Cerro Catedral
One of the largest ski resorts in South America, with about 120 km of runs and panoramic lake views from the top. In summer, you can ride the lifts and hike.
Cerro Catedral takes its name from the granite spires on its ridge, which resemble Gothic cathedrals. It lies about 19 km southwest of Bariloche's city centre. The ski area opened in 1938 and is now one of the largest in the Southern Hemisphere. It spans about 1,030 to 2,100 metres in altitude, with more than 30 chairlifts and gondolas and about 120 km of runs, suitable for everyone from beginners to advanced skiers. From the summit, you can see Lake Gutiérrez and Lake Nahuel Huapi, with superb scenery.
The ski season generally runs from late June to September. July, during Argentina's winter school holidays, is the busiest and most expensive. Late August often brings more stable snow conditions. At the base, Villa Catedral has ski rental, ski schools, restaurants and hotels.
In summer (December to March), some lifts operate and carry visitors to an observation platform at about 1,900 metres. From there, you can hike to Refugio Lynch or farther to Refugio Frey, which takes about 4 hours one way from the base. It is one of Bariloche's most classic hikes.
Getting there: take bus 55 from the city centre, about 40 minutes.
Lift ticket prices change with the season and inflation, so it's best to buy in advance on the official website. In winter, self-driving requires snow chains.
Opening hours
Winter approx. 09:00–17:00 (ski season late Jun–Sep); cable car partly open in summer
Nearby sights
- Refugio Frey
- Lake Gutiérrez
- Playa Bonita
- Colonia Suiza
- Cerro Campanario
- Cerro Otto
- Circuito Chico
- Cerro López