Chapelco
Chapelco is a ski resort in Neuquén Province in the Patagonia region of western Argentina. The resort is known for its trails through the trees, for its deep back bowl, and for its good apres ski opportunities in the nearby town of San Martin de los Andes.
Understand
editThe ski resort has a skiable area of 140 hectares, a base elevation of 1,250 meters and a peak elevation of 1,980 meters. The vertical drop is about 730 meters.
There are 29 marked ski trails, 20 of which are groomed and 9 are ungroomed. The trails include 9 green (easy) trails, 5 blue (intermediate), 12 red (difficult), and 3 black (expert). The lift system includes one enclosed gondola cable car, 1 high-speed detachable quad lift, 4 older quad chairs and a variety of T-bars and surface lifts.
The resort's ski school offers group and private lessons at all skill levels, from beginner to advanced. They employ more than 200 ski instructors.
Daily lift tickets cost about US$90 in 2024 with discounts for kids and seniors.
The bulk of the mountains trails are good for intermediate skiiers. Most trails run through the trees. There are also a number of off piste opportunities for intermediates.
Experts will best appreciate the back bowl which has a number of chutes. This area is best explored with a local guide who knows where the safe spots are to exit the bowls and get back to the main trails.
Get in
editBy plane
editFrom Buenos Aires there are two daily flights to San Martin de los Andes (CPC IATA).
By car
editChapelco is about 15 km from San Martin de los Andes. From town, take Ruta 234 towards Villa la Angostura, then turn left hand onto RN19. It's about a 20-minute ride. There are also transportation services that may be more convenient, and a bus from town to the ski area operates on weekends via the downtown bus terminal.
Get around
editSee
editDo
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- Ski
- Snowboard
- Nightlife
Buy
editThere are no stores in Chapelco but several cabins that have kitchens available. The nearest stores are in San Martin de los Andes, a 20-minute ride. Stock up on beer and other basics before driving out to the ski area.
Eat
edit- 1 La Casita del Bosque, Chapelco, ☏ +54 29 7252 8908. Rustic mountain log cabin with a large outdoor deck with spectacular views of the nearby Lanin volcano. Warming dishes for a winter evening including stews and a cheese fondue pot. Hidden spot but many visitors are repeat vacationers who know to come early or late to avoid the crowds. AR$20,000.
- 2 Mankewe, Chapelco, ☏ +54 29 4425 0850. Daily 08:30 - 17:30. Cozy restaurant serving sandwiches and regional dishes at reasonable prices. AR$3,000.
Drink
editSleep
edit- 1 Los Techos, Chapelco, ☏ +54 911 5161 1001. Check-in: 15:00, check-out: 12:00. Rustic lodge with rooms in the main house and also cabins available.
- 2 Las Pendientes, Chapelco, ☏ +54 911 4477 9922. Check-in: 15:00, check-out: 12:00. Cluster of cabanas of various sizes, sleeping 2 to 10 people. Functional kitchen, so stock up on food and drink in town before driving out to Chapelco.
- 3 El Refugio, Chapelco, ☏ +54 911 5236 5300. Check-in: 15:00, check-out: 11:00. Comfortable lodge with spacious, clean rooms. Rooms have fireplaces (extra charge for firewood). Terraza restaurant on-site. US$120.
