San Martin de los Andes: The Best Town Base for Skiing Chapelco
San Martin de los Andes is a charming Patagonian mountain town and the gateway to Cerro Chapelco. Here is why many skiers prefer it to Bariloche.
If Bariloche is the Chamonix of Argentina, San Martin de los Andes is its Annecy -- smaller, quieter, and arguably more charming. This lakeside town of around 40,000 people sits on the shore of Lago Lacar, surrounded by ancient forests and Andean peaks, and serves as the base for Cerro Chapelco, one of Patagonia's best ski resorts. Here's why we think San Martin deserves a spot on every skier's itinerary.
Getting to San Martin de los Andes
San Martin has its own airport (Chapelco Airport, CPC) with direct flights from Buenos Aires during ski season. The flight takes about two hours, and the airport is just 20 km from town -- a 25-minute drive. Alternatively, you can fly into Bariloche and drive the famous Ruta de los Siete Lagos (Seven Lakes Route), a stunning 3-hour scenic drive through Lanin National Park. Many of our clients do a split trip: a few days in Bariloche skiing Catedral, then drive the Seven Lakes to San Martin for Chapelco.
The Town Itself
San Martin has a pedestrian-friendly centre with low-rise buildings, wood-and-stone architecture, and a relaxed mountain atmosphere. The main plaza sits just a block from the lakefront, and everything you need -- restaurants, ski rental shops, gear stores, chocolate shops -- is within walking distance. Compared to Bariloche, San Martin feels less commercial and more like a real town where locals outnumber tourists, even in peak season. The streets are lined with lenga beech trees, and on clear evenings the sunset over Lago Lacar is one of the best views in Patagonia.
Skiing Cerro Chapelco
Chapelco is just 19 km from San Martin -- about a 20-minute drive. The resort reaches 1,920 metres at its summit, with 28 runs across 140 hectares of skiable terrain. It's smaller than Cerro Catedral, but many experienced skiers prefer it for its reliable snow, excellent tree skiing, less crowded slopes, and a more intimate atmosphere. The off-piste terrain through the lenga forests is some of the best in Argentina. Chapelco also has a terrain park and a good ski school, making it a solid choice for families as well.
Where to Stay
San Martin has accommodation for every budget. In the town centre, boutique hotels and apart-hotels put you within walking distance of restaurants and nightlife. Outside town, several lodges and cabanas (cabins) offer more seclusion and mountain views. For a premium experience, Loi Suites Chapelco and Rio Hermoso Hotel de Montana are standouts. Budget-conscious skiers will find well-run hostels and rental apartments. We recommend staying in or near the centre if it's your first visit -- you'll want easy access to the town's restaurants and shops without needing a car every evening.
Eating and Drinking
San Martin's food scene punches well above its weight. The town is known for regional Patagonian cuisine: smoked trout, wild game (deer and boar), handmade pasta, and of course, asado. The craft beer scene has exploded in recent years, with several brewpubs pouring excellent IPAs and stouts. For wine, you'll find the same great Argentine Malbecs and Patagonian Pinot Noirs as in Bariloche, often at slightly lower prices. After a day at Chapelco, the walk from your hotel to a restaurant along the main street, with snow on the ground and woodsmoke in the air, is pure magic.
Beyond Skiing
San Martin sits inside Lanin National Park, which means there's plenty to do beyond the resort. Snowshoeing through old-growth forest, soaking in the Termas de Lahuen Co hot springs, or simply walking the lakefront trail are all popular rest-day activities. The town is also the starting point for several backcountry ski touring routes, including approaches toward Volcan Lanin, the iconic cone-shaped volcano that dominates the skyline.
San Martin vs Bariloche -- Which to Choose?
We get asked this constantly. In short: Bariloche for bigger resort skiing, more nightlife, and easier international access. San Martin for charm, quieter slopes, better tree skiing, and a more authentically Patagonian experience. The ideal trip includes both -- and the drive between them along the Seven Lakes Route is a highlight in itself. For a detailed comparison, read our Chapelco vs Catedral guide.
Let Us Plan Your San Martin Ski Trip
Whether you want to base yourself entirely in San Martin, combine it with Bariloche, or build a multi-resort Patagonia adventure, we handle every detail. Tell us what you're looking for and we'll design the perfect trip.