Chacaltaya is in La Paz of Bolivia. This mountain, at an altitude of 5486 metres, is
equipped with beautiful views and the world's highest ski resort. Because of its
proximity to La Paz and the easy access, it is a popular place to acclimatize before
climbing higher peaks. The ski lift is said to be the oldest in the world and almost
never operates.
Chacaltaya is a glacierial mountain range in Bolivia with an elevation of 5421 m
(17,785 feet) and a view of Lake Titicaca in the distance. The glacier is about 30 km
from La Paz, near Huayna Potosí mountain. As it is one of the highest glaciers in
South America, Chacaltaya is also one of the first glacial ranges to decrease
markedly in size due to climate change. Although the glacier is over 18,000 years
old, over 80% of it has melted since 1987 and it is expected to disappear by 2008
The refugio and ski lift is run by the Club Andino Boliviano founded in 1939 by a
group of enthusiasts. The current ski lift and the skis available for rent date from the
seventies and the guys running the refugio are even older. Soon there will probably
be no more skiing on Chacaltaya as the glacier is melting due to global warming.
Rumors say they are planning a new lift on the larger mountain Mururata.
Going up to the mountain you'll see the earth change to every color imaginable, with
the towering peaks of Huayna Potosi, Illimani and Mururata seemingly within reach.
This is a mining area and the many different metals in the ground makes for the
colorful scenery. In the distance you'll see El Alto and La Paz and, on clear days,
even Volcan Sajama.
The glacier on Chacaltaya serves as Bolivia's only ski resort. It is the world's highest
lift-served ski area, the northernmost ski area in South America as well as the
world's most equatorial. The rope tow, the very first in South America, was built in
1939 using an automobile engine. Because it is too cold to ski in the winter, the lift operates exclusively on
weekends from November to March, making Chacaltaya the only ski resort in South
America to have a ski season corresponding to that of North America.
PLACE TO VISIT
From the summit it is great views of Huayna Potosi 6088 m. With good binoculars and few minutes of spare time before the taxi driver begin to get anxious, you get a good idea of how to climb Huayna Potosi without a guide.
The refugio and the man who keeps it is a sight in itself and photography is welcomed with a smile.
La Paz and El Alto glowing in the night is a spectacular sight if staying overnight.
WHAT TO DO
Skiing and snowboarding with the help of the lift is rarely possible, and only between January and April. In the off season you can bring your own skis or board and walk up the slopes, but the altitude will be a problem and people will advise you not to ski because of icy and exposed slopes.
Mountain biking is also a possibility and an alternative to the "death road". Ask at Topas Bolivia.
You will probably go back with the driver or tour bus you came here with, but if on the mountain without a ride back you can probably hitch a ride with one of the many daily tourbuses (before noon) or taxis. Check with the Club Andino Boliviano if in doubt.
Another alternative is to walk to Huayna Potosi. Bring full camping equipment and detailed maps from IGM (See Maps under La Paz section). The trek is possible to do in one day with the night spent in refugio Huayna Potosi. If attemting this without gear, be sure to know the way and to be adjusted to the altitude.
HOW TO REACH
By bus - In summer (rainy season, ski season), there might be a bus on weekends when/if the ski lift operate. In winter only, there are combined tours of Chacaltaya and Valle de la Luna runs. It gives you 40 minutes on the mountain and cost Bs. 50 to 75. It is not enough time to get used to the altitude, however. Check if admissions and snacks are included in the price.
By taxi - From La Paz it takes 1-1.5 hours and costs between Bs. 200 and 240,
depending on your bargaining skills. The drivers will wait up to three hours while you
take in the views from the top.
From El Alto it takes one hour and costs Bs. 100 after bargaining. Green Micros run
from central La Paz to Plaza Ballivian in El Alto for Bs. 1.
