This article sponsored by SASS Global Travel‘s flagship SASS Argentina program
This winter in North America was rough. Making up for it this summer makes sense. You could go ski on a dirty hot glacier, or you could ski winter snow in a magical land called Patagonia full of beautiful people, all night discos, big snowfalls, killer backcountry terrain, large booters, world class tree skiing, language, culture, and other very cool skiers and riders.
Don’t take our word for it, take it straight from SASS Argentina:
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SASS Argentina is a fully guided big mountain backcountry skiing and snowboarding camp for advanced to expert level shredders of all ages based at the freeride playground that is Cerro Catedral in Bariloche, Argentina. We have been in operation for 11 years and our all-star staff is comprised of pro guides, skiers and snowboarders that have over a century of combined experience in these mountains.
![Local legend and SASS Coach Mauri Cambilla knows Cerro Catedral better than anyone. pc: Ben Girardi]](http://snowbrains.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/06/PHOTO1_Girardi_mauricambilla.jpg)
SASS Argentina is not just a camp. As a matter of fact, it has been designed expressly for those who would be “somewhat weary” of a structured, all-inclusive program. We’ve struggled with describing the program, but it most resembles a camp vibe due to the camaraderie of the crew and the sheer amount of fun had by all. SASS knows that high end skiers and snowboarders looking to head to Argentina are passionate adventurers. Our clients have the opportunity to experience a new culture while getting in as much high-end skiing and snowboarding as physically possible.
![Long-time SASS Family member Cam FitzPatrick has been down with us for years. pc: Ben Girardi]](http://snowbrains.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/06/PHOTO2_Girardi_camfitzpatrick.jpg)
We know that you may not have a ton of time. If you’re only coming down for one week, you want to make the most of that week. Instead of spending your first three days on the mountain trying to figure out the terrain, let our guides show you straight to the goods starting on day one and utilize our local expertise when it comes to understanding the weather, what specific conditions are best for certain zones and how to overcome the logistical obstacles that Argentina loves to throw at foreign travelers.
![SASS Family Member Blaine Gallivan takes advantage of the unreal tree skiing available at SASS Argentina. pc: Ben Girardi]](http://snowbrains.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/06/PHOTO3_Girardi_blainegallivan.jpg)
In addition to fun, we pride ourselves in our devotion to education. We are here to take your skiing or riding to the next level. If that means learning how to hit a cliff for the first time, we are here to coach you. If that means learning about avalanche safety and risk management, we are here to teach you. If that means getting on a split-board for the first time, we have a clinic designed for you. If that means practicing your line selection and flow, we are here to guide you. If you want to learn how to build a backcountry jump and land in pow, we are here to show you how it’s done. We want you leaving your SASS Argentina experience a better skier or rider with new skills, knowledge and understanding that you can take back home and build upon in the future.
![SASS Guide Garrett Russell stages his group. pc: Ben Girardi]](http://snowbrains.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/06/PHOTO4_Girardi_group.jpg)
Every single participant in our program goes through an avalanche awareness seminar and begins their time with us by practicing avalanche rescue skills that get everyone on the same page, create trust within your group and help build a foundation to expand upon throughout your experience. In addition to our standard included progression model, we offer AIARE Level I and Level II avalanche awareness courses, Wilderness First Aid classes and CPR training.
SASS Argentina 2015 consists of 5 Sessions, each a week long. The entire program runs from August 1st through September 5th. Sessions 1 & 2 are currently SOLD OUT, but room remains in Session 3, 4 and 5. Every day you get to choose your experience and we are here to exceed your expectations of what is possible on the mountain and in a new country.
The seventh year of SASS’ Women’Session runs during Session 3 (Aug. 15th – 22nd) and is designed to give like-minded women looking to advance their big mountain abilities and backcountry awareness a chance to shred in small groups with the likes of Robin Van Gyn and Michelle Parker.
![SASS Coach Michelle Parker showing her crew how it’s done. pc: Ben Girardi]](http://snowbrains.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/06/PHOTO6_Girardi_michelleparker.jpg)
Sessions 4 and 5 are adult only (over 18 y/o) and are positioned during the best time of year to be in Argentina for consistency of snowfall and overall conditions. Head down with SASS with a crew of friends or as a solo traveler and get shown straight to the goods on the mountain and dive headfirst into the Argentine experience with our custom brewery tours, ridiculously fun apres spots and an unreal crew of like-minded skiers and snowboarders looking to crush big terrain during the days and send it into the depths of Bariloche at night.
JOIN US this summer, become part of the SASS Family and take it to the next level in the heart of the Andes with the best backcountry camp in the world.
