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Chapelco
Hill (Cerro Chapelco) Ski Center |
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Chapelco Hill (2,441 m/8,006 ft) has one of the highest elevations
of the Chapelco chain. It is found southwest of the Neuquén
province among the Andes mountain range. Due to its topographic
characteristics like smooth, grass-covered hillsides, Federico Graeff
chose it in 1946, as the most suitable place for practicing winter
sports. Soft, undulating, easy slopes are located at an altitude
between 1,250 and 1,750 m (4,100 and 5,740 ft). There are however,
steeper slopes located closer to the ridge for the more experienced
skier. The resort boasts 29 slopes and is characterized by its abundant,
good quality snow. Overall, Chapelco Ski Center is a place where
families can come and have a great time together.
The ski surface area measures a total of 140 hectares (336 acres),
with a 730 meter (2,394 ft) drop (not accumulated). The maximum
slope is 45° and the minimum is 20°. Maximum length measures
5.3 km (3.3 mi). The peak reaches an altitude of 1,980 m (6,494
ft). Annual snow precipitation at the base of the mountain is 1.50
m (4.92 ft), and on the peak is 2.5 m (8.2 ft).
At the base of the mountain, underneath the Cable Car building,
you will find Equipment Rentals in a large, modern area that is
specially equipped for fast service and comfort. You can rent alpine,
cross-country, and parabolic skis or monoskis, big foots, and snowboards.
Ski Storage and Boot Racks are located in the same building and
there are lockers in heated rooms. A closet service where you can
store clothing is provided in two places: the Cable Car building
and in Antulauquen. The repair workshop is another service offered
by specially qualified personnel from 9:00 am to 5:00 pm. In addition
to all these services, there are countless events that take place
during the winter season as well. |
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Location
Neuquén Province, 18 km (11 mi) from San Martín
de Los Andes. It is a 1 hr. 50 min. flight from Buenos
Aires and 1,600 km (1000 mi) on land.
When to go
From June 14th to October 14th.
Attractions
Mountains, Ski resort, beech tree forests.
How to get there
You can get there from the city of San Martin de Los Andes
by driving along National Route 234 that borders Lacar
Lake and after 16 km (10 mi) of asphalt road you connect
to Provincial Route #19 that gets to the base of the mountain
after about 5 more kilometers.
Activities
You can participate in different types of sports within
the ski resort such as: alpine skiing, snowboarding, and
cross country skiing.
Services
Accommodations, food, entertainment, transportation.
Surroundings
San Martín de los Andes, Lacar Lake, Lanín
National Park. |
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Chapelco boasts 29 slopes. The base and Slope 63 are perfect for
beginners, but there are also black diamonds, moguls, and jumps
for the expert. Snowboard fanatics and aficionados frequent
the Halfpipe, located in a little canyon area to the left of
El Palito. It is specially designed to carry out the practice
of snowboarding and all varieties of competitions. The latest,
most modern lifts can hold up to 12,000 skiers per hour, which
allows skiers to take full advantage of the resort. The Cable
Car holds up to 6 skiers each and allows comfortable access
to the platform located at 1,600 m (5,248 ft), Chapelco's second
base for operations. There are also two-seater, four-seater,
Poma and T-bar lifts that carry skiers comfortably to their
various slopes.
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