CERRO CHAPELCO

OPTIONAL ACTIVITIES
This winter resort offers the chance of enjoying the snow on skis or snowboards, and also a series of other activities conceived to enjoy the mountain to the full which are earning ever greater popularity. Circuits on dogsleds pulled by Siberian huskies along wooded trails, walking on snowshoes, the same kind that the pioneers of the region used to wear, and thrilling rides on snow-motorbikes are some of the attractions the resort offers every winter.

Terrain Park "Perimeter"
Cerro Chapelco permanently surprises one with its new entertainment offered to those who love snow sports. During the current season, the celebrity was the Terrain Park "Perimeter".
Located at 1,790 masl, next to the new Graeff refuge, it is noteworthy for its bright coloring and the brave riders or skiers who are constantly challenging gravity in their jumps.
Ski jumps and other testing activities are classified here at three different levels: intermediate, advanced and professional.

Due to its special location, on the highest part of the mountain, all modes may be practiced here: half-pipe, parallel slalom, fun park and big air. The Perimeter swarms with high-level adult and teenage snowboarders and skiers as well as with all those lovers of exciting activities who come to watch and learn before trying it themselves.

As a matter of fact, the former Chapelco Snowboard Park Perimeter changed its name to Terrain Park Perimeter to show that it is no longer a place exclusively for snowboarders, but for all adventure-lovers, whether they be surfers or skiers.

It is usually open from 11 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., unless the weather or snow makes it impossible to guarantee the finest safety conditions. Defence helmets are a must for anyone under 18 when doing certain jumps and for everyone, in spite of age, at the time of acrobatics.

Cerro Chapelco has its own airport and all kinds of accommodation, ranging from inns, small hotels and cottages to four-star hotels and five-star resort. There are numerous places and alternatives available to rent equipment, excellent Patagonian food, regular transfers and everything that a skier or a snowboarder may need.

Elastic Bed
Can anything be better than to feel yourself flying? Placed at Cerro Chapelco base, this facility lets you to practice jumping and turning in the air before getting on the snowboard. It is an original activity, and definitely worth trying.

Half Pipe
Before getting on the snowboard, you have the opportunity to practice the basic snowboard movements on a skate at the foot of the hill.

Snow motorbike
There are pretty trails that wind through the snowy woods just waiting for you to ride them on a motorbike. Excursions depart from platform 1600. Night excursions are available.

Further Information

Zorv Balloon
This is the most recent winter sports activity in South America. It was an innovation during the summer season and it is sure to still be the additional attraction of the winter season.

Excursions with Siberian Dogs
There is a Siberian husky breeding establishment open during the whole year. In winter, you and your family may enjoy the new experience of a dogsled outing through the lenga woods. Excursions leave from platform 1600.

PARTIES AND LEISURE ACTIVITIES

Magical Fridays
Chapelco has Torch hikings. These take place every Friday, weather conditions permitting.
Every Friday of the season, Chapelco receives tourists with the option of practicing night skiing on the artificially lit ski run 63. To celebrate the deed, skiers may, afterwards, enjoy a dinner at a restaurant located at 1600 meters altitude, where a live show makes an end to a perfect day.

"Snow Scoot" Scooters
Snow lovers will enjoy, for the first time ever in the sub-continent, the wonderful sensation of gliding on a "Snow Scoot" at Chapelco. Fun and easy to use, it is a device combining a bicycle with a snowboard and skis. Created in France, it was introduced to the world at Japan Interski, in 1995.

Snow-shoeing
This is a fun activity intended for those who look for something diverse: circuits along wooded trails led by guides, to visit an "ice refuge". This activity does not require previous experience and allows to be practiced by people of any age.

Trekking through lenga woods
The Lenga woods at Chapelco winter resort, just 19 km from the beautiful town of San Martin de los Andes, start at the base of the ski resort and extend up to 2.800 masl, leaving the top of the mountains all for the snow.
Their appealing appearance, tempting one to wander through them in the snow, have caused snowboarders and skiers to get off the ski run in order to walk over the deep snow surrounded the trees. Never the less, not everybody can do it without proper equipment. That is why the chance to walk on snowshoes happens to be the most interesting option for the whole family if it is to enjoy the enchantment of the woods at Chapelco.
Every day, at different times -- 11:30 a.m., 1 p.m., 2:30 p.m. and 4 p.m.--, at 1600 mt, as soon as you get off the ski-lift, a few meters to your left you will see the Huskies' Cottage, where guides invite tourists to cross the Mallín through the woods, getting to an igloo where they are invited to sample some hot drinks or a regional liquor.
The silence of the woods, the prints of hares on the snow, the amazing scenery, it all makes for a unique experience that is definitely "off the beaten track", and takes just over an hour.