Snowshoeing in San Martín de los Andes

After watching the snow falling for days, we resolved to go on a group outing. Summoned by Lanín Turismo, we began to give life to this excursion that covers over 10 kilometers along the 7-Lake Road, across valleys, mountains and rivers immersed in the Andes Mountain Range to get to an exceptional site known as Arroyo Partido (Parted Creek).

Today, many winter centers all round the country (including beautiful San Martín de los Andes) offer visitors the chance to practice snowshoeing. Every year, new curious people and even expert skiers find a way of getting back in contact with nature through this practice.

All throughout history, man has had to find a way to sort out the demands and the complications nature has presented in order to survive. Snowshoes are over 6,000 years old and they have been useful for man ever since its origins to travel long distances across lands covered by snow.

Unlike ski, this sport stands out for its simplicity and for being accessible to everyone, however fit or old they are.

The sensation of stepping on soft powder snow is unique and most circuits invite visitors to mingle with nature, capture its sounds, its feelings and experiences that would not be grasped at a higher speed.

Year after year, this activity summons more and more followers. They choose the philosophy of the mountain in the winter, away from the hustle and bustle of the ski centers.

The participants walk in single file. All along the tour, they share a great deal of anecdotes and jokes, encouraged by the guides. They are usually accompanied by some dogs.

Snow is the great protagonist during this outing. Its presence creates a very particular acoustic effect that makes silence and footsteps be heard by everyone around.

It is in these small details where the magic of this ski variation resides. It only requires strong will and an urge to have a good time and have fun during the whole day.

The majesty of the landscape tinged in white is amazing. Every clearing, every creek and every spot with untouched snow open up as a special different curtain to show a new scene.

This kind of experience is certainly worthwhile. Snowshoeing is second to none. Speed and skill are not important. Just listen to the sounds nature has treasured for each of us. This simplicity is waiting for us.