Located
19 kilometers from the city of San Martín de los Andes in the province of
Neuquén, Argentina , Chapelco is one of the hills that
make up the extensive Cordillera de Los Andes.
Its name means “Chapel Water” in
Mapuche and was given in honor of a bush that grows in the area.
Today, Chapelco is also the recognized name of its ski center: with
a height of 1980 meters above sea level, it has 10 types of lifts , more than 28 tracks with more than 1600 hectares
skiing and different recreational activities to enjoy good
moments between family and friends.
Next, we leave you a complete guide on everything it offers
Chapelco and recommendations:
What
to do in winter season?
Walk
on sleds
It is one of the activities most chosen by the
families: this is loop through
Lenga forests on sleds that are led by Siberian dogs.
The cabin where these walks leave is
located on platform 1600 and are for both adults and children.
The speed that dogs take is
amazing!
Travesías
on snowmobiles
You can do this tour on your own or
with the company of a professional guide.
Through the snowmobiles, you will go for a walk
through hidden trails of the hill, to finally reach strategic points
with otherworldly views.
Trekking
with rackets
Yes
hiking lover, you cannot miss this activity.
His touch of distinction are the rackets that
you must use on your feet to support the snow: a traditional technique that
used by the first explorers of these areas.
These
Tours always go hand in hand with a trained guide to get to know every corner of the mountain safely.
Ski and
Snowboard
They are the main winter sports by
which hundreds of tourists come to Chapelco every season.
It stands out because it has more than 28 tracks organized in different
levels to enjoy with the family.
And also, it has all the necessary services
to bring you the best experience. We are going to tell you in detail about them
later.
And
summer season?
During this season, the ski center
Chapelco also offers activities to enjoy the hill in another way.
Some of the most chosen are:
- Zipline
- Guided horseback riding
-
Archery
-
Mini golf
-
Climbing lecture
-
Mountain bike with 8 circuits to go
- Trekking along the ski slopes and trails
-
Slide to descend on individual trolleys for the little ones
-
Gondola rides < o: p>
Where
rent the equipment?
Chapelco
It has its own place at the base of the hill . Here, you will
find all complete rental equipment both for skiing and snowboarding.
There is a
variety of models and sizes and everything is divided according to activity.
Other
option is to rent the equipment in premises of San Martín de los Andes. Some of these places are:
-
Al Borde
-
Montañera Ski
-
Bumps Rental Ski
However, the hill is the most comfortable option
and safe, in addition to the fact that it includes a boot keeper, shoe shiner and
ski storage.
Where
hire classes?
The
center has its own ski and snowboard school.
It is made up of a team of instructors
professionals and from different parts of the world that through the teaching of
techniques and disciplines in a simple, fun and safe way, turns the
learning in a very nice experience.
All
the classes are for both beginners and those who want to perfect
its forms . Different types are offered:
-
Group classes for adults : teachers
set up dynamic classes so that all groups participate and can progress
team up. The classes last 2 hours and the groups are divided into
turn on different levels. It is a cool option to interact with
people from different places.
-
Group classes for boys : are divided
by age (3 to 5 years and 6 to 15 years) and skill levels. These groups have a unique hint so that
can slide safely and fun.
-
Particular classes: this type of class is
recommended whether you have a beginner, intermediate or advanced level and
for all ages. The difference with the group ones is that being
custom, advances are made faster.
- Adapted ski lessons: school too
offers the possibility of classes to practice winter sports to people
with different capacities, so that all families enjoy the same
the magic of snow. Chapelco was the
first ski resort to incorporate it.
Also, for
ensure 100% tranquility, the school has its "Nursery School"
designed for all babies and children between 3 months to 3 years to be assisted
and protected in the best way while the parents do their activities.
It is fully staffed
qualified and also, the nursery offers
play areas, bedrooms with beds and cribs for napping and a
TV system so parents can monitor them without
interruptions.
Take
a break: Paradores in Chapelco
After an afternoon of outdoor activities
free it is always good to take time to rest. For this reason, the ski center offers different
Paradores with their specialties:
-
Abuela Goye ( base): works like
cafeteria, chocolate shop and also offers pastries. It is a benchmark in the area
for having the best quality in sweets, liqueurs and chocolates.
- Patagonia Food Truck ( base): offers food
fast as burgers, pizzas, tenderloin and fries. In turn, they have 5
varieties of draft beer to accompany.
- Pradera del Puma: works as a restaurant and
coffee shop. It offers everything from grill, fast food to hot chocolate with
cakes. In addition, in this parador its bar of drinks created with
ice!
- De la Base Cota (1260): is cafeteria and also
offers self-service lunches. It has a capacity for 240
people and provide other extra services such as phone booths and a kiosk.
- La Casita del Bosque Rancho Grande (1300): se
located in the middle of the forest and offers a gourmet food restaurant
regional. It is ideal for meeting at night.
-
El Balcón Cota ( 1500): offers grill, food
fast, cafeteria and pastry. It has a terrace and deck with views
privileged and is also located at the foot of one of the best slopes in the
center.
- Antulauquen (1600) : has a capacity to
400 people and it is usually the meeting point of many since you can
access this parador through cable cars. It offers the system
Self-service with grill, regional meals, cafeteria and kiosk included.
-
Graeff Cota Refuge ( 1720): offers a service
gourmet food and a wine cellar for tastings.
How
get to Chapelco ski center?
As we mentioned earlier, San Martín de
Los Andes is 19 kilometers away.
The
The city has a very complete minibus transport service that has departures
constants to bring and bring everyone
to the base of the center.
The
trip takes about 20 minutes.
On the other hand, if you want to arrive with your own vehicle, the way to get there
it is through a gravel road that is very well maintained . In addition,
get there you will find parking
gratuitous.
If you want to know more about tours and accommodation,
Do not hesitate to contact us !