Cerro Chapelco | Neuquen

Cerro Chapelco is a popular mountain resort located in the Patagonia region of Argentina, specifically near the town of San Martín de los Andes in Neuquén Province. Known for its stunning natural landscapes, winter sports, and year-round outdoor activities, Cerro Chapelco is one of the most famous ski resorts in Argentina and a key destination for both domestic and international visitors.

Geography and Location

Cerro Chapelco is situated in the Andes Mountains, approximately 20 kilometers from the town of San Martín de los Andes. The resort sits at the edge of the Lanín National Park, an area renowned for its rugged mountains, dense forests, and pristine lakes. The mountain offers panoramic views of the surrounding Patagonian landscapes, including Lake Lacar, the Lanín Volcano, and the Hua Hum Pass, which leads to Chile.

• Coordinates: The resort is located at -40.1485° S, -71.3380° W.
• Elevation: The summit of Cerro Chapelco reaches an elevation of 1,980 meters (6,500 feet) above sea level, with the base area situated at 1,200 meters (3,937 feet).

Ski Resort and Winter Sports

Cerro Chapelco is best known for its skiing and snowboarding activities during the winter months (June to October). The resort boasts a variety of features that attract ski enthusiasts from all over the world, offering a mix of challenges and family-friendly slopes.

Skiing and Snowboarding

Terrain: The resort has a diverse range of slopes, making it suitable for all levels of skiers and snowboarders, from beginners to advanced athletes. With 29 runs, Cerro Chapelco offers over 1,500 hectares (3,700 acres) of skiable terrain.

Lifts: Cerro Chapelco is equipped with a variety of modern ski lifts, including chairlifts, gondolas, and surface lifts, allowing easy access to different parts of the mountain. The resort features a high-speed gondola that offers stunning views during the ascent.

Snow Conditions: The area benefits from excellent snow conditions due to its geographical location in the Andes, with consistent snowfall during the winter months. The slopes are often covered in dry powder snow, which is highly favored by skiers and snowboarders.

Snowboarding and Freestyle: In addition to traditional alpine skiing, Cerro Chapelco also offers terrain for freestyle skiing and snowboarding, including half-pipes, rails, and freestyle zones.

Ski School and Rentals

For those who are new to skiing or snowboarding, Cerro Chapelco provides a ski school with expert instructors, offering lessons for both children and adults. The resort also has rental shops that offer ski and snowboard equipment, as well as other gear like helmets, goggles, and outerwear.

Summer Activities

While Cerro Chapelco is primarily known for its winter sports, it also attracts visitors in the summer months (December to March) due to its outdoor recreation and natural beauty. Summer activities include hiking, mountain biking, and scenic chairlift rides, among others.

Hiking and Trekking

The Lanín National Park provides ample opportunities for hiking and trekking around Cerro Chapelco. Trails lead through lush forests, past alpine lakes, and up the slopes, offering stunning views of the surrounding mountains and valleys. Some popular trails include:

• Laguna El Trebol: A hike that leads to a beautiful mountain lake, surrounded by forests and offering breathtaking views of the Lanín Volcano.
• Mirador del Viento: A panoramic viewpoint offering sweeping vistas of the surrounding Patagonian landscape, including the Lanín Volcano.

Mountain Biking

Cerro Chapelco also caters to mountain biking enthusiasts, with a variety of trails that vary in difficulty. The resort offers bike rentals and a lift system that allows bikers to access the top of the mountain easily, where they can ride down trails designed for all skill levels.

Golf

The resort features an 18-hole golf course designed to offer an enjoyable experience for both casual and serious golfers. Set in a beautiful natural landscape with the Andes in the background, it is considered one of the most scenic golf courses in Argentina.

Scenic Chairlift Rides

During the summer months, visitors can take scenic rides on the Cerro Chapelco gondola to the summit, where they can enjoy panoramic views of the surrounding lakes, forests, and mountains. This provides a less active, but equally breathtaking, way to experience the area’s beauty.

Accommodations and Services

Cerro Chapelco has a variety of accommodation options, from luxury hotels to cabins and apartments, providing something for everyone. The village at the base of the mountain offers restaurants, cafes, and bars, where guests can relax after a day on the slopes or out in nature.

Lodging: The resort has a range of lodging options that cater to all types of travelers, from families to luxury-seekers. Options include hotels, hostels, and cabins, many with breathtaking views of the mountain and surrounding landscapes.

Dining: Several restaurants and cafes in and around the resort offer regional Patagonian cuisine, as well as international dishes. Visitors can enjoy local specialties such as Patagonian lamb, trout, and craft beer.

Spas and Wellness: Some of the more luxurious accommodations feature spas and wellness centers, where guests can unwind with massages, saunas, and other relaxation treatments after a day of outdoor activities.

Environmental and Sustainable Tourism

Cerro Chapelco is committed to sustainable tourism and environmental conservation. As it is located within the Lanín National Park, the resort works to minimize its ecological impact. Efforts are made to reduce energy consumption, preserve local wildlife habitats, and promote responsible tourism practices.

Eco-Friendly Practices: The resort uses eco-friendly infrastructure and promotes the use of renewable energy sources. Additionally, there are recycling programs in place, and the resort encourages guests to be mindful of their environmental footprint.

Conservation Initiatives: Cerro Chapelco is actively involved in conservation initiatives within the park, working alongside local authorities and environmental organizations to protect the region’s biodiversity and natural landscapes.

Conclusion

Cerro Chapelco is a year-round destination that attracts adventure seekers, nature lovers, and outdoor enthusiasts from around the world. Whether visiting in the winter for skiing and snowboarding or in the summer for hiking and mountain biking, the resort offers a wide range of activities set against the breathtaking backdrop of Patagonia’s landscapes. With its commitment to sustainability, a wide variety of accommodations, and stunning natural surroundings, Cerro Chapelco continues to be one of Argentina's premier destinations for outdoor recreation and mountain tourism.