Batea Mahuida Snow Park Marks 26 Years of Community Tourism in Neuquén

On Saturday the Batea Mahuida snow park, administered by the Mapuche Puel community near Villa Pehuenia in Neuquén Province, celebrated its 26th anniversary. The day featured midday skiing, live music, and food stalls offering lamb on the grill, empanadas and choripanes. Organisers held raffles for ski passes, equipment, lessons and meals, while families enjoyed free chocolate hot drinks and cake.

The highlight of the evening was the traditional torch descent, where skiers illuminated the slope with a line of lights. Municipal authorities joined the festivities, and the celebration concluded with spectators watching the Argentina‑Switzerland World Cup match.

Since its founding in 2000, the park has become a model of community‑led tourism, providing jobs, preserving Mapuche cultural identity and showcasing the region’s panoramic views of the Aluminé and Moquehue lakes, Araucaria forests and the Icalma volcano.