Let it Snow! Argentina ski season to open soon

The leaves are falling here in Buenos Aires, meaning the snow on the slopes just a ways south from here is not far behind.  Last year, we saw "in the know" snow men and women arrive to Buenos Aires with their ski gear...yet, while Argentine slopes are well-established in South America, they are actually still quite unfamiliar to folks up North.  This year, with the dollar, pound and euro holding quite strongly against the peso, we decided it was time to get word out.  In-season skiing in the middle of the summer?  And at these prices?  We have a few friends who are already packing up.....  So here's what we have on tap:

Package Overview:  All of Inspira's Summer Slopes packages include 7 nights' lodging, free daily shuttle from hotel to lifts, ski lift tickets, breakfast daily, roundtrip airport transfers, and medical insurance.  Rates are per person, based on double occupancy.  Additional lodging options other than those noted below are available, though price may vary.  Airfare, ski passes, and equipment are not included.  Packages are offered from June 13 - September 26, 2009. Prices may vary according to availability.

Destinations:

Modeled after a European-style alpine village, framed by woods, lakes, and even a volcano, San Martin de los Andes attracts snow aficionados with its

ski resort Cerro Chapelco.   Cerro Chapelco provides
27 runs for active travelers of all levels, including the U.S. national
snowboarding team who trained here as recently as last year.  Travelers
seeking the tranquillity of an Andean mountain town can find it in this
Patagonian refuge.  The Summer Slopes San Martin de los Andes seven-night
package starts from $479 per person, based on double occupancy at the Posta
del Cazador hotel.

The southernmost winter sports center in the world, Cerro Castor is also the newest in Argentina.  Near Ushuaia's capital city of Tierra del Fuego, Cerro Castor features 19 runs of varying difficulty and one of the longest seasons in South America.  The area is also popular with travelers who want to explore the "End of the World," as they may enjoy outdoor adventures such as boat rides to sea lion colonies and treks through the Tierra del Fuego national park.  The Summer Slopes Ushuaia seven-night package starts from $499 per person, based on double occupancy at the Macondo House Inn. 

With peaks resembling Gothic spires, Cerro Catedral is one of the best-known ski resorts in South America.  Located about ten miles from the town of San Carlos de Bariloche, Cerro Catedral offers modern facilities with over 53 runs of various difficulties, overlooking the spectacular lakes and hills of Patagonia.  At night, travelers can enjoy the sophisticated cuisine and glamorous nightlife that unfailingly accompany Bariloche in ski season.  The Summer Slopes Bariloche seven-night package starts from $539 per person, based on double occupancy at the Tres Reyes Hotel.