Chapelco, Andes

Chapelco: 5 things to know before you go

Andes, Argentina ๐Ÿ‡ฆ๐Ÿ‡ท

Rising above the lakeside town of San Martin de los Andes, Chapelco is one of Patagonia's most scenic and welcoming ski areas. Its runs thread through native lenga forest before opening onto wide upper slopes, with sweeping views of the snow-capped Lanin volcano and the deep blue of Lago Lacar.

1.Is the snow reliable in Chapelco?

Usually, with help. From 1250 m to 1980 m the resort leans on grooming and snowmaking in lean spells, so check the live report before booking early or late dates (score 74/100).

2.Do you need a car, or can you ski in and out?

This is more of a valley base than a slopeside village, so expect a lift, train or shuttle to the snow each morning. Staying central, near the main lift, saves the most time.

3.How big is the ski area, and who is it for?

It is a compact area, 24.6 km of piste on 11 lifts, best for a short break or a focused trip rather than a full week. The terrain is balanced (9 green, 5 blue, 12 red, 3 black), which suits a mixed-level group skiing together.

4.What is the resort like?

Chapelco stands out for a family-friendly setup.

5.When is the best time to go?

In the Southern Hemisphere the season runs roughly Jun 20 to Sep 27 (the local winter), with July and August the most reliable.

The full Chapelco guide

Hotels, piste breakdown, snow month by month, lift and rental info, map and more.

See the full Chapelco guide โ†’

More questions, answered

How much vertical drop does Chapelco have?
About 730 m of vertical, from a 1250 m base to 1980 m at the top.
Is Chapelco part of a larger ski area?
No, it is a self-contained resort with its own 24.6 km of piste rather than part of a linked domain.
Is Chapelco good for beginners?
Yes. With 9 green and 5 blue runs, there is plenty of gentle terrain to learn on.

Where to stay

Hotels we like for ski access and value. Prices are indicative; check live availability.

Hotel Chapelco
3.9516 reviews
โ‚ฌ120
โ˜… Top pick

Hotel Chapelco

Good ยท 516 reviews

Why we like it

A dependable, well-reviewed choice for a stay in Chapelco.

Guests rate this hotel as good (3.9/5 from 516 reviews). It sits about 1.8 km from the slopes. A mid-range option for Chapelco, with live nightly rates shown for your exact dates so you always see the best price.

โ‰ˆ 1.8 km to the slopesMid-range
From
โ‚ฌ120/ night
Check availability โ†’
El Refugio Ski & Summer Lodge
4.4181 reviews
โ‚ฌ135

El Refugio Ski & Summer Lodge

Very good ยท 181 reviews

Why we like it

Strong value for Chapelco, with a high guest rating that punches above its nightly price.

โ‰ˆ 4.1 km to the slopesMid-range
From
โ‚ฌ135/ night
Check availability โ†’

Ratings and review counts from Google Places. We may earn a commission on bookings.

Live snow report