September 13, 2007 Chapelco, Argentina

We again spent the evening in the Puma Hostel in St. Martin de Los Andes(SM).  Our private room with bath was $32.  SM is a very touristy town located on a lake in what many consider the Switzerland of Argentina.  We arrived at Chapelco resort early and purchased our senior tickets for $19 each.  Chapelco is a large ski area with a mix of gondola, high speed quad, fixed quads, triple, doubles and t-bar.  The base is 4100’ and the top elevation is about 6500’.  When we skied the area in 2005, it was their last weekend and it was great spring conditions.  Unfortunately, today the clouds hovered at mid mountain just at the tree line.  The lower slopes were softening and the sounds of the upper slopes were icy.  We cruised for a few hours hoping the cloud layer would rise but it stayed right at the tree line.  The snow pack was excellent and it was unfortunate we were unable to enjoy the steep upper bowls.  Chapelco is definitely worth a visit if you plan to ski in the Lakes District.