Tierra del Fuego Conditions Report: Powder Day at the End of the World Yesterday

Miles Clark | | Post Tag for Conditions ReportConditions Report
Looking North into the Gnar of Tierra del Fuego.
Looking North into the Gnar of Tierra del Fuego.

Tierra del Fuego is the southernmost provence of Argentina.  There is only once civilized location here:  Ushuaia (the furthest south city on Earth).  This is where boats to and from Antarctica and beyond moor for resupply and passenger exchange.  I just returned to Ushuaia on Monday after an incredible, once in a lifetime trip to ski Antarctica with Ice Axe Expeditions.

My tracks coming down 2-4" of pow on the Martial Glacier zone yesterday
My tracks coming down 2-4″ of pow on the Martial Glacier zone yesterday

Yesterday, I got a chance to ski here in the Tierra del Fuego National Park in the Martial Glacier area.  I was the only skier and conditions were great.  To be honest, if it’s not raining here, it’s great.  Ushuaia is located at 54º latitude and often suffers from the high latitude grey that are normal to these latitudes.

Dropping in from the top over Ushuaia and the Beagle Channel.
Dropping in from the top over Ushuaia and the Beagle Channel.

Like I said, I was the only skier in the entire zone.  I skinned up about 2,500-vertical-feet and was treated to skiing down on 2-4″ of dense powder snow resting on top of some crunchy corn.  Surprising to me, it’s been snow a lot down here.  In early November, we got 10″ of new snow.  On Monday, it snowed a few inches, then another few inches yesterday.  Ski season is NOT over in Tierra del Fuego.  Not by a long shot.

The skiing was perfect.  I was able to open it up, slash turns, and hoot like a wild man.  

Looking North into the Gnar of Tierra del Fuego.
Looking North into the Gnar of Tierra del Fuego.

“Ski like no one is watching”

No one was – so I did.

Gorgeous Lenga forests down low.
Gorgeous Lenga forests down low.

If you’ve never been to Ushuaia before, I highly recommend it.  If you’re a backcountry skier, it’s a must.  The mountains and possibilities here are endless.

Hanging glacier viewed from the top.
Hanging glacier viewed from the top.
The Martial Glacier zone yesterday.
The Martial Glacier zone yesterday.

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2 thoughts on “Tierra del Fuego Conditions Report: Powder Day at the End of the World Yesterday

  1. Wow that looks great. I was on the Antartica trip. Wish we would’ve had those snow conditions when we were on the martial glacier.

    Going to try and ski with Charles and Frazier this weekend

    1. Hey Kurt,

      Yes, definitely the best skiing I’ve had in Ushuaia. I’ll back up there tomorrow and Sunday. Say hi to Charles and Frazier for me. Great trip. thanks.

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