guiding all day, every day from the top pros and guides in the world including Robin Van Gyn, Erin Comstock and Nicki Slechta. Roxy and SGT will provide you with the most unique ski and snowboard travel experience of your life in Argentina by bringing pro snowboarders and guides together in one of the most incredible backcountry riding environments in the world. We’ll get you shredding some of the most amazing terrain you’ve ever ridden, and do it in a safe progression that allows you to reach a new level in your skiing or snowboarding career. Use the tabs above to learn more about the program, or just Inquire Now and we’ll get right back to you!

Photos: Roxy, Jennifer Jones

Unlike other summer ski and snowboard programs in North America, the ROXY Women’s Session at SGT Argentina gives clients access to mid-winter conditions with regular powder dumps, and guiding at South America’s largest single resort – Cerro Catedral Alta Patagonia.  Cerro Catedral can be compared to Lake Tahoe or Mammoth Mountain, in terms of terrain, weather, snow quality and snow quantity, although the experience is almost more akin to Silverton Mountain – lots and lots of seldom-ridden off-piste terrain loaded with powder and ready for shredding.  Dollar for dollar, SGT Argentina is the best summer snow experience on the market. Why settle for anything but the best?

San  Carlos de Bariloche, set at the edge of the Andes and surrounded by   countless lakes and jagged peaks, is the perfect stage for expeditions   and missions of every kind  – want to land that new trick you’ve always  dreamed about?  No problem –  the coaches will teach you how to land it into a  soft powder landing. Want to ride trees?   Cerro Catedral has some of  the best tree skiing in the world, with widely spaced forests of phosphorescent green moss hanging off old-growth pines.

Want to find the steeps?  Bariloche is chock-full of chutes,  cliffs, bowls, couloirs, and  pillow lines that will test riders at every level. First time out of bounds?  SGT and Roxy coaches will help introduce you to the backcountry.  Not ready for the backcountry yet? You’ll get an unparalleled coaching experience in-bounds riding trails and other terrain for those who want to stay inside the ropes. The SGT experience surrounds you with a group of friends and other women snowboarders as you challenge yourself on some of the most spectacular snowboarding terrain in the world.

Photos couresty of Roxy, Jennifer Jones

The SGT Campus @ SoulMax – Cerro Catedral

For 2012, we’re excited to return to the SoulMax complex at Cerro Catedral, only 200 yards from the base of the mountain and a stone’s throw away from Tage, our favorite pit stop before and after the days on the mountain. All SGT packages include lodging at the exclusive SGT Lodge @ SoulMax, or upgraded options (ideal for small groups and teams) in luxury apartments located next door. That means waking up and knowing exactly what’s going on at the mountain, and no more daily bus shuttles – maximizing time on the mountain and lowering our environmental impact. Not to mention a host of nightlife options, including the world-famous Mute, located in the Cerro Catedral base area.

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SGT Lodge @ SoulMax Amenities Include:

• Minutes away from the Catedral gondola
• Comfortable double or triple-occupancy rooms with twin beds.
  Private Room and King Bed upgrades available.
• Built in 2003
• TV’s in every room with DirecTV
• 24/7 Security and Staffed Front Desk
• Private Dining Room for Breakfast and Dinner
• Bar & Lounge Located Next Door
• Indoor/Outdoor Heated Pool and Solarium
• Game Room with Pool Table

SGT Apartments @ SoulMax Include:

• Located next door to the SGT Lodge @ SoulMax
• Brand-new apartments with luxury finishes built in 2009
• Separate living/dining room with flat-screen TVs and DirecTV
• One or two separate sleeping areas with customizable bedding arrangements
• Kitchenette and modern bathrooms in all apartments
• Jacksons Bar located downstairs
• Access to Indoor/Outdoor Heated Pool and Amenities Located Next Door at SGT Lodge

Interested in upgrading your lodging to an apartment in 2011? Call 800.851.4660 and learn more about the lodging options available to make your SGT experience even more amazing.

More About Lodging at SGT

You spoke and we listened! As part of our upgrades for 2011, we’re providing a better experience for everyone at SGT, but our adult clients especially. Breakfast and dinner will be high quality meals served in our private dining room, with a fully stocked bar open downstairs in the evening. Adults and Under-18 clients are always lodged in separate rooms (and separate floors, if possible), and SGT will make every effort to accommodate special rooming requests. New accommodations and high-quality bedding will assure a great night’s sleep after a day in the backcountry or a late night out. SGT and partner SoulMax are also able to arrange a host of alternative lodging options at the base of Cerro Catedral for larger groups or teams. Call 800.851.4660 for group or team inquiries. Also check out our FAQ section for answers to more lodging questions.

Buenos Aires Airport Transfer

[SinglePic not found]Buenos Aires is the international gateway to Argentina. Nearly all clients making the journey to SASS will arrive at the Ministro Pistarini International Airport (EZE), more commonly known as Ezeiza International Airport. The tricky part? Ezeiza serves mainly international flights, and you’ll be required to make the 45-minute journey to the domestic airport, Aeroparque Jorge Newbery (AEP) in downtown Buenos Aires. After clearing customs, adult clients will have the option of using the exclusive SASS airport transfer service ($100 round-trip). If you select this option when you book your trip, your flight will be met by an Argentine SASS representative who will bring you directly to Aeroparque to make your connection onward to Bariloche. If you choose to make the transfer on your own, you should be prepared to communicate in basic Spanish and be comfortable traveling on your own in a foreign country. Your options include Taxi/Remise (approx. $40-$60 USD one way — be wary of taxi drivers advertising in the terminal, as they usually overcharge), or a scheduled shuttle bus ($20-$25 USD plus bag fees). Public transportation is not recommended. Flight arrival times vary by airline, although most flights from North America arrive between 7-11AM. If this is the case, you may have the opportunity to explore Buenos Aires before your domestic flight. But please be aware of the time, as SASS is not responsible for missed flights.

Safety in Buenos Aires

[SinglePic not found]Buenos Aires has a storied and turbulent history. Throughout most of the 20th century, Buenos Aires (also known as BA) was a cosmopolitan city that rivaled most throughout Europe and North America. Ornate buildings and beautiful plazas are everywhere, complemented by an unrivaled nightlife and thriving cultural scene. After weathering severe economic crises in the 1980s and again in 2001, Buenos Aires is once again returning to its former glory. Downtown Buenos Aires and popular neighborhoods like Palermo and Recoleta give the city its European flair, and most tourists feel comfortable walking the streets alone during the day.

Be wary of simply walking out of the domestic (or International) airport on foot to explore the city. As in most cities, the areas surrounding airports are mostly industrial and not well-suited to tourists. If you choose to explore the city during your connecting time between flights, you should consider taking a taxi to the nearby Palermo neighborhood. This wealthy neighborhood is home to many shops, parks and plazas, and is close enough to the airport for a quick cab ride back. Grab a lomito, the traditional Argentine steak sandwich, or sample the fine Malbec wines offered around the city.

Petty crime is a problem, but simply being aware of your surroundings and taking care not to expose large amounts of cash will avoid most problems. Most businesses in BA accept credit cards, but expect to pay a higher price or surcharge for using one. You should also be cautious of providing large bills to taxi operators in Buenos Aires, as you may receive a counterfeit bill as change in return. See the section on Currency and Money below for more information.

Safety in Bariloche

[SinglePic not found]San Carlos de Bariloche is a very safe city and is very comfortable for tourists to travel in. Although there are parts of Bariloche that should be avoided (as in any city), most are located far away from the popular downtown area. The resort area where SASS operates is very safe and crime-free. However, all clients should be responsible for their gear and equipment, lock their doors when they leave to ride for the day, and not leave things like snowboard bags, laptops, and bright, expensive snowboard jackets unattended as these attract attention and encourage pick-pocketing and other petty crime. As long as you’re smart about your stuff, you’ll be fine. It is highly recommended that clients buy travel insurance before they come down, both for things like theft and also for flight and baggage delays.

Currency & Money

Argentina uses the Argentine Peso, which is equivalent to about $0.25 USD. Many businesses also take American dollars, but be prepared to receive a poor exchange rate. It’s better to exchange money at a bank, casa de cambio (foreign currency exchanges) or at Tage – the small snack bar located at the base of Cerro Catedral. ATMs are available at the base area and around the downtown area, and clients are advised that most transactions in Argentina are done with cash, so be sure to have some on you at all times for emergencies. Especially in Buenos Aires (but also in Bariloche, to a much lesser degree), be aware of providing large bills (50 or 100-peso notes) to taxi drivers. After handing the bill to your driver, you may notice him “looking for change” — and then telling you he doesn’t have it. He’ll happily hand a counterfeit bill back to you, asking for something smaller. This scam isn’t seen often in Bariloche, but is extremely common in Buenos Aires and other large cities. If you carry small bills for cab rides and everyday purchases, you’ll avoid the majority of issues.

Medical Facilities

There is a clinic at the base of the mountain that is almost immediately next door to our lodging at SoulMax. Services like X rays, evaluations, and other preliminary procedures can be provided, and the clinic has its own doctor on staff. The clinic is actually an extension of the Sanatorio San Carlos, a modern, full-service private hospital located in the city center. Bariloche is also serviced year-round by a private

Medivac helicopter and several modern ambulance/paramedic services. Most procedures require payment at the time of service, which can be reimbursed via your Travel Insurance or international health insurance using the receipts collected at the hospital. Dramatically cheaper than the US, quality X rays and office visits may cost as little as $25 USD.

Transportation

With our new location at the mountain, you’ll find transportation in Bariloche straightforward, easy and largely inexpensive. If you’re making the journey to town, try to find a companion and split the cost of a taxi (usually 60-80 pesos, or $15-20 USD). Taxis are widely available at the mountain and in town, and typically run on a meter. You can also take a remise — essentially, a remise is a privately owned taxi that doesn’t operate on a meter. They’re often of higher quality than taxis, and sometimes less expensive. Just be sure to obtain the fare before you commit. Most drivers are honest, but some will raise the price if you don’t ask beforehand.

The public bus in Bariloche (operated by 3 de Mayo) is extremely safe, effective, crowded and usually on-time. They’re a great way to experience local culture and save some money at the same time. All buses leaving the mountain go to the city center, and any bus marked “Catedral” will deliver you back to the base area, just steps from the SASS campus. Buses to/from Catedral cost 8 pesos ($2.00), and operate at least hourly until around midnight on most days. You can also rent a car through our partner SoulMax travel, just be sure to make an inquiry in advance as cars are sometimes unavailable last-minute. The minimum age to rent a vehicle is 18, and a valid US Driver License and major credit card is required.

The “A Factor”

Ah yes, the A Factor – that wonderful, unexplainable variable of daily life in Argentina that might initially drive schedule-hungry Americans crazy but with time, will relax you and truly get you into the rhythm of life in Argentina.  Buses may be late, restaurants may only take cash even after posting a Visa sticker in the window, lifts may not run for no justifiable reason – hey, it’s Argentina!  It’s not the US, Canada, or Europe and you should be prepared for something to not work out perfectly during your trip.  Just relax, take a deep breath, be tranqui and enjoy the adventure of experiencing another culture with both its ups and downs.

2012 ROXY Women’s Session Guides, Coaches, & Staff

SGT Argentina is staffed by the best guides and pros in the business. Some have been coming to Argentina for the better part of the last decade, and are responsible for delivering the experience that SASS is famous for.  All our coaches and guides have at minimum achieved their Level 1 AIARE avalanche safety certification, and all our guides have Level 2 or 3 certifications and have attended guiding school and are certified in wilderness first aid, along with several of our coaches.  We’ll be adding more coaches and guides in the coming months so stay tuned…

Robin Van Gyn – Roxy Pro and Women’s Session Snowboard Coach

Robin has been a top big-mountain slayer for years, has filmed with Peepshow, Runway Films and Roxy, and has extensive experience with the SASS crew, having been our Head Women’s Coach in the past.  Robin is as equally passionate about snowboarding as she is as sharing her stoke, experience, and expertise with those looking to improve their freeride and freestyle skills – she’s worked with countless athletes both at SASS as well as the MGT snowboard camps.  She’s helped a ton of our clients get to new levels on their snowboard, and will hopefully do the same for you this summer.

Erin Comstock – Roxy Pro and Women’s Session Snowboard Coach

With a resume as long as Robin’s in both the park and the backcountry, Erin is known for her serious, confident style and skillset that runs the gamut from urban rails to Superpark gap jumps to committing backcountry lines.  One of the only female riders with a Transworld Snowboarding cover, Erin has an extensive history as a film rider and has had parts with Standard Films, Vans, Park City, and Roxy, and puts her time in destroying tricks and lines from her base in Salt Lake City to mountains around the world.  Erin came down as part of Roxy’s team trip to SASS last year, and is beyond stoked to come down and teach you how to shred better on every part of the mountain.

Natalie Gough – Snowboard Coach

Nat Gough is an Ontario native and Tahoe transplant who’s out to get shots for the Capita movie this year. Natalie has returned nearly every year to SASS to get re-energized on snowboarding by seeing how stoked our clients get when they try a new line and nail it. Nat rides for Capita, Union bindings, Dakine, and Bonfire clothing.

Nicki Sleckta – Snowboard Coach

Nicki came as a client in 2009 and proved herself as a member of the SASS family, coming back in 2010 as a full coach. Nicki’s another Tahoe local who is secretly really good at snowboarding… but we won’t blow up her spot. The “Chica Bonita” returns for her third summer to wreak havoc on Cerro Catedral again.

Michelle Parker – Ski Coach

Michelle joins the SASS crew for her third season as a ski coach. One of the leaders of the first generation of female freeskiers, Michelle lives for skiing and for showing clients the best backcountry experience of their lives, drawing from her extensive experience filming big-mountain lines all over the world and attending guide school in Alaska. Michelle also teaches our Sierra Nevada College freeskiing course at SASS. A Lake Tahoe native, Michelle skis for K2, Orage, Scott, Dakine, Kicker, Squaw Valley, Porter’s Tahoe, and Tecnica ski boots. Michelle also does extensive volunteer work for organizations like the High Five Foundation and Alpine Initiatives, and SASS’s own sustainability efforts in Argentina. Follow Michelle’s travels on her blog or Twitter.

Skylar Holgate – Head Guide

Skylar is the Head Guide for SGT Argentina and has been instrumental part of the SASS experience since it started six years ago. During the winter, Skylar is Head Helicopter Guide for Silverton Mountain has guided everyone from expert skiers and snowboarders to film crews from Mack Dawg and Warren Miller, and rides professionally for The North Face, Venture Snowboards, Smith Optics, and Dakine. A native of Durango, Colorado, Skylar knows every line in Southwest Colorado and is one of the liasons for SGT’s Treasure Mountain Hut expeience.

Andrew Burns – Head Coach

Burns is another OG SASS character and regularly pulls off the longest days out of anyone on the staff, running between helping Lucas to run the program to building massive jumps with clients to doing double-corks off of them to filming others landing their own doubles to logging and editing the footage that night. Burns is a human nuclear reactor and every ounce of his energy during July, August, and September goes into making the SASS experience better for our clients. Burns is also teaches the Sierra Nevada College freeriding course at SASS.  Andrew rides professionally for Capita, 32 outerwear and boots, Dragon optics, Etnies boots, Union bindings and Showcase snow shop.  Follow Burns’s shred life on Twitter.

Garrett Russell – Ski Coach

The Garrett Russell Experience. An adventure that’s kept people coming back for years. While he wouldn’t want us to say it, Garrett inspires people to take a different view on life and how sweet it is on a pair of skis. Garrett is stoked in every moment of skiing and approaches backcountry riding in a completely different way. You’ve seen the Youtube videos – now get The Experience.  Garrett noseblocks and pow slashes for Line skis, Full Tilt boots, Dakine, Trew Gear, Smith optics, Marker bindings, Joystick poles, Telluride, and Develop clothing.  Enjoy irregular updates from The Experience on Garrett’s blog.

Brendon Drury – Snowboard Coach

Brendon showed up to coach at SASS last year with his Mario moustache and with that kind of first impression, became an instant member of the SASS family. Whenever His Dawgness isn’t eating, he’s smiling, and he shares that stoke with anyone he rides or eats lomo with. Brendon rides for Endeavor snowboards, Smith Optics, Elm Company, Air Hole and Porters Tahoe.  Follow Brendon’s exploits at BrendonDrury.com

Scott Kuchinski – Snowboard Coach

A Poconos native, Scott’s one of those clients-turned-coaches we seem to find ourselves with often these days. When he’s not building hips with the clients and helping them expand their trick bag in Argentina, Scott holds it down for the Big Boulder PA park crew and listens to more dubstep than MTV could handle. Scott rides for Yes Snowboards and Big Boulder.

Brian Angelone – Ski Coach & Guide

Known both as “Angel” and more widely as “Angel-One,” Brian Angelone is a beast of a skier and splits his year between Lincoln, New Hampshire and Bariloche, and brings his vast experience coaching freeride skiers to bear on SASS clients. When Brian isn’t leading a crew out to Laguna or finding clients cliffs, he manages all of SASS’s equipment, including pow skis and snowboards and all backcountry equipment. A local celebrity in Bariloche, Angel-One never has to pay for dinner or drinks in Argentina.

Pete Connolly – Guide

After his first season as a guiding intern at Silverton Mountain, “Sneaky” Pete drove back across country to his home state of New Hampshire to join the SASS office crew, and impressed everybody with his work ethic and positive attitude. After earning himself a position as a tail guide on the 2010 crew, Pete returned to Silverton this winter as a full guide. The lankiest member of our crew, Sneaky Pete also enjoys being harassed for his love of Phish.

Lucas Moore – Head Counselor & Guide

Lucas is SGT’s year-round Systems Manager, and when he’s not watching awful, tasteless movies from the 90’s while doing data entry, Lucas handles all of SASS & SGT’s technical & reservation systems. However, when the calendar reads July and the crew moves down to Argentina, Lucas takes an entirely different role. As the director of the Argentina program, “El Mas Blanco” skis every day, guiding and organizing groups, making sure everyone is getting fresh turns, and when the lifts stop spinning, making sure everyone is dancing until it’s simply not an option.

Jon Conway – Head Filmer

The Fat Man. Conway is a just a jolly, round, rosy-cheeked Canadian shredder who happens to slay lines and back 9’s even with a 50 pound camera bag. Jon has a long history as a filmmaker in snowboarding and elsewhere, and outside of capturing on film all the radness going down at SASS each and every day, he teaches the Sierra Nevada College Winter Adventure Video during the second college session. Jon “Fatboy” Conway also runs reports to Miles as head of the Unofficial Whistler outpost along with our friend Jake Cohn.

Ben Girardi – Head Photographer

While he’s got enough skills on his snowboard to have earned the reputation “Sir Lands-a-lot,” Ben really creates magic when he’s behind the lens – check out our photo galleries for evidence.  As Head Photographer, Ben makes sure he’s got his finger on the shutter button whenever coaches and clients are slashing pow on Nubes, getting airborne off the Condor hip, or sending cliffs in Laguna.  A long-time client who’s now made the switch to the staff, Ben G. is the real deal.  Follow the man as he stacks still on his blog.

FAQ

What’s the mountain like?

-1,500 acres in-bounds, 3,000+ acres including sidecountry terrain
-33 chairlifts
-3 peaks
-3,500 foot vertical drop
-Summit tops out at 7,800 feet

Cerro Catedral is the largest resort in South America – about the size of Mammoth Mountain, California, which the skiing and riding is most similar to, with a wetter, coastal snowpack that sets up very quickly and hangs onto all kinds of faces and rock outcroppings, making for perfect cliff take-offs. With a 3,500 foot vertical rise, the snow gets deeper and lighter as you get higher on the mountain.  With over 33 chairlifts including a gondola and a high-speed six-pack, the lift system is fully modern.  However, with grooming mostly limited to a bunch of cat tracks circling the mountain, the off-piste experience is closer to that of Silverton Mountain – lots and lots and lots of untracked woods, chutes, and bowls that are barely skied outside of our groups.  The skiing is raw and is closer to lift-accessed backcountry than the traditional North American resort experience.  We ride everyday using proper backcountry travel protocols and guides, and every client rides with a beacon, shovel, and avalanche probe everyday.  Helmets are required for Under-18 participants and recommended for others.

What’s the day-to-day riding like?

Every day at SASS presents a new opportunity: you may start the day lapping untracked pow in the Palmero trees, hit the Nubes chair as soon as it opens for big chutes and wide-open bowl skiing, and then finish off the day with a hike or two up a defunct liftline to the the top of Laguna, an enormous side-country area consisting of one huge bowl and endless possibilities.  A few days after a storm, you may find yourself in a group hiking out across Laguna to the Tage chutes or the infamous “Staff Party” run, a single-run mission taking you down 3,000 feet of vert and every kind of terrain imaginable, from wide-open cirque shredding to Japan-style pillows to open trees and bamboo forests.  More ambitious clients may find themselves dropping off the back of the resort to ride huge couloirs or hiking out to Refugio Frey, a fully-staffed backcountry hut that is the staging point for multi-day touring missions.  If you’re more inclined to take advantage of the deep pow to learn some new tricks safely, you might head out to Condor to build a step-up or check out any of the jump spots we set up every summer thanks to the hard work of clients and coaches and Argentina’s liberal patrol policy that makes it possible for our crew to build jumps wherever we like.

No matter what the day brings, client will be in groups of no bigger than five with a guide and will be riding with those of comparable ability.  Depending on weather, plans, and what different groups and guides want to do, you could find yourself with a personal guide for the day as you go out to explore some cliffs you’ve been eyeing or a couloir you’ve been talking to one of the guides about – all at no extra charge!  Clients also are given a backcountry awareness seminar, practice beacon drills and appropriate backcountry travel, and always carry beacon, shovel, and probe to ensure maximum safety.  As well, Cerro Catedral runs its lifts from 9 am to 5 pm, ensuring a solid eight-hour day; talk about a difference from the “up by 10 am, down by 2:00 pm” glacier scene – at SASS you get more time on snow than any other summer shred program.

Who are the coaches and guides?

Our coaches and guides at SASS represent the cream of the crop of the ski and snowboard industry’s backcountry professionals – all our guides are professionally accredited and guide during the winter at places like Silverton Mountain, Mt. Rainier, and Alaska.  All our coaches are professional skiers and snowboarders with extensive experience in the backcountry and with teaching freeride skiing or snowboarding.  But the experience isn’t like other experiences you’ve had with instructors – it’s as hands-off or as hands-on as you want it to be, but most seem to learn best by trying to keep up with our pros and coaches.  See the “Guides” section for more info and bios on all of our staff.

Is there a terrain park?

Yes, the Nubes Terrain Park runs along the Triple Park chairlift, and is usually setup with a solid triple jump line, mini-jib park and a bunch of rails and boxes.  However, we are rarely in the park unless it hasn’t snowed in a few days – expect most of your jumping to occur off of cliffs or off of hand-built booters into knee-deep snow, which is a way better and safer venue for learning new tricks.

When is the best skiing and riding?

The South American winter is  fairly short compared to our winter – lifts usually open at Catedral sometime in early or mid-June and close in mid October.  The best skiing is usually from late July through early September, and SASS operates right during that time frame, when the snowpack is deep and solid and frequent storms blow through.  South American skiing is notorious for the “Santa Rosa” storm that seems to come every year sometime in late August – last year, the Santa Rosa brought about 10 feet to Catedral in the span of five days, after which point the resort had to dig several lifts out and we were riding neck-deep powder!  Plan your trip accordingly but keep in mind that thanks to the fairly constant winds that sweep the Andes, new snow almost constantly blows in and refills skied-out chutes and runs, ensuring fresh tracks the next morning.

What is the weather like?

Weather in Bariloche is fairly comparable to that of Lake Tahoe – about 300 days of sun a year, snow at night that clears up to blue skies by lunchtime, and moderate temps in the 20’s during the day.  Given the elevation gain of the mountain, the base where we stay can be quite a bit warmer.  No need to pack for Arctic temps but be sure to bring extra gloves, goggles, and a set of extra pants and a jacket as it can be fairly wet.  As well, unlike in the North American winter, daylight stretches from about 9 am to 7 pm.

What’s the food like?

Food-wise, Argentina is famous for two things above all others: beef and wine.  If you eat red meat, be prepared to be so blown away by the quality of the beef here that you will consider vegetarianism when you return home – no cut of meat in the world can beat the taste of a cut of lomo fresh off the asado!  Also one of the world’s most famous regions for Malbecs is only six hours north, so amazing wine is a given.  Food is  cheap, so eating out a few times while in Argentina is a must, and a lomo and picada are two dishes you have to try.  Bariloche is also famous for its chocolates, so a stop through Mamuschkas in downtown is necessary to fill up on every kind of chocolate concoction conceivable.

Argentines like to eat a lot of meat and pasta and seem to find a way to put ham and cheese on everything possible, and is historically not an easy place for vegitarians to navigate.  However, Bariloche is one of the world’s top destinations for anglers, and has unbelievable fish, especially trout and salmon.  As well, SASS has the flexibility modify its menu for vegetarian clients, and we make sure to have plenty of salads and vegetables  on the table as well.

What are the people like?

Bariloche, along with the rest of Argentina, speaks a distinct dialect of Spanish called castellano – very different and much more staccato than the Spanish we hear in the US influenced by countries like Mexico.  That being said, if you have any competency in Spanish you will be very welcome here, and being that this is one of the most-visited cities in all of Argentina, you will find plenty of English-speaking locals to help you out should you need it (but try it in Spanish, first!).  The people are generally very friendly and nice and it’s a small enough community that locals consider hitch-hiking along Avenida Bustillo, the main avenue in Bariloche, a commonplace and safe activity.

Bariloche, like much of Argentina, has a lot of European heritage thanks with boatloads of Europeans that arrived during and after the last two World Wars.  You will see plenty of distinctly European names around town, from Cabalgata Tom Wesley to Casita Suiza (Swiss House).  A lot of the architecture, views, and people will look like something out of the Alps.

What’s the city of Bariloche like?

The city is about twenty minutes away by taxi or bus from the base of Cerro Catedral and is home to over 100,000 people.  Situated right on the shore of Lago Nahuel Huapi at the south end of the extensive lakes region, Bariloche offers all the modern conveniences of a small city while also being the perfect venue for clients to explore the Argentine culture and practice their castellano.  For those looking for nightlife, the city is also home to several famous nightclubs including Dusk, Pacha, and Wilkenny, and SASS will organize excursions into town to sample the nightlife for adult clients.

What is the “A Factor?”

Ah yes, the A Factor – that wonderful, unexplainable variable of daily life in Argentina that might initially drive schedule-hungry Americans crazy but with time, will relax you and truly get you into the rhythm of life in Argentina.  Buses may be late, restaurants may only take cash even after posting a Visa sticker in the window, lifts may not run for no justifiable reason – hey, it’s Argentina!  It’s not the US, Canada, or Europe and you should be prepared for something to not work out perfectly during your trip.  Just relax, take a deep breath, be tranqui and enjoy the adventure of experiencing another culture with both its ups and downs.

What is there to do besides ski and snowboard?

If you’re not skiing, snowboarding, or taking advantage of our class offerings, there is plenty to do.  The Soulmax has a full indoor/outdoor pool and game room, and the base area of the mountain offers extensive options, from bars to restaurants to a full-fledged shopping mall.  City buses leave for town every hour on the hour, and for 6 pesos, can be ridden into downtown to enjoy all that downtown Bariloche has to offer.  Possible excursions include tours of the chocolate museum, hiking around the Circuito Chio, horseback riding, ATV tours, fly-fishing, island boat tours, or day-trips to other resorts like Cerro Bayo or to fun towns like El Bolson.  Some excursions will be arraigned with the group while at SASS but most are available per request.  Listed excursions are not included in the trip price. If the snow is good though, you’ll likely be too exhausted for a ton of extra activities.

How safe is it?

Bariloche is a very safe city and is very comfortable for tourists to travel in.  The “bad” parts of Bariloche should be avoided as they should be in any city, but are pretty far away from the downtown area anyway.  The resort area where SASS operates is very safe and crime-free.  However, all clients should be responsible for their gear and equipment, lock their doors when they leave to ride for the day, and not leave things like snowboard bags, laptops, and bright, expensive snowboard jackets unattended as these attract attention and pick-pocketing does exist.  As long as you’re smart about your stuff, you’ll be fine.  It is highly recommended that clients buy travel insurance before they come down, both for things like theft and also for flight and baggage delays and other reasons.

What currency is used?

Argentina uses the Argentine Peso, which is equivalent to about $0.25 USD. Many businesses also take American dollars, but be prepared to receive a poor exchange rate. It’s better to exchange money at a bank, casa de cambio (foreign currency exchanges) or at Tage – the small snack bar located at the base of Cerro Catedral. ATMs are available at the base area and around the downtown area, and clients are advised that most transactions in Argentina are done with cash, so be sure to have some on you at all times for emergencies. Especially in Buenos Aires (but also in Bariloche, to a much lesser degree), be aware of providing large bills (50 or 100-peso notes) to taxi drivers. After handing the bill to your driver, you may notice him “looking for change” — and then telling you he doesn’t have it. He’ll happily hand a counterfeit bill back to you, asking for something smaller. This scam isn’t seen often in Bariloche, but is extremely common in Buenos Aires and other large cities. If you carry small bills for cab rides and everyday purchases, you’ll avoid the majority of issues.

What are the medical facilities like?

There is a clinic at the base of the mountain that is almost immediately next door to our lodging at SoulMax where things like X rays, evaluations, and other preliminary or small procedures can be done, and has its own doctor on staff.  The clinic is actually an extension of the Sanitario San Carlos de Bariloche, the modern, full-service hospital that can be found in the city center, that is staffed with a medivac helicopter as well.  Most procedures require payment at the time of service, which can be billed to your health insurance using the receipts collected at the hospital.  Dramatically cheaper than the US, quality X rays may cost as little as $25 USD.

What’s the time difference?

Bariloche is only one hour ahead of the East Coast of the US, making it a way easier adjustment than a trip to a place like New Zealand.

What is the effect of my trip on the environment?

Traveling is a beautiful and enlightening activity – it’s as big a passion for us as skiing or snowboarding.  However, traveling is by default a carbon-intensive activity.  At SGT Argentina, we are absolutely dependent on consistent snowfall for the success of our program and the happiness of our clients.   And we can’t ignore that climate change is affecting snowpacks worldwide. This year, we’ve been able to reduce the carbon footprint of a trip to SASS this year by moving to slopeside lodging at the mountain, eliminating the need for daily bus shuttles and putting us in a position to be able to utilize local public transportation. However, 85% of the carbon footprint of a trip to SASS, or about 4.8 tons of carbon dioxide, is created during the flights to and from Bariloche.

Since we can’t make the airplanes more efficient ourselves, we’re addressing the problem by offering an in-house carbon offset program. We are working with the EcoAndina foundation, an Argentine organization that develops solar projects, such as schools and solar ovens, for communities in rural Northwest Argentina. In this desert region, known as la Puna, communities often have little to no access to electricity or gas, and must search for rare desert shrubs, which are slow to regrow and prevent further desertification, in order to heat schools and homes and cook meals. By providing communities with solar ovens or a solar school, members of the community see a huge increase in their standard of living, reduce the amount of time spent away from learning or performing other tasks while looking for shrubs, and our clients see the carbon footprint of their trip covered by preventing the burning of shrubs over the lifetime of the solar oven or solar school.

The cost of offsetting the entire 4.8 tons of CO emissions from your flight is $65, and the cost for offsetting one leg of your flight is $32.50.  Either option is available during your registration process.  For more information regarding the EcoAndina foundation, please visit ecoandina.org.

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ROXY Women’s Session: August 22 – September 1st, 2012

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To take advantage of discounted airfare to Argentina, call our in-house travel agency (SGT Air) at 800-672-7470.