Chacaltaya

Chacaltaya is a mountain and ski resort located in the Cordillera Real, a mountain range in Bolivia. Situated near the city of La Paz, it is one of the highest ski resorts in the world, with its peak reaching an elevation of 5,421 meters (17,785 feet). The name "Chacaltaya" is derived from the Aymara words "ch'aka" meaning bridge and "t'aya" meaning snow or ice, thus translating to "bridge of snow".

The resort was once a popular destination for skiers and snowboarders due to its high altitude and consistent snow cover. It offered a unique skiing experience, often described as skiing on a glacier. The ski season typically ran from November to May. In addition to recreational activities, Chacaltaya also held scientific significance. Its high altitude and clean air made it an ideal location for astronomical observations, and a small observatory was once present on its summit.

However, climate change has had a significant impact on Chacaltaya. Rising global temperatures have led to the rapid melting of its glaciers. The main glacier that fed the ski resort has now largely disappeared, making year-round skiing impossible and significantly reducing the viability of the ski resort. This environmental change has transformed Chacaltaya from a winter sports hub into a poignant symbol of the effects of global warming in the Andes. Despite the loss of its snow cover, the mountain remains a site of natural beauty and a testament to the changing climate.