Cerro Chapelco, Argentina, Report: Summer Skiing in the Tahoe of South America

A paraglider makes their way down Cerro Chapelco, Argentina | Image: Brett Ploss

Report from Monday September 16, 2024

Skiing

Cerro Chapelco is located three hours from San Carlos de Bariloche Airport. Only 25 minutes from San Martin de los Andes, it is a gem of a hidden ski town.

The town is located in a valley surrounded by the snow-capped northern Patagonian mountains directly on Lago Lácar. The drive from Bariloche called Ruta de Los Siete Lagos was full of stunning miradors (lookouts) along the seven lakes.

With 35,000 residents and a fairly remote location, San Martin is full of beaches, runners/bikers/kayakers along with steakhouses, and chocolate shops to name a few of the many amenities.

Volcán Lanín visible in the distance from the top of Cerro Chapelco | Image: Brett Ploss

We drove up to the mountain for first chair at 9 a.m. local time, which is only +1hr from EST. There had been a few days without snow, but the conditions were incredible—enough that Cerro Chapelco just announced an extended season to October 13 when most other local resorts close this Sunday, September 22.

We started on Telecabina, the main gondola from the base, an area full of food trucks and picnic tables. It felt more like a large beer garden where people were coming up to have food and drinks outside of just the skiers and snowboarders.

Once at the top, Chapelco showed off the abundance of late-season upper mountain snow. Buildings were half buried accompanying soft spring conditions which will not last long as a storm is expected to bring a fresh coat this coming weekend.

The first hut built at Cerro Chapelco pictured half buried. | Image: Brett Ploss

We met local legend and Argentinian freeride skier Sascha Geist. He led us up Silla Del Mallin to the highest lift accessed point of Chapelco. Views of Volcán Villarica and Volcán Lanín filled the vicinity.

From here we lapped the above chair and off to the skier’s right Silla Del Mocho. The entire valley below was a freeride and park skiers paradise in either fresh snow or soft spring conditions. The local crews had built jumps within the resort, alongside an abundance of natural cliffs and cornices. This is in advance of an IFSA event taking place this coming weekend.

Skier Sascha Geist looks into the backcountry off the backside of Cerro Chapelco, Argentina | Image: Brett Ploss

As the snow became more forgiving under the Patagonian sun, we explored the area and were able to ski harder.

From the top of Silla Del Mocho, Sascha showed us the backside, a paradise of lift-accessed backcountry terrain full of couloirs, chutes, cornices, and large mandatory airs. Some of the old lines we could see through these routes were impressive (and of course were mostly Sascha’s from the past week or two).

He led us to a chute off the back where we enjoyed the soft snow hidden by the sun. It opened up to an endless field of untouched snow. Instead of enjoying it without access to a lift at the bottom, we stayed high and went skier’s right to boot back up to the resort.

Skier Sascha Geist who operates Sherpa Hostel in San Martin de Los Andes off the backside of Cerro Chapelco, Argentina | Image: Max Bott

We then continued on to the modern Refugio Graeff for après where we had tender, local Argentinian pork for the first time. People filled the patio much like a European après environment.

After the bootpack and four months without skiing in North America, we were ready to ski down. On the way, we were passed by a paraglider sitting in the thermals only feet above the resort.

At the bottom, we enjoyed another drink and made our way back to the town of San Martin with stunning views of Lago Lácar along the route.

For anyone who has not made it to Cerro Chapelco, this is a must on any South American ski adventure. Imagine a mix of Tahoe and Japan with an Argentinian twist. There really is no place like it.

Ciao y gracias, we look forward to coming back soon!

The Resort

Cerro Chapelco, Argentina piste map | Image: Cerro Chapelco

Cerro Chapelco is located three hours from San Carlos de Bariloche, Argentina and just 19 kilometers from the picturesque town of San Martín de los Andes. Nestled within the stunning Lanín National Park, it boasts panoramic views of the Lanín Volcano and the surrounding forests and lakes, offering visitors a truly scenic experience.

With a 2,395ft vertical drop, 4,000 skiable acres, 28 runs, 12 lifts, this is a must visit destination. The resort caters to all skill levels, from beginner to expert, with well-maintained trails for both skiers and snowboarders. The longest run stretches for 5.3 kilometers, making it a favorite for those looking for extended downhill sessions.

Beyond traditional skiing, Chapelco offers a variety of activities, including snowboarding in its dedicated terrain park, off-piste skiing for adventurers, and snowshoeing through its forests. In recent years, the resort has hosted several national and international snow sports events, including the Freeride World Qualifier. The resort is not limited to winter roughly late June to mid October; during summer, visitors enjoy hiking, mountain biking, horseback riding, and even zip-lining, making Chapelco a year-round destination.

Current Conditions

Cerro Chapelco, Argentina September 16, 2024 | Image: Brett Ploss

The season was extended to Sunday, October 13, 2024.

Currently, the snow is skiing like late season, soft sun-baked powder. Coverage is strong on the upper half and backside of the mountain. With a storm expected this weekend, Cerro Chapelco will easily be one of the last resorts to close in Argentina.