Each year, the Winter Festival at Chapelco transforms the snow-covered slopes and forests of San Martín de los Andes into a vibrant playground for outdoor enthusiasts and culture seekers alike. Positioned in Neuquén province, Chapelco Ski Resort isn’t just about skiing; the festival blends exhilarating winter sports with local traditions, music, and gastronomy, creating an experience that’s both thrilling and grounded in the Patagonian spirit.

The festival offers a range of activities from snowboarding and alpine skiing to guided snowshoe hikes that snake through thick pine forests where the trees stand strong against the chill, their branches heavy with snow daring you onward. Trails vary from gentle, well-trodden paths to challenging ascents with up to 800 meters of elevation gain, requiring stamina and attention but rewarding with panoramic views of the Lanín Volcano and shimmering lakes below.

Planning your trip here means gearing up for the elements without unnecessary weight. Quality waterproof boots with solid grip are essential as icy patches lie hidden beneath fresh powder. Dress in resilient, breathable layers to manage the sudden shifts in temperature, and always carry hydration—cold air and high altitude steal moisture faster than you expect. Timing is crucial; daytime excursions between 10 a.m. and 3 p.m. offer optimal conditions with firmer snow and clearer visibility.

Beyond the slopes, the festival welcomes you to experience vibrant craft markets, local Patagonian foods that warm with smoky lamb and fresh berries, and live music that animates the village square. The blend of natural challenge and cultural warmth frames an adventure that respects the landscape’s fierce yet inviting character.

For those who follow the call of the wild in winter, Chapelco's Winter Festival does more than entertain—it engages you in the performance of a landscape fiercely itself, waiting to be discovered with every careful step, every turn carved into the snow, and every breath of crisp, pine-laced air.