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 Marcelo Sola |
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| We learnt to drive a snowmobile at the base of the Caviahue ski resort. Among ñires and monkey-puzzle trees, we went to on an excursion to the Escondida Lagoon. Speed, frenzy and all the snow in the winter 2004 season. |
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We got to Villa Caviahue, gate to the Copahue-Caviahue Provincial Park, passing by some of the most beautiful sites in the province: Riscos Bayos and the Cajón del Hualcupén.
The road was a succession of magnificent sceneries. The paved road, in excellent condition, made us enter the city before we had expected. A calm water mirror, the surrounding heights –all of them snow-capped- and the quietness of the mountain settlement that was just awakening was the first impression upon our arrival. Located at the foot of the volcano bearing the same name, the city center seems to become bigger year after year. Driving along the streets of the village was more than enough to find our way through town. The buildings seemed to have been thrown from a plane, spread along the whole area one after the other in a uniform pattern. The monkey-puzzle trees emerged among them. According to scholars, these trees date back from pre-historical times. We left our luggage at the hotel and headed for the Caviahue ski resort. At the Nevado Hotel, we heard that several works had been done in order to enhance the winter resort infrastructure, especially the lifts. |
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With great expectations, we went along the 2km that lie between the ski resort and the city center.
Caviahue: 100% Snow We arrived. Groomed powder snow, flags, music and many skiers and snowboarders around, were the first postcards of our visit to the resort. All of a sudden, we felt a strange sound behind us. As we turned around, we saw how two snowmobiles would slide at great speed, doing a great performance for all the attendants. It was the people from Milenka Snow Trip, who were getting ready to parking their snowmobiles in the venue. Amazed at their particular entrance, we approached them to see the snowmobiles from a close distance. We were very interested in learning more about how to drive them, their characteristics and the speed they could reach. There we met Patricio Eugenin –aka “Pato”– and Raúl Sepúlveda –aka “Mono”–, the owners of the vehicles. They were in charge of the snowmobile excursions around the winter resort. |
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“The snowmobile excursions may produce extreme sensations of amusement and excitement. The thrill of deep snow and the great vertical drops are always present” –explained Pato, showing off his knowledge.
We learnt that, at first, the snowmobiles would be used as the perfect transport in the snow in Caviahue. As time passed and roads were built, they were moved into this tourist area, as they enable visitors to enjoy the snow in a different way. They can go up steep slopes, sharp curves and long straight stretches – a real dish. Tempted by this invitation to adventure, we did not hesitate to accept and get lost in the circuit of the Escondida Lagoon for an hour. In order to enjoy this experience to the utmost, it is necessary for the driver to be skillful, as the mountain paths are quite hard and winding. |
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Snow Toys
We set off. During the first minutes, we learnt how to maneuver the snowmobiles and feel confident on the vehicle. We were thrilled to feel the power of the engine as we slid on the snow. In a few minutes, we left the Caviahue winter resort behind. We got into deep snow, going across a monkey-puzzle-tree and shrubby ñire forest. Our guides, always attentive, would ask if we were doing well. “These vehicles can reach high speed on plains” Mono explained, as he pointed at the straight stretch we were about to get into. As if it was our newest toy, we slid around, getting close to exceptional natural sites which could not be accessed otherwise. We started to go up a zigzagging slope that seemed to have no end. As we got to the top, we were surprised by an astonishing panoramic view of Lake Caviahue. We pulled up and watched the postcard blasting before our senses. Some minutes of beholding followed. Our way back could not be put into words. The speed we reached on our descent, among jumps and pirouettes, gave the excursion its dose of adrenaline. And there we were, in our ideal hiding place to get lost for a few hours, a couple of days or, why not… our entire life. |
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Useful Data
How to Get There: go 2 kilometers from the center of the city, along Qimey-Co Street and then turn into Los Ñires Street. Finally, take Los Coirones Street until you get to the ski resort. Timetable: the ski resort opens from 10pm to 5pm. Milenka Snow Trip does the excursions within the same timetable. Duration: 1 hour. Ask about other shorter circuits. Level of Difficulty: low Recommendations: this tour is ideal to be enjoyed with the family. Along the way, you may face adverse weather conditions. Therefore, your clothes must be appropriate for the high mountain in the winter. In order to drive the snowmobiles, it is necessary to be skillful. Accordingly, it is necessary to learn about how they work and the mechanical problems that might arise. We recommend that you go in the company of an expert. Bring your camera. |
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See also: Hotels and accommodation in Caviahue |
| Contact: Milenka Snow Trip Los Ñires s/n esq. R. Guevara (8349) Caviahue - Neuquén Tel: +54 (2948) 0299- 488-7021 Cel: +54 (2948) 02942-15-693411 |
| Back to Caviahue |
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