Chapelco cut the ribbon on its brand-new detachable quad Rancho Grande last week, an $8 million investment and the most modern chairlift in South America. The new quad is capable of moving 2,200 people per hour at 5 meters per second. But competing with the new Rancho Grande chair for newsworthy items of the week at Chapelco are the freezing temperatures: Chapelco registered the lowest temperatures in all of Argentina today, with minimum temperatures at 17.6 Celsius. A polar wave is sweeping across the country, exhausting gas supplies and causing curiosities like snow this morning in Buenos Aires, the first time it has happened in the capital city since 1912. Chapelco expects to receive snow from Thursday through the weekend. If you're searching for lodging packages in San Martin de los Andes, try Ten Rivers Ten Lakes' special ski packages that include lodging, gourmet breakfast, après ski tea, transportation via private vehicle to the resort, and a couple of dinners in their restaurant (packages do not include lift tickets). Prices are per person, and there are two attractive lakeview properties: the more upscale lodge costs $910 superior, $1,200 suite for 7 nights; or $520 superior, $700 suite for 4 nights. Their colorful Cerro Abanico hosteria costs per person $700 and $380 for 4 nights. For more information, check out their website at www.tenriverstenlakes.com. For more information about other lodging packages and snow conditions at Chapelco, check out www.skienchapelco.com.ar.