Details
Skiable Acres:
346
Runs:
28
Vertical Drop:
2,395 feet
Distance To Airport:
12 miles
Website:
chapelco.com
How To Get There
Once you fly into Buenos Aires, hop on a two-hour connecting flight to San Carlos de Bariloche–the Chapelco Airport is closer to San Martín de los Andes, but winter weather can cause flight issues. From Bariloche, San Martín de los Andes is a three-hour drive and Cerro Chapelco is just 20 minutes from there.
Where To Stay
If you’re looking to stay at the resort, Las Pendientes is Chapelco’s only ski-in/ski-out accommodation. For something a little more budget friendly, Paihuén Lodge is halfway between town and the resort. If you find yourself traveling in a larger group the La Bora Cabins in town are two and three-bedroom cabins that sleep up to eight people.
Travel Tips From The Pros:
Expect a headache. Most peaks are minimum 13,000 feet. Your heart and lungs will feel it! Bring lots of electrolytes, Tylenol and Advil, and expect to use them.
Where To Ski
If you consider yourself an advanced or expert skier, make your way to Chapelco’s back bowls for wide open bowl runs, tight and steep chutes and scream-inducing airs but be prepared, each lap requires a half-hour hike-out. For park rats, the Chapelco SnowPark–home of the Roxy and Quicksilver Snow Jams–will fulfill all of your steezy dreams with boxes, rails and kickers to hit with tunes playing throughout the day. You can’t call your ski trip complete without a run or two down Chapelco’s most famous run, Pioneros. Note: If you plan on skiing off-piste, be sure to have the proper safety equipment, knowledge and a partner.
Where To Eat
For on-mountain fuel, make a pitstop at Pradera del Puma. If the burgers, pastas and pizzas aren’t enough to reenergize you, the views of the Southern Andes certainly will. In town, you’ll want to make a stop, or two, at El Almacén de Flores for breakfast and/or lunch. Serving pastries, salads and sandwiches in a modern-chic space, this café is a local favorite for good reason.
Nightlife
The nightlife in San Martín de los Andes keeps the buzz of the day’s activities going long after the sun goes down. For some post-slopes suds, the Breakaway Brewery is the perfect place to reminisce on your best turns over a local Patagonian beer. If you’re looking to turn dinner into a night out, the Torino Bistro converts the dining area into a dance floor to burn off all that steak and wine. Stay up for the sunrise at any of the clubs in town, which don’t usually get going until 2 a.m.