One of Argentina's prime ski-resorts, CERRO CHAPELCO , is 21km from town, in the Cordón del Chapelco, an offshoot range of the Andes that rises to almost 2400m. It has 29 ski pistes that descend a maximum of 750m in altitude, and which are served by a cable car and five chair lifts. There's a snowboard park, and floodlit night-time skiing, whilst by day you can enjoy views of Volcán Lanín.

In summer , it becomes an outdoor activity centre, especially good for those with young families. A $25 daily passport, sold by Chapelco Aventura, San Martín 876 and Elordi (tel & fax 02972/427845) entitles you to a wide range of entertainments, including archery, horseriding, and mountain biking. Chapelco can be visited on a loop circuit from San Martín: take the turn-off just past the ugly Hotel Sol de los Andes that overlooks town, and return along the RN234.