Rising above the Patagonian Andes with commanding views of the Lanín volcano, lenga forests, and Lake Lácar, Chapelco Ski Resort holds a singular place among South America’s mountain destinations. Just 20 kilometres from San Martín de los Andes, in Argentina’s Neuquén Province, it combines scale, excellence, and a profound sense of place.
Awarded “Best Ski Resort in Argentina” six times at the World Ski Awards in Kitzbühel, Chapelco has established itself as the country’s flagship alpine destination — recognised not only for its terrain and services but for its pioneering commitment to environmental stewardship. It was the first Argentine ski resort to generate renewable energy through solar power — a quiet innovation amid the grandeur of the Andes.
At 1,700 metres sits the historic Refugio Graef, a mountain hut built by Chapelco’s early pioneers who first ascended these slopes on foot. Here, visitors find a sculptural tribute to Américo Astete — Olympic athlete, local legend, and a symbol of Chapelco’s mountain heritage.
Travel to Chapelco is direct and efficient. The nearby Carlos Campos Airport welcomes flights from Buenos Aires, Rosario, Córdoba, and São Paulo (seasonally), placing the resort within reach of both national and international guests. From the airport or town, transfers and shuttles make for seamless access to the mountain’s base.
Chapelco’s 140 hectares of skiable terrain offer 28 marked runs and 13 lifts, rising from 1,200 to 1,980 metres above sea level. The variety suits every skier — from gentle beginner slopes to challenging expert descents — while off-piste areas invite seasoned riders into quiet, powder-draped forests.
The ski and snowboard school serves all levels, and the resort remains a pioneer in adaptive skiing instruction for guests with disabilities. The Junior Academy and Snow Garden welcome children from as young as three, while the fully renovated Childcare Centre ensures even the youngest visitors are cared for at the base.
Chapelco offers more than traditional alpine sport. Visitors can explore hidden trails by snowmobile, take quiet snowshoe hikes through ancient lenga forests, or enjoy sled rides drawn by Siberian huskies — rare experiences in the Southern Hemisphere.
For thrill-seekers, three high-altitude adventures redefine the boundaries of skiing:
Chapelco’s après-ski culture blends Alpine tradition with Patagonian charm. At the base, food trucks, casual bars, and cafés offer warmth and comfort. Higher on the mountain, intimate huts serve handmade pastries, chocolate, and cocktails alongside regional specialities.
One of Chapelco’s most celebrated venues is Pradera del Puma, a viewpoint and gourmet stop with sweeping vistas of the Lanín volcano. Seasonal highlights include an outdoor ice bar — an ephemeral space crafted from snow and ice, where guests gather at sunset for cocktails and DJ sets surrounded by mountain silence.
More than a ski destination, Chapelco reflects a vision of responsible mountain living — blending adventure, family-friendly comfort, and ecological care. Its ongoing reforestation and renewable energy programs set a quiet standard for sustainable tourism in Patagonia.
For those seeking refined mountain sport, cultural depth, and environmental integrity — Chapelco stands alone, where fire, ice, and forest meet at the edge of the world.
