Cerro Catedral Ski Resort

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Cerro Catedral Ski Resort Argentina
Cerro Catedral Ski Resort Argentina
You can explore the sidecountry with SASS
You can explore the sidecountry with SASS
The base area of Catedral Alta Patagonia has lots of amenities
The base area of Catedral Alta Patagonia has lots of amenities
Views are a major pro of Cerro Catedral Ski Resort
Views are a major pro of Cerro Catedral Ski Resort
Lake views from Catedral Alta Patagonia
Lake views from Catedral Alta Patagonia
Cerro Catedral Argentina
Cerro Catedral Argentina
Patagonian chocolate shop
Patagonian chocolate shop
Catedral has some great sidecountry
Catedral has some great sidecountry
Exploring Cerro Catedral with SASS
Exploring Cerro Catedral with SASS
Having a village at the base is unique for South America
Having a village at the base is unique for South America
Ski Bariloche - Cerro Catedral Resort
Ski Bariloche - Cerro Catedral Resort
Catedral has some nice trees
Catedral has some nice trees
Plenty to gaze at
Plenty to gaze at
Lunch spots are a highlight of Cerro Catedral
Lunch spots are a highlight of Cerro Catedral
There is negligible ski-in ski-out accommodation
There is negligible ski-in ski-out accommodation
Ski Patagonia - Cerro Catedral
Ski Patagonia - Cerro Catedral
Snowboarding at Cerro Catedral
Snowboarding at Cerro Catedral
Developed infrastructure at the base
Developed infrastructure at the base
Villa Catedral has some good bars and restaurants
Villa Catedral has some good bars and restaurants
Sidecountry at the stunning Catedral Ski Resort
Sidecountry at the stunning Catedral Ski Resort

Cerro Catedral Ski Resort

Readers Ratings

Cerro Catedral

Cerro Catedral4/54
Cerro Catedral4 out of 5 based on 4 reviews
  • Recommend
    100%
  • Would Revisit
    100%

Cerro Catedral – Catedral Alta Patagonia

Cerro Catedral was named for the granite spires that sit atop the mountain and resemble a gothic church. Catedral is also a church for skiers and snowboarders who visit this Bariloche ski resort to worship the snow god! Cerro Catedral Ski Resort (aka Catedral Alta Patagonia) is an incredibly aesthetically pleasing ski resort. The views of “the cathedral” are gorgeous and the vistas across Lake Nahuel Huapi fall into the OMG category.

Ski Bariloche Catedral - Pros and Cons

Pros 
  • The Cerro Catedral Ski Resort is large.
  • The intermediate terrain is great, and the varied terrain for advanced and expert riders is superb. The slackcountry and backcountry terrain is particularly noteworthy, and some chutes will get the palms sweaty.
  • Cerro Catedral Ski Resort is very well developed by South American ski resort standards.
  • It is one of just a few South American ski resorts to truly have a village at the base.
  • Cerro Catedral Ski Resort offers amazing views, and it’s particularly nice to perch at one of the rustic mountain restaurants and enjoy the vistas.
  • Proximity to a major airport and the vibrant town/city of Bariloche is a plus.
  • There is a little bit for non-skiers to do.
  • Catedral offers some nightlife, or downtown Bariloche really knows how to party.
Cons
  • Lift lines are sometimes horrific and completely disorganised. It's worth paying the extra for a fast pass. 
  • The slopes are groomed when they feel like it. Ski patrol and service in general also feels disorganised. You have to try and relax and get into the culture!
  • Someone had too much Malbec when they designed the trails, and parts of the mountain have lots of traversing zig zagging tracks.
Pro Or Con Depending On Your Perspective
  • Lift passes are more expensive than other Argentina ski resorts, but you get plenty of infrastructure for your money. For international visitors, the Argentine peso is often weak so it may seem inexpensive anyhow.
  • The Cerro Catedral snow is generally very good at the top and crap at the base. All too frequently, the base area is devoid of snow and you have to download.
  • The lift infrastructure is good by South American standards, yet there are not enough fast lifts to move the traffic.

Catedral Ski and Snowboard Terrain

At 1,200 hectares (3,000 acres), Cerro Catedral has the largest lift accessed ski terrain in South America (despite Chapelco coming up with some random terrain size number). This large ski resort has 1,070 metres (3,510 ft) of lift accessed vertical drop (1,030 – 2,100m), and more than 60 slopes with a split of 15% beginner, 60% intermediate, 20% advanced and 5% expert.

The Cerro Catedral ski resort is best suited to intermediate and advanced riders, and there’s also adequate terrain for beginners and a decent terrain park. Catedral is known for the good tree skiing, and experts also have a range of alpine off-piste options as well as sidecountry chutes and bowls for those that are avalanche savvy. It’s also a gateway to various Bariloche backcountry zones and hut touring.

Monstrous lift lines are common place at Catedral, and lift infrastructure modernisation to improve uphill capacity has been inadequate. The main lift strategy has been to decommission old lifts and T-bars. Of the 28 lifts, there is a gondola, a 6-pack, a few quad chairs, and a mix of elderly slow triple and double chairs that look like hand-me-downs, and several surface lists. Relative to most other South America ski resorts, the lifts are considered ultra-modern.

Cerro Catedral Snow

As to be expected, the snow varies significantly across the vertical of the ski area. The top has good elevation and the average snowfall per season is 6 metres/236 inches. Further down, the snow is often rather heavy. Pack the fat skis but not your brand new ones, because the base altitude is low and the snow cover can be patchy or completely absent. The slopes are largely easy facing, with variations to northeast and southeast aspects across the resort.

Where is Cerro Catedral Argentina?

Cerro Catedral is the Bariloche ski resort, located 17km (10.6 miles) from the centre of the town of San Carlos de Bariloche. Cerro Catedral and Bariloche are situated in the Nahuel Huapi National Park in the Rio Negro Province of Argentina’s Lake District. Bariloche has its own airport, located 11km (7 miles) from downtown, with 2 hour flights originating from Buenos Aires which is 1,621 km away.

The road between Bariloche and Cerro Catedral is paved and the drive takes about 25 minutes. If you don’t have a car there are semi-regular buses between town and the ski resort, and if you don’t like being packed in like a sardine, the other options are taxis or chauffeurs.

Villa Catedral Lodging

The village at the base of Cerro Catedral has a good selection of lodging within easy reach of the slopes. The 7,000 beds of Cerro Catedral lodging include hotels, condos and guesthouse accommodation. The village has a good range of restaurants, bars, shops, and ski and snowboard facilities.

Alternatively the city of Bariloche has lots of accommodations ranging from hostels up to 5 star hotels. Staying in Bariloche tends to be more affordable, even after you’ve factored in the cost of a remise (taxi) to get to the slopes. Bariloche has a rocking nightlife, although Catedral’s nightlife isn’t too shabby either, and Bariloche has all the chocolate shops a choc-a-holic could ever dream of.

Cerro Catedral Accommodations Listings

Bariloche Lodging Listings

When to Ski Bariloche/Catedral

Cerro Catedral is definitely not an undiscovered ski resort. It is often busy, and can be really frantic in the peak holiday season in July. Powder hounds shouldn’t despair though, as most of the riders and snowboarders at Catedral are beginners and intermediates, and if you get an early start you can get ahead of the main crowds that sleep in after partying. The best time to visit Catedral is probably from early to mid August onwards.

You might be lucky enough to score a legendary huge dump from a Santa Rosa storm. There may be more myth to this popular Argentina legend than reality, but part of the theory is that Santa Rosa storms occur up to five days earlier than or five days later than the Santa Rosa festival of Lima which is celebrated on the 30th of August each year.

Guiding and Tours of Cerro Catedral

Advanced and expert riders will get the most out of Cerro Catedral with a guide. A guide will be particularly valuable for some of the best tree skiing exits to ensure you don’t spend an hour hacking out of the dense shrubbery or end up in the creek.

SASS Global Travel are the Catedral specialists and provide fantastic affordable week-long programs that include guiding (in-bounds and in the sidecountry), lodging, meals, and full hosting to negotiate the language and culture of Argentina.

Or there are ski/snowboard guiding outfits that offer backcountry ski touring and/or Patagonia trips that also visit nearby ski resorts, sled skiing and snowcat skiing. See the Catedral tour options here.
Tours That Include Catedral

Safari (Road Trip) Tours

Argentina Patagonia Ski Resorts Tour
GUIDED RESORT & BACKCOUTRY TOUR
8 Days | 7 Nights | 3 Resorts
Ability: Intermediate to Expert
This 8-day tour takes in 3 of Argentina, Patagonia’s best ski resorts. You will access terrain mostly via lifts with the opportunity for some backcountry ski/snowboard touring. Join a group on a fixed-date tour or create your own custom tour for your own private group.
Price p/p Price is per person twin-share inc taxes.
base/invoice currency is USD
Displayed prices might vary slightly to actual due to exchange rate fluctuations.
USD 3,600
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Bariloche Backcountry Snow Adventure
GUIDED OFF-PISTE ADVENTURE
8 Days | 7 Nights | 6 Days Skiing | Max 8 Guests
Ability: Advanced to Expert
A lift assisted and touring adventure to the best ski areas in Patagonia for advanced to expert skiers & snowboarders. 2 nights at Baguales backcountry touring & Cerro Catedral (Bariloche), Cerro Bayo with quality twin share lodging in sublime Argentinian towns throughout the trip.
Price p/p From price based on twin/double-share room occupancy.
Base/invoice currency is in USD inc taxes.
Guaranteed departures; you book, you travel!
*Displayed price may vary due to currency fluctuations.
USD 4,299
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Argentina All Mountain
GUIDED PISTE & OFF-PISTE TOUR
8 Days | 7 Nights | 6 Days Skiing
Ability: Strong Intermediate to Advanced
Designed for advanced-intermediate & above skiers & riders looking to advance their ability but are not interested in hiking for turns. Take in the best ski areas in Patagonia; Cerro Catedral (Bariloche), Cerro Bayo & Chapelco. Cozy hotels, magnificent views & feast on superb Patagonian cuisine & wines!
Price p/p Price is per person
Base/invoice currency is USD
Displayed price may vary slightly to actual due to exchange rate fluctuations.
USD 3,999
View Details
 
See all Safari (Road Trip) tours that visit Cerro Catedral here

Ski & Snowboard Camp Tours

Argentina Ski & Snowboard Weeks
GUIDED OFF-PISTE & BACKCOUNTRY TRIP
4 x 8-Day Sessions
Ability: Advanced to Expert
SGT's program at Cerro Catedral (Bariloche) provides a guided sidecountry & backcountry experience for adults as well as camps for college students and 15-18 year old shredders. Aimed at advanced + skiers & boarders, this tour has a progression element to it.
Price p/p From price based on adult rate, twin/double-share room occupancy for 2023.
Base/invoice currency is in USD inc taxes.
*Displayed price may vary due to currency fluctuations.
USD 3,395
View Details
 
See all Ski & Snowboard Camp tours that visit Cerro Catedral here

Backcountry Skiing Tours

Sled Access Backcountry Skiing
SLED ACCESS BACKCOUNTRY SKIING & RIDING
Bariloche Argentina
Ability: Strong Intermediate to Expert
Backcountry snowmobile skiing and snowboarding. Full Argentine adventure experience & stay in a rustic mountain refugio that offers magnificent views. 3-7 day packages that include guided sled skiing, lodging, gourmet cuisine, drinks, and transport.
Price p/p From price based on 3 night plus 3 ski day package for 2024
Base/invoice currency is in USD inc taxes.
*Displayed price may vary due to currency fluctuations.
USD 3,600
View Details
 
Bariloche Ski Touring Week
SKI TOURING in BARILOCHE AREA
8 Days | 7 Days Touring | Customizable Itinerary
Ability: Strong Intermediate to Expert
This 8-day customizable tour offers some classic ski touring around Cerro Catedral ski resort combined with 2 nights staying at Frey Hut (one of Argentina's best ski huts) & then a further 2 nights staying at Refugio De La Mesada (Baguales). PRIVATE GROUPS of 2 - 6 guests
Price p/p Price is per person based on 8-day tour with min group of 2
Base/invoice currency is USD inc tax
*displayed price may vary slightly due exchange rate fluctuations
USD 3,350
View Details
 
Frey Hut Tours
FREY HUT SKI TOURING, BARILOCHE
3 or 4 Day Customizable Itinerary
Ability: Advanced to Expert
This 3 or 4-day customizable tour offers some classic ski touring around Cerro Catedral ski resort combined with 2 or 3 nights staying at Frey Hut (one of Argentina's best ski huts). PRIVATE GROUPS of 2 - 6 guests or a couple of group dates
Price p/p Price is per person based on 3-day tour with group of 4+. Cheaper for 4 people
Base/invoice currency is USD inc tax
*displayed price may vary slightly due exchange rate fluctuations
USD 1,250
View Details
 
See all Backcountry Skiing tours that visit Cerro Catedral here

Cat Skiing Tours

Baguales Cat Skiing
ARGENTINA (BARILOCHE) SNOWCAT SKIING
From 2 Nights / 2 Days
Ability: Strong Intermediate to Expert
If you are heading to the Bariloche area you can't go past a couple of days of cat skiing at Baguales Mountain Reserve or mix it up with some touring. Day cat skiing from Bariloche is also a possibility although the rustic Baguales Lodge is a quintessential part of the experience as is the cuisine & service.
Price p/p From price based on 2 days cat skiing + 2 nights quad-room with shared bathroom - Shoulder season July & Sept).
Base/invoice currency is in USD inc taxes.
*Displayed price may vary due to currency fluctuations.
USD 1,440
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Catedral Perito Moreno & Cat Ski
BARILOCHE GUIDED ADVENTURE
8 Nights | 5 Days Resort | 2 Days Cat Skiing
Ability: Advanced to Expert
Get the most out of your Bariloche ski trip with a fully guided resort & cat skiing tour. Stay at ski-in/out lodging at Cerro Catedral, Argentina's #1 resort, explore the small resort of Perito Morino & experience 2 days of cat skiing whilst staying in a mountain refugio. Join the tour as a solo or small group (max 6). Share
Price p/p Price based on 4 participants in group. Will be higher if only 2 or 3 attend and lower if 5 or 6 attend
Price current for 2023 ski season
Base/invoice currency is USD
Displayed rates might vary slightly due to exchange rate fluctuations.
USD 3,890
View Details
 Early bird- book by March 31. Price increase to 4,290 after March 31
See all Cat Skiing tours that visit Cerro Catedral here
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