El Colorado and Las Leñas are clear and cold this morning, at -5°C and -4°C respectively, delivering firm, well-groomed surfaces across the Andes.
El Colorado took the spotlight today, recording -5°C in the Región Metropolitana de Santiago and clear, cold skies. The resort’s pistes are firm after an overnight freeze, with crisp corduroy on groomed runs and solid bases off piste. Ski patrols are reporting stable, consolidated snowpack at accessible elevations, so conditions are straightforward and consistent for that early-morning window.
The broader Andes picture is much the same. Las Leñas in Mendoza sits at -4°C and shows clean grooming and hard, reliable surfaces. Between Chilean and Argentine alpine venues the story is consistency rather than variability, with no new precipitation reported and firm bases prevailing. For those looking for variety, sun-exposed aspects will soften through the day, while shaded faces and higher terrain will hold firm; the main takeaway is dependable conditions rather than fresh snow. With only two qualifying resorts today, it is worth noting that both are offering classic, high-contrast autumn alpine conditions rather than moisture-driven change.
These clear, cold readings suggest firm mornings and predictable daily transitions rather than any immediate powder windows. Expect excellent first-lift corduroy and a rapid softening on steep, sunlit slopes once the sun has had time to work; late-afternoon refreeze will bring a return to firmness. That pattern favours an early start for technical piste work or firm-packed touring, and a careful line choice on southerly aspects when they soften. Operations look normal under clear skies, so plan around temperature-driven timing rather than storm-driven access. The current state points to a clean, readable alpine day for Thursday, with stable, skiable surfaces until the sun changes the picture on exposed terrain.