Cerro Catedral Travel Guide

One of Argentina's most popular ski resorts, Cerro Catedral is located in the Nahuel Huapi National Park in Patagonia, just eight miles (13 km) from the scenic city of Bariloche in the Andes Mountain Range. The resort offers incredible views over Nahuel Huapi Lake and the nearby city of Bariloche, which is known for its hiking, climbing, chocolate shops and natural beauty.

Bariloche is unmatched among Argentine ski destinations when it comes to nightlife, restaurants and entertainment. Cerro Catedral features 600 hectares (1,482 acres) of skiable terrain, with 57 runs suited to all skill levels and 27 lifts. It's considered one of the best ski resorts in South America. Bariloche is also home to a well-connected airport, making access to Cerro Catedral fairly simple, especially for families traveling with children.

Shopping

Travellers can visit Las Terrazas, a small commercial centre in Cerro Catedral with around 50 shops offering everything from ski gear and sports equipment to clothing and souvenirs. The Amancay Paseo Plaza is another place to browse for gifts or essentials. For a wider selection, visitors can take a local bus or shuttle into Bariloche, where they'll find a much larger variety of shops and boutiques. While in town, it's worth stopping by a few of the chocolate shops, as Bariloche is considered the chocolate capital of Argentina.

Restaurants

There are several casual restaurants and coffee shops at Cerro Catedral, with a larger restaurant located in the Amancay Paseo Plaza. For more variety, food lovers should head into Bariloche, where there are options ranging from fast food to high-end dining. Familia Weiss is a popular local spot offering a wide menu and a children's section, while Cervecería Blest serves hearty meals along with a selection of local craft beers.

Nightlife

While the base of Cerro Catedral has a few après-ski spots, most of the nightlife happens in Bariloche. Fortunately, it's easy to reach from the resort. Visitors can head to the city centre for drinks, live music, or just a relaxed evening with views of the lake and mountains. For those looking to dance, Grisu is a well-known nightclub with several floors of music. Bariloche also has a few casinos, offering gaming and live entertainment in the evening.

Holiday activities

In winter, Cerro Catedral is best known for snow sports such as skiing, snowboarding, snowshoeing, and tubing, with the season typically running from June to October. In summer, both the resort and the Bariloche area become popular for outdoor adventures. Warm-weather activities include hiking, mountain biking, fishing and climbing. Visitors also enjoy relaxing at local beaches such as Playa Bonita or Villa Tacul, or taking a swim in the lake.

Any negatives?

As Argentina's most visited ski resort, Cerro Catedral can get very busy during the winter season, especially in July during school holidays. Travellers should plan accordingly to avoid long lines or book early to secure accommodations.