Chapelco
Mountain Ski resort and mountain area near San Martín
Near San Martín de los Andes, Cerro Chapelco serves as a ski resort in winter and a gateway to hiking, mountain biking and lakeside trails in Patagonian Andes.
Chapelco is a mountain and ski resort area near San Martín de los Andes in Neuquén Province, Argentina, known for downhill skiing in winter and outdoor activities in summer.
The site offers a range of ski runs served by chairlifts and surface lifts, along with facilities for lessons and equipment rental. During the warmer months the same slopes are used for hiking, mountain biking, and sightseeing.
The resort developed as a recreational area for both local residents and visitors to northern Patagonia and is integrated with the surrounding forests and mountain landscape for year-round tourism.
It sits above the town of San Martín de los Andes in the Andes of northern Patagonia, within a landscape of lakes, forests, and nearby protected areas.
- Nearest town: San Martín de los Andes is the principal gateway town for visitors, providing accommodation and road access to the resort.
- Season: Winter months (June to August in the southern hemisphere) are the primary ski season; summer is used for hiking and mountain biking on marked trails.
What to See #
- Ski area and lifts: A developed downhill ski area with marked runs and lift infrastructure serving the resort community and tourists.
- Summer trails and summit routes: Trail networks and routes that lead toward the summit and ridge for summer hiking and mountain-biking activities.
How to Get to Chapelco #
Cerro Chapelco is roughly 20-30 minutes by road from San Martín de los Andes. Regular buses and private transfers run from the town; travelers driving from Bariloche can expect approximately 2.5-3.5 hours depending on conditions. In winter, equipment rental and shuttle services operate from San Martín de los Andes.
Tips for Visiting Chapelco #
- In winter, buy lift passes in advance during Argentine high season; weekends can sell out.
- Summer months are excellent for mountain biking and hiking-check for guided trail options.
- If driving from San Martín de los Andes, allow 30-40 minutes; roads to the base area are paved but can be busy during season.
Best Time to Visit Chapelco #
Winter for skiing (June-August); summer for hiking and biking. Shoulder seasons offer fewer crowds.
Weather & Climate near Chapelco #
Chapelco's climate is classified as Tundra - Tundra climate with cold summers (peaking in January) and freezing winters (coldest in July). Temperatures range from -7°C to 16°C. Moderate rainfall (919 mm/year) with a pronounced dry season.
January
January is cold with highs of 16°C and lows of 2°C. The driest month with just 17 mm and breezy conditions.
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February
February is cold with highs of 16°C and lows of 1°C. Moderate rainfall (32 mm) and breezy conditions.
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March
March is cold with highs of 13°C and lows of -1°C. Moderate rainfall (58 mm) and breezy conditions.
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April
April is cold with highs of 9°C and lows of -3°C. Moderate rainfall (71 mm) and breezy conditions.
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May
May is freezing with highs of 5°C and lows of -5°C. Regular rainfall (89 mm) and breezy conditions.
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June
June is freezing with highs of 2°C and lows of -7°C. Significant rainfall (122 mm) and breezy conditions.
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July
July is the coldest month with highs of 1°C and lows of -7°C. The wettest month with heavy rain (179 mm) and breezy conditions.
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August
August is freezing with highs of 2°C and lows of -7°C. Significant rainfall (136 mm) and breezy conditions.
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September
September is freezing with highs of 5°C and lows of -6°C. Regular rainfall (85 mm) and breezy conditions.
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October
October is cold with highs of 8°C and lows of -4°C. Moderate rainfall (52 mm) and breezy conditions.
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November
November is cold with highs of 11°C and lows of -2°C. Moderate rainfall (46 mm) and breezy conditions.
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December
December is cold with highs of 14°C and lows of 0°C. Moderate rainfall (32 mm) and breezy conditions.
