Chapelco 2026: Descending Through Forests and Legends

If you are planning your 2026 season, Chapelco awaits you with an infrastructure that perfectly blends the classic with the modern. Here, you don't just come to ski; you come to "surf" a forest that looks like something out of a fairy tale. Today, we’re taking on the mountain's longest descent, connecting the highest reachable point with the base deck.

Phase 1: Ascent to the Heart of the Mountain (Level 1600)

Our adventure begins at the base (1,250m). To reach the mid-station, the Gondola (Telecabina) remains the luxury choice in 2026. It features a vintage yet functional design where you sit back-to-back. You can place your board in the external racks, allowing you to ride up dry and comfortable.

Keep an eye on the side-country as you ascend; if there's fresh powder, that’s your playground. Reaching Cota 1600 (Level 1600) feels like entering a second base area—a hub filled with the aroma of hot chocolate and the vibrant energy of the ski schools.

Phase 2: Climbing Toward the Ridge (Graeff & El Palito)

To achieve the longest run, we must go higher. We take the Graeff Chairlift, which climbs to 1,730 meters. It’s a fixed-grip chair, so expect that classic "kick" to the calves during loading—stay firm on your board.

But we want more. In 2026, summit logistics are weather-dependent. If the Mallín chair is closed, our best bet is the T-Bar El Palito.

• Snowboarder Tip: T-Bars and snowboards share a love-hate relationship. Maintaining balance while being towed up to 1,790 meters requires leg strength and technique, but the reward at the top is worth the effort!

Phase 3: The Descent from the Clouds (Slalom & Travesía)

We start on Pista Slalom, a red run with character. It’s fast, with a pitch that forces you to engage your edges decisively. In 2026, using high-end gear like a Nitro board with Burton Step-On bindings makes life easier: you step out of the lift, click in, and ride away without ever sitting in the cold snow.

Then, we connect with Travesía Baja. This blue run skirts the mountain and offers the most spectacular view in Patagonia: the Lanín Volcano looming on the horizon. This is "cruising" at its finest.

Phase 4: The Magic Connection (Puente Mallín)

To avoid getting stuck in Pradera del Puma (which has no skiable exit back to the base), we take a small off-piste cut to catch the Puente Mallín connection. This stretch is arguably the most beautiful in the resort. It’s absolute peace. You dive into the heart of the forest, where the only sound is your board cutting through the snow and flakes falling from the Lenga trees.

Phase 5: Carving Through "Camino" and the "Doña Berta" Challenge

From the mid-station, we merge into Pista Camino, an eternal green run that snakes down the mountain. To keep it interesting, the key is to dive in and out of the forest variants.

But beware of Doña Berta. This is a red run that starts with a wide left-hander inviting you to speed up, but it quickly transforms into a technical minefield. If the snow is hard, Doña Berta is unforgiving and requires advanced control. If you make it through, you’ll reach Pioneros, a wide blue run perfect for relaxing those burning quads.

Phase 6: The Sound of Silence at the Base

We finish the last third of the mountain via Pioneros and the final stretch of Camino. In 2026, if the lifts in this sector are quiet, you’ll have the corduroy all to yourself. Cross under the Rancho Grande lift, and finally, reach the base. Mission accomplished: you've ridden from the sky to the valley through one of Argentina's most stunning forests.

Your Chapelco 2026 Budget (Estimated Values in USD)

• Daily Lift Pass: $110 USD (More exclusive and slightly more affordable than Catedral).

• High-End Snowboard Rental: $28 USD per day.

• Lunch at Rancho Grande (Level 1600): $18 USD (Signature "choripán" or BBQ plus a drink).

• Craft Beer Celebration: $6 USD.

• "Recovery" Combo (Beer + Painkiller): $8 USD (Essential after Doña Berta).

2026 Technical Gear: The Setup to Dominate Chapelco

1. The Board: Nitro Team Pro The ultimate all-mountain weapon. Its Trüe Camber profile ensures that when you hit the ice on Doña Berta, your edges bite like knives. It’s stiff enough for stability but has enough pop for every side-hit on the way down.

• Official site: nitrosnowboards.com

2. Bindings & Boots: Burton Step On® A game-changer for Chapelco’s many transitions. The ability to exit the Gondola and "click in" without sitting down is a massive advantage. Combining Step On Genesis bindings with Burton Photon Step On boots gives you pro-level support with the comfort of a sneaker.

• Official site: burton.com

3. Goggles: Oakley with Prizm™ Technology Chapelco’s weather can change in ten minutes. Oakley Flight Deck with Prizm Snow lenses are fundamental. This technology filters colors to maximize contrast, allowing you to see bumps and terrain details that others miss in the flat light of the forest.

• Official site: oakley.com

4. Safety & Connectivity: Ener Generation Don't let your smartphone end up buried under three meters of snow. The Ener Generation security leash is a 2026 standard. It’s light, elastic, and lets you check the trail map in real-time without the risk of dropping your phone.

• Official site: energeneration.com