Introduction

Bolivia's one ski resort is Chacaltaya which is more of a ski lodge beside one ski run.  Located at a staggering height, some 17,388ft, this is higher than some commercial jets fly.  Founded in the late 1930s, Chacaltaya can only be reached by a dirt road with stomach churning switchbacks and of course, no barriers.  Unfortunately, however it seems the skiing is under threat.

Basically, the glacier that once surrounded the lodge and supplied the resort with large amounts of snow and ice is melting fast.  If the melting is down to global warming it seems inevitable that Bolivia's skiing tradition could disappear in a few years with the loss of the one main run.

Facilities and Services

Little has been done to upgrade Chacaltaya’s operations. Since the one lift broke down skiers must hike 30mins to the resorts only run and because of the elevation breathlessness and altitude sickness are very likely.

Like the skiing, the apres-ski is also unique with coca tea and quinoa soup and a basic lodge for accommodation.

Outlook

Some skiers continue trekking to the only remaining ski slope, to get some last runs.   Scientists give the resort another 3-4 years before Chacaltaya has to yield it's claim to being the world's highest ski area to somewhere such as Jade Dragon in China or Tochal in Iran.