South America Snow Sessions Begins

Words and Photos: Jack Pollner
 
As I sit here in Bariloche, Argentina, it's hard to imagine that a week ago today I was driving to the airport to take off for what has become one of the more memorable experiences of my life.  I flew out of Boston bound for Atlanta, and after a short weather delay, met up with the rest of the SASS coaches and counselors for our final leg of the journey. Once in Buenos Aires, we grabbed some lunch, and hopped on a bus across the country to get to Bariloche. 

 
Coaches Michelle Parker and Craig Beaulieu stoked to be in Argentina for the summer.
 
Campers don't have to worry about taking a bus. As part of your SASS trip, we fly you from Buenos Aires to Bariloche so you can get right into the action. But since we had a ton of bags full of swag to give away, we figured it would be more cost effective (and scenic) to take a bus. As I fell asleep on the bus, I watched the sun set over the Argentine pompas (plains) and thought about the week to come.

 
Sunset over the Argentinian plains.

The next morning, I awoke to the sight of snow-capped peaks in the distance with small scrub brush and rolling hills lining the road.  A few more hours of travel, and we were in the city of San Carlos de Bariloche, Argentina.  fter arriving at Hosteria Valle del Sol, (SASS Headquarters and home for the next few months) we settled in and went to sleep, all slightly tired from the trip we had just made and eager to ride pow the next day.

Sunrise over the SASS Compound.

Jumping right into the action is part of the SASS experience. We didn't want to waste any time in getting on the hill, and since it was bluebird out, we headed to our home mountain, Cerro Catedral, only minutes away, to begin on hill orientation for the new staff. We wanted to make sure everyone is super knowledgeable about the different zones on the hill, where to take campers to find the goods, and how to navigate around. We also did some laps in Laguna, one of the zones where we go to get the sick lines and coach anyone who wants to learn how to shred gnarly terrain like the pros.

 
Looking back on Laguna, SASS's playground.

Over the next four days, we scoured every nook and cranny of the resort, checking up on our favorite spots from last year, and finding now spots to take everyone this season. Our head snowboard coach, Andrew Burns, even managed to come right off the bench and send one of the gnarliest straightlines in Laguna, maching it out of the choke and slashing big at the bottom.

 
Andrew Burns stomping on the gas.

There are still spots open for Session 3 and the VIP Session. If you are thinking about heading south to shred some pow with us, we would love to have you! Check out SAsnow.com for more info, or shoot us an email at Jack@SAsnow.com or a message right here on NS (username: SASnowSessions).

From all of us down here in Argentina, here's to a great season! We hope you can make it down!