Essential Travel Ski Guides

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Chapelco ski resort is located in the southern Argentinean province of Neuquen, above the town of San Martin de Los Andes. As one of the most impressive resorts in Patagonia, it offers stunning views of Lake Lácar and is set among pristine forests. The resort is known for its safe environment and has qualified ski patrols and outposts on the slopes.

The genuine mountain village of San Martín de Los Andes has the spirit and inviting atmosphere you might expect from a resort village. All modern services and plentiful accommodation options are present. Mount Chapelco towers above the village and lake, and is lined with untouched forests of lenga trees, making a truly picturesque scene.

Skiing at Chapelco takes place on 346 acres of skiable terrain. The 32 ski slopes at the resort normally receive a large amount of good quality snow every season. Half the pistes are suited to advanced skiers, while all other levels of ability can enjoy the remaining territory. The 12 chairlifts, including a six man high-speed gondola, that service the area are of a good standard and have the capacity to carry 12,000 skiers per hour.

Winter attractions at Chapelco are not limited to skiing, with activities such as sled and snowmobile rides making enjoyable alternatives. The city of San Martin de Los Andes is the base for skiers at Chapelco and it provides accommodation options suitable for all budgets, ranging from camping to five-star hotels. The restaurants at the resort are of a good quality and can be found all over the mountain, with La Casita del Bosque, Antulauquen and Rancho Manolo being among some of the resorts which are most popular.

An alternative ski area near to Chapelco can be found at Bariloche, 150 miles away on the slopes of Catedral Alta Patagonia. The resort of Catedral Alta Patagonia has 53 runs and a skiable area of 1,482 acres, with most of the prepared runs being suitable for intermediate level skiers. Among enthusiastic skiers, travel between the two resorts is commonplace.

The ski season at Chapelco normally starts in June or early July and ends in late September or early October. The simplest method of travel to the resort is to take a flight from Buenos Aires domestic airport to Chapelco Airport in San Martin de los Andes, a two-hour journey.

Skiing in Chapelco

The ski resort at Chapelco is located in the Nuequen region of Argentina (18kms from San Martin de Los Andes). A stunningly beautiful resort, Chapelco has plenty of skiing for all levels of skier. Everyone is welcome at the resort, with snowboarders catered for with a well-equipped snow park and other types of skiers being offered other good facilities.

With a total skiable area of 136 acres, skiing at Chapelco resort takes place on 32 pistes, the longest of which is just over three miles. The highest elevation at the resort is 6,496 feet and there is a vertical drop of 2,395 feet. The trails are suitable for all levels of skier, with beginners being allocated 21 per cent, intermediates with 17 per cent, advanced skiers with 48 per cent and experts with 14 per cent of the runs. With a capacity to carry 12,000 skiers an hour, the chairlift system at Chapelco is modern and well maintained.

The snowboard park can be reached by taking the Graeff lift. Other forms of skiing such as Nordic and randonee are also catered for here, while other snow activities available include snowmobile tours, snowshoeing and dog-pulled sled rides. At the base of the pistes you will find modern facilities such as restaurants, shopping, lockers, equipment rental, public phones and internet access. Other useful services at the resort include a large car park, nursery, information office and medical care facilities.

Alternative options for skiing in the Nuequen region can be found at Cerro Bayo and Caviahue resorts. Cerro Bayo is known for its good beginner slopes and family friendly atmosphere, while Caviahue has skiing for all skill levels as well as offering soothing thermal bathing waters at nearby Capahue.

Good conditions can normally be found at Chapelco throughout the July to October season. The most efficient route of travel to the resort is by plane from Buenos Aires to San Martin de los Andes, a 2-hour journey. From here you can then take a bus transfer for the final 11-mile stretch to the resort.

Transportation to Chapelco

The resort of Chapelco is located close to the town of San Martin de los Andes, 994 miles from Buenos Aires. The most practical way of travelling to the resort is to take a domestic flight to the town of San Martin de los Andes and drive or take a bus to the resort.

By car from San Martin de los Andes, you can take National Route 234, which follows the edge of Lake Lácar, and then join National Route 19 to reach the resort.

By plane from Buenos Aires, you can take a domestic flight to San Martin de los Andes, 10 miles from Chapelco. Flights to San Martin de los Andes run all year round and extra flights are added during the ski season. Internal flights from Bariloche and Neuquén to the resort are also possible. Flights from London to Buenos Aires take about 16 hours.

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