Where is the highest altitude ski resort in the world?

The highest "ski resort" (one old tow-rope lift and a cafe at the base) is in South America's poorest country, Boliva, atop Mt. Chacaltaya. The lift isn't always running, so chances are you'll have to hike it.

And it's high -- more than 17,300 feet. I'm from Colorado and use to skiing some fairly high terrain, but I got an immediate, hard headache when I hiked to the top (not all that impressive, since I started at 11,800 feet in nearby La Paz, Bolivia's capital city). I got down quick.

I only did it for bragging rights :) And for the photo op.

But it's melting. Rapidly. The long-time skiers who operate the lodge told me they once skied atop a 40-foot snow base with snow extending all the way to La Paz, which is visible from the mountain but a hefty drive.

Now, it's mostly rock. The only visible snow was above the lodge... at least when I was there in February, which apparently use to be the middle of the ski season.

Most scientists blame global warming. Science labs (including a NASA-run facility, I was told) dot the side of the narrow dirt road to the mountain's base.

So, certainly not a skiing destination. Though it is a visually powerful example of how fast the globe is warming and what can happen in a very, very short period of time.

First answer by Writer28. Last edit by Writer28. Contributor trust: 5 [recommend contributor]. Question popularity: 12 [recommend question]