Chapelco

About Chapelco

Chapelco Ski Resort is located just 20 km from San Martín De Los Andes, with direct flights to the airport from Buenos Aires in 2 hours. Surrounded by a forest of white oaks, with a spectacular panoramic view of the Lanín National Park, Lake Lácar and the Lanín Volcano, this mountain gives Argentine Patagonia a unique identity. The resort has 28 ski slopes of varying difficulty, 140 skiable hectares, a ski, snowboard and adapted ski school, sled rides pulled by Siberian huskies, snowmobiles and snowshoe walks through the forests. It also has a Snowboard Park where competitions are held in various disciplines such as slalom, half-pipe, among others. Picnics in the forest, food trucks and after-sun drinks at the base, along with tea houses and restaurants, which, among their delicacies, delight with the best game meats, fine fruits and exquisite southern chocolates, complete the experience making Chapelco an adorable place.

Hotels in Chapelco

Frequently Asked Questions About Chapelco

Where is Chapelco located?
Chapelco is the ski resort of San Martín de los Andes, Neuquén Province, in Argentine Patagonia. The resort is 20 km from the center of San Martín de los Andes, accessible via National Route 234, which runs along the shores of Lake Lácar. From the slopes, there are views of the Lanín Volcano, one of Patagonia's most iconic landscapes. San Martín de los Andes offers direct access to the Seven Lakes Route and Lanín National Park.
When is the ski season in Chapelco?
The official season runs approximately from June 20th to September 27th. July is the peak season, with the highest demand and prices. The lenga and ñire forests surrounding the slopes protect them from the wind, helping to maintain good snow conditions throughout the season.
What is the altitude of Chapelco?
The base of Chapelco is located 1.250 meters above sea level, and the summit reaches 1.980 meters, with a skiable vertical drop of 730 meters. The moderate altitude makes the risk of altitude sickness for visitors practically nonexistent.
How many slopes does Chapelco have and what are the levels?
Chapelco boasts 22 ski runs for all levels, spread across 140 hectares of skiable terrain. The maximum run length is 5,3 km. The resort has 10 lifts, including quad and double chairlifts, surface lifts, and a gondola. It also offers a snowboard halfpipe, a snowboard park, and trails for cross-country and ski touring.
When does it snow the most in Chapelco?
The months with the greatest snow accumulation are July and August. The lenga forests surrounding the slopes help maintain the snow in good condition by protecting it from the wind. For those seeking less crowded conditions, the first half of August can be particularly recommended: a good base of snow with fewer people on the slopes.
Is Chapelco suitable for families with children?
Chapelco is an excellent choice for families. The resort has a nursery for children from 3 months to 3 years old, a Snow Garden for toddlers, and dedicated slopes for beginners. Chapelco is also a pioneer in adaptive skiing for people with disabilities. Its proximity to San Martín de los Andes expands the offerings beyond skiing.
Are there ski lessons for children in Chapelco?
Yes. The ski and snowboard school has a long and well-established reputation. Children's lessons are offered in both group and individual formats with certified instructors. Advance booking is recommended for the weeks in July.
What are the most difficult slopes in Chapelco?
The black runs and bumpy sections in the higher areas of the resort offer the most challenging terrain. Chapelco hosts the "Federico Graeff Memorial" Continental Cup and the Argentine Instructors' Championship. The halfpipe and terrain park at the 1.700-meter platform are the most difficult spots for riders.
What activities are there in Chapelco besides skiing?
Chapelco offers snowboarding, snowmobile tours, Siberian husky sledding, snowshoeing, and cross-country skiing. San Martín de los Andes complements this with fine dining, craft beers, spas, the Seven Lakes Route, and Lanín National Park.