Climate
Winter is dry and sunny, although it turns very cold as soon as the sun is obscured by the odd cloud or mountain. Summer is wet season with snow and clouds lowering the daytime temperature.
Landscape
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.
History
The refugio and ski lift is run by the Club Andino Boliviano Calle México 1638, La Paz, +591 2 32 46 82, (http://www.geocities.com/Yosemite/Trails/7553/cab.html), 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. Rumors say they are planning a new lift on the larger mountain Mururata.
Flora and fauna
Domestic llamas, sheep and alpacas are plentiful and makes the otherwise dry and desertlike area come to life. Drive slowly as the animals often tend to jump in front of the car.