5. Backcountry Skiing: Like their watery mirrors, the Andes Mountains surrounding the Lakes District are inspiring. In addition to offering a broad amount of hiking choices in the summer, the wintertime brings a healthy list of backcountry ski descents. Beyond the volcanoes of Lanin and Tronador, there are various other mentionable downhill routes. Probably the most popular off-piste hiking zone is Refugio Frey, the same hut mentioned earlier. Another noteworthy local is Refugio Neumeyer. A refuge accessed by a year-round dirt road, the area is also set up for cross country skiers and sledding. But don’t let that deter you. Just beyond the area for the masses, the slopes become quiet and open up into different variations of skiing potential. Two other zones that can serve it up include Cerro Lopez, another area mentioned in the hiking section, as well as Cerro Ñireco. Cerro Ñireco is one of those mountains that calls to those that love skiing. Staring at you from city center, the hill is north facing and a great spring corn run.