Chapelco, Patagonia Travel Guide

Chapelco Ski Resort, or Cerro Chapelco, is nestled in the Andes Mountains, a short distance from the charming town of San Martín de los Andes in the Neuquén Province of Argentina. This Patagonian ski destination offers a unique blend of world-class skiing and snowboarding, stunning natural beauty, and a welcoming atmosphere.Designed by Federico Graeff and established in 1946, Chapelco has become a popular tourist destination. The resort boasts 29 groomed trails, 13 lifts, and access to 140 hectares of skiable terrain. With a vertical drop of 730 meters, the slopes cater to all skill levels, from beginners to expert skiers. Chapelco typically receives an average of 43 inches of natural snowfall each season, supplemented by snowmaking to ensure optimal conditions.Beyond skiing and snowboarding, Chapelco offers a range of winter activities, including dog sledding, snowmobile tours, and snowshoeing. The resort also provides excellent facilities and services, including a ski and snowboard school, equipment rentals, restaurants, and childcare.The name Chapelco means "Chapel Water" in the Mapuche language, paying homage to a local bush. Today, Chapelco stands as one of Argentina's premier ski resorts, attracting visitors from around the globe. In 2025, the owners of Cerro Catedral resort in Bariloche took over the concession of Chapelco, with plans for improved infrastructure and new ski lifts.