Cerro Catedral Alta Patagonia Ski Resort
Overview
Catedral Alta Patagonia resort, near Bariloche in Argentina’s Lake District, is South America’s most developed ski resort and the only resort with a full-service base village. Catedral is known for deep powder, excellent tree skiing and easily accessed off-piste terrain. And, although the resort’s location and lower elevation means the base area can be patchy, the resort has invested in snowmaking equipment and added or modernized lifts to the upper limits at 7,000+ feet.
Where Is Catedral Alta Patagonia Ski Resort Located?
The nearest airport to the ski resort is San Carlos de Bariloche (BRC) in Argentina. It’s about 30 minutes by car between the resort and the airport. The resort is 12 miles from the city of Bariloche. A bus service is available between the bus station at the ski resort, but you will need a smart card to ride the bus, which can be obtained from your hotel. Based on long bus lines, visitors should also consider renting a car.
Inside Scoop
The ski school, Escuela de Esqui Alta Patagonia, has classes for skiers and boarders ages 3 and up. There is also a slopeside nursery. The longest descent you can do at Catedral Alta Patagonia is 9 kilometers. The resort has snowmaking with 50 snow cannons on 20 kilometers of its runs.
This is South America’s oldest ski resort, having opened in 1938, and Bariloche is the only true “ski town” in Argentina. The Toronto Star newspaper called this resort the world’s number two ski resort after Aspen, Colorado. Catedral Alta Patagonia also goes by the name Cerro Catedral. The best time to ski in this area is later in the season, especially in August.
Beginner skiers can get access to lower prices, and seniors ages 70 and older can ski for free. Intermediate and advanced skiers will find the best terrain near the back of the resort, including La Laguna. Equipment rental is available. Prices of Catedral Alta Patagonia are typically half that of U.S. ski resorts despite a recent increase in prices. Heliski is also available here.
Restaurants
Breakfast
- Located on the slopes, La Roca has amazing views and traditional dishes. Piedra del Cóndor 390, San Carlos de Bariloche, Río Negro, Argentina
Lunch
- Kuntsmann is great for visitors on a budget. It’s known for its amazing variety of food, desserts and beer. Av. Exequiel Bustillo 7966, R8402AFN San Carlos de Bariloche, Río Negro, Argentina
Dinner
- Cozy and relaxed, El Living Del Almacén serves up the comfort food that you need after your day on the slopes. Del Bajo 535, San Carlos de Bariloche, Río Negro, Argentina
Après/Nightlife
- Berlina KM/12 is located in a stylish building with exposed beams. As a brewpub, it serves up a variety of beers, pizzas and more. Av. Exequiel Bustillo 11750, R8400 San Carlos de Bariloche, Río Negro, Argentina
Best Time for Snow
Average Snowfall
38"
24"
16"
8"
0.9"
15"
Jun
32"
Jul
25"
Aug
14"
Sep
0.9"
Oct
Terrain Overview
Beginners Runs
4%
Intermediate Runs
51%
Advanced Runs
33%
Expert Runs
13%
Runs in Total
55
Longest Run
5.6 mi
Skiable Terrain
74.6 mi
Snow Making
10 ac
Total Lifts: 29
Gondolas & Trams
2
High Speed Sixes
1
Quad Chairs
3
Triple Chairs
3
Double Chairs
12
Surface Lifts
8
Elevation
Base
3379'
Summit
7152'
Vertical Drop
3773'
Important Dates
June 06, 20252025/06/06
Projected Opening
September 29, 20252025/09/29
Projected Closing
115
Projected Days Open
N.A.
Days Open Last Year
81
Years Open
20"
Average Snowfall
Contact Information
Cerro Catedral Alta Patagonia
Gran Catedral Paraguay 783
Bariloche, Argentina
Argentina
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