Cerro Catedral Ski Resort - Hike on Feb 24, 2024: Sheregesh (Kemerovo Region, Russia)
1 / 10

Cerro Catedral Ski Resort

4.6
·19k reviews·San Carlos de Bariloche, Argentina

Argentina's premier ski resort, offering vast terrain, breathtaking Andean views, and a lively base village.

Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Social content

Social

From TikTok & Reddit

Best Time

Early July

Fresh snow, fewer crowds

CrowdLow
Loading map...
Cerro Catedral Ski Resort - Hike on Feb 24, 2024: Sheregesh (Kemerovo Region, Russia)

Cerro Catedral Ski Resort

Best Time

Early July

Fresh snow, fewer crowds

CrowdLow
Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Argentina's premier ski resort, offering vast terrain, breathtaking Andean views, and a lively base village.

4.6
(19k reviews)

"Can’t beat the views at this place. Top of the mountain is gorgeous!!!!"

Vertical photo
TIP

🎯 Download the App

Get live updates on open runs, lifts, and wait times. Essential for planning your day!

⬆️ Arrive Early for Lifts

Lines get crazy long, especially after pedestrians arrive. Head up the Amanay lift first!

Third hero image

Highlights

Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

Panoramic Mountain Views

Panoramic Mountain Views

Summit

Breathtaking vistas of the Andes and lakes, reminiscent of Alaska or Lake Tahoe.

Varied Skiing Terrain

Varied Skiing Terrain

Throughout the resort

Wide, interesting runs for all levels, with a large beginner area and off-piste potential.

Base Village Charm

Base Village Charm

Base of the resort

A lively hub with restaurants, shops, and a great atmosphere after a day on the slopes.

Your AI travel agent

Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you

Start Chatting

Planning Your Visit

Beat the Crowds & Weather

Mid-August can be peak season with crowds and potential for unpredictable Patagonian weather. Plan your visit to avoid school holidays if possible. Check the snow report daily, as wind can close lifts.

Getting to the Slopes

While free parking and shuttles are available, the road to the resort can be challenging. Consider paid parking for convenience or factor in the walk from free lots. The village offers amenities, but restrooms can be scarce.

Best Times

When
Early July
Why
Fresh snow, fewer crowds
Crowd
Low
When
Late August
Why
Good snow, potential for fewer crowds
Crowd
Medium
When
Weekdays
Why
Avoid weekend rush
Crowd
Medium

Insider Tips

from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit

reddit.com

Any advice on skiing in Argentina (Bariloche)?

🎯 Download the App

Get live updates on open runs, lifts, and wait times. Essential for planning your day! Reddit

⬆️ Arrive Early for Lifts

Lines get crazy long, especially after pedestrians arrive. Head up the Amanay lift first! Reddit

reddit.com

My practical tips for Bariloche

reddit.com

Skiing @ Catedral Questions

🅿️ Parking Options

Free parking with shuttle available, or pay for prime spots. The road can be rough. Reddit

🐶 Befriend the Dogs

Local dogs roam the resort and are friendly companions on the mountain. Reddit

reddit.com

Argentina Snowboard fam! Question!

Tips

from all over the internet

🎯 Download the App

Get live updates on open runs, lifts, and wait times. Essential for planning your day! Reddit

⬆️ Arrive Early for Lifts

Lines get crazy long, especially after pedestrians arrive. Head up the Amanay lift first! Reddit

🅿️ Parking Options

Free parking with shuttle available, or pay for prime spots. The road can be rough. Reddit

🐶 Befriend the Dogs

Local dogs roam the resort and are friendly companions on the mountain. Reddit

☕ Restroom Strategy

Restrooms are scarce. Consider a coffee at McDonald's for access. Reddit

What Travellers Say

4.6
(19k reviews)

Reviews Summary

Visitors rave about the absolutely spectacular views from the summit, often comparing them to Alaska or Lake Tahoe. The resort offers varied and interesting skiing terrain suitable for all levels, with a large beginner area. However, the mountain can get very crowded, leading to long lift lines, and snow quality varies between the base and the top.

"Can’t beat the views at this place. Top of the mountain is gorgeous!!!! Reminds me of Lake Tahoe or Alaska. The mountain definitely gets crowded and the lines can get long. The snow at the top is much better than the snow at the bottom. There is a free parking lot with a bus shuttle. You can also pay to park in the front which is 3,500 pesos. The village is cool to walk around and grab food. Recommend going to the restaurant at the top. It’s usually a wait to get a table but great views up there with good food."

Abigail Adamek

"This is a great location for varied and interesting skiing for those coming from the Northern Hemisphere, but a few words of caution:

The good bits
- Stunning setting with view of the high Andes and the local lakes; it is breathtaking
- A lot of wide, interesting skiing
- A number of fast lifts
- New snow cannons ensured a way home by skis
- Lots of potential for off-piste
- Some really nice restaurants in resort
- People are friendly and seem very genuine
- We mad friends with the local dogs who roam around the resort and the mountain.

The not-so-good bits:
- We had mixed weather (which is not the ski lift company's fault) and still enjoyed ourselves though; in Patagonia, as the locals say, the weather changes very quickly.
- Some new lifts are slow, making queues for the fast ones
- Snow making needs extending (only one home run was open whilst we were here)
- The road to resort (which we had to walk on with ski boots) is not a pleasant experience and feels unsafe: the mud and rock 'pavement' is often parked on by cars, so you have to dice with death and avoid the coaches whizzing by as you tread on the asphalt"

Gary Wannan

"Catedral is the biggest ski resort in Argentina by all standards: skiable area, infrastructure and runs. It gets packed and wind conditions tends to close a few of the lifts. Still, it’s a great place for skiers of all levels, having the biggest beginners area in the country as well. And more recently they have invested in a few snow cannons on that area that allow all-season snow to practice. Runs are good, long enough even though the off piste terrain is not that challenging or allowing."

Paulo Puglisi

What People Like

Spectacular summit views
Varied ski terrain
Friendly local dogs

What People Dislike

Crowded slopes
Long lift lines
Variable snow quality

Frequently Asked Questions

🚇 🗺️ Getting There

You can drive to Cerro Catedral, which is about a 30-40 minute drive from Bariloche. There's a free parking lot, but it can fill up, and a paid option is available. Alternatively, public buses run regularly from Bariloche to the resort base. Some visitors mention the road can be a bit rough and the walk from free parking can be challenging with ski boots. Reddit

Yes, public buses operate from Bariloche to Cerro Catedral. This is a convenient option if you don't want to drive or worry about parking. Check local bus schedules for the most up-to-date information. Reddit

Cerro Catedral offers both free and paid parking. The free lot is further from the main lifts and may require a walk. Paid parking is closer to the base village. Be aware that the road leading to the resort can be uneven. Reddit

Some reviews mention the road can be challenging, with mud and rocks, and cars often parked on the side, forcing pedestrians close to traffic. Coaches also use this route. It's advisable to drive cautiously or opt for bus transport. Reddit

Yes, you can walk from the free parking lot. However, be prepared for a potentially uneven path and the need to navigate around parked cars and traffic, especially with ski boots on. Reddit

🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry

Lift tickets can typically be purchased at the resort's ticket windows. It's also advisable to check the official Cerro Catedral website or their app for online purchase options, which can sometimes offer discounts or allow you to skip lines. Reddit

Lift ticket prices vary depending on the season and duration of your visit. It's best to check the official Cerro Catedral website or their app for the most current pricing for daily passes, multi-day passes, and any potential discounts. Reddit

Discounts may be available for multi-day passes, children, seniors, or during specific promotional periods. Keep an eye on the official Cerro Catedral website and their app for any announced deals or season pass information. Reddit

The ski season at Cerro Catedral typically runs from June to October, but exact dates can vary based on snow conditions. Early season (June) might have limited runs open, while late season (September/October) can offer good snow but potentially fewer open lifts. Reddit

While not always mandatory, booking your Cerro Catedral lift tickets in advance, especially during peak season or holidays, is highly recommended to secure your spot and potentially get better rates. This also helps avoid long queues at the ticket office. Reddit

🎫 ⛷️ Onsite Experience

Snow quality can vary significantly from the base to the summit. The top of the mountain generally offers better snow conditions, while the lower slopes can be icier or slushier, especially later in the day. Snow cannons are used to supplement natural snow. Reddit

Yes, Cerro Catedral boasts the largest beginner area in Argentina, with dedicated magic carpet lifts and well-groomed slopes like Princesa and Evento. Snow cannons ensure practice areas are available even with limited natural snow. Reddit

Cerro Catedral can get very crowded, especially during peak season, weekends, and school holidays. Arriving early is crucial to avoid long lift lines, particularly for popular lifts like Amanay. Reddit

While some new lifts are fast, others can be slow, leading to queues for the faster ones. The Amanay lift is mentioned as one that can get very busy. The resort has a mix of lift types to access its extensive terrain. Reddit

Information on Wi-Fi availability is limited, but it's advisable to download the Catedral App for offline access to trail maps and lift status. Consider purchasing a local SIM card for reliable connectivity. Reddit

🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining

Yes, there are several restaurants in the base village and at the top of the mountain. The restaurant at the summit offers great views and good food, though it can be busy. The village provides various dining options. Reddit

The restaurant at the top of Cerro Catedral is praised for its great views and good food. Be prepared for a potential wait for a table, but the experience is generally considered worthwhile. Reddit

While there are dining options, some can be pricey. The village offers a range of choices. For a quick and affordable option, some visitors suggest heading to McDonald's, though this is primarily for restroom access. Reddit

Bringing your own snacks and drinks is generally a good idea to save money, especially if you plan to spend a full day on the mountain. There are no specific restrictions mentioned against it. Reddit

You can expect a mix of international and local cuisine at the restaurants. Options range from casual cafe fare in the village to more substantial meals at the mountain-top restaurant. Reddit

📸 📸 Photography

The summit offers spectacular panoramic views of the Andes and surrounding lakes, making it a prime photography location. The base village also provides charming shots with the mountain backdrop. Reddit

Early morning or late afternoon often provide the best light for photography, with softer shadows and warmer hues. The dramatic mountain landscapes are stunning in various lighting conditions. Reddit

Yes, the friendly local dogs are often seen around the resort and on the mountain. They can make for unique and memorable photo subjects, but always approach them respectfully. Reddit

The top of the mountain is consistently mentioned for its breathtaking views. Look for designated viewpoints or simply find a clear spot with an unobstructed panorama of the landscape. Reddit

A wide-angle lens is excellent for capturing the expansive mountain vistas. If you plan on telephoto shots of distant peaks or wildlife, bring a zoom lens. Consider a durable camera bag to protect your gear from the elements. Reddit

For Different Travelers

Tailored advice for your travel style

👨‍👩‍👧 Families with Kids

Cerro Catedral is a fantastic choice for families, boasting the largest beginner area in Argentina. This dedicated space, complete with magic carpets and snow cannons, ensures that even the youngest or most novice skiers can learn and practice in a safe and fun environment. The resort's accessibility and the availability of varied terrain mean that parents and children can enjoy skiing together. Reddit

Practical tips for families include arriving early to avoid long queues, especially for lifts that access beginner areas. Consider the paid parking for easier access to the base village, where amenities are more concentrated. While dining can be expensive, packing snacks and drinks can help manage costs. The friendly atmosphere and the unique charm of the local dogs might also be a hit with younger visitors. Reddit

💰 Budget Travelers

For budget-conscious travelers heading to Cerro Catedral, strategic planning is key. While lift tickets are a significant expense, look for multi-day passes or potential early/late season discounts on the official website. Utilizing the free parking and shuttle service can save money compared to paid options, though factor in the potential walk. Reddit

Food costs can be managed by packing your own lunches, snacks, and drinks. While the village and summit restaurants offer convenience and views, they come at a premium. Consider utilizing the McDonald's for restroom access rather than purchasing multiple coffees if you're on a tight budget. Exploring accommodation options in Bariloche town and commuting via bus can also be more economical than staying directly at the resort. Reddit

📸 Photography Enthusiasts

Photographers will find Cerro Catedral to be an absolute dream. The summit offers unparalleled panoramic views of the Andes and lakes, providing a dramatic and awe-inspiring backdrop. Aim for the golden hours of sunrise and sunset for the most magical light, which will enhance the textures and colors of the landscape. Reddit

Don't forget to explore the base village for charming architectural shots against the mountain. The resort's unique character, including the friendly local dogs, offers opportunities for candid and memorable photos. A wide-angle lens is essential for capturing the vastness, and a telephoto lens can be useful for distant details. Be prepared for changing weather conditions, which can add to the dramatic photographic potential. Reddit

Deep Dives

In-depth insights and expert knowledge

Navigating Cerro Catedral: Lifts, Runs, and Snow

Cerro Catedral is the largest ski resort in Argentina, offering a vast skiable area with 38 lifts and 1,480 acres of terrain. The resort caters to all skill levels, featuring the country's biggest beginner area, enhanced with snow cannons for consistent practice conditions. While many runs are wide and interesting, some newer lifts can be slow, leading to queues for faster ones. The snow quality is generally better at the higher elevations, with the summit providing stunning views and superior conditions compared to the base. Wind can be a factor, occasionally leading to lift closures, so checking the daily snow report is crucial. Reddit

For those seeking off-piste adventures, Cerro Catedral offers potential, though some find the terrain not as challenging as in other resorts. The resort has invested in snow-making capabilities, ensuring a 'home run' by skis is often possible, even with variable natural snowfall. The Catedral App is an invaluable tool for visitors, providing real-time updates on open runs, lift status, and estimated wait times, helping you maximize your time on the mountain. Reddit

When planning your ski days, remember that mid-August can be a peak period, leading to significant crowds. Weekdays are generally less busy than weekends. The resort's infrastructure is extensive, but managing expectations regarding lift queues and snow conditions, especially during early or late season, is key to a positive experience. Reddit

The Cerro Catedral Village Experience

The base village at Cerro Catedral is more than just a starting point; it's a vibrant hub offering a range of amenities and a lively atmosphere. Here, you can find various restaurants, cafes, and shops, providing options for refueling and après-ski activities. The village is a great place to explore after a day on the slopes, offering a different perspective of the resort's charm.

Dining options range from casual eateries to more formal restaurants. While the restaurant at the summit is renowned for its spectacular views and good food, it can get crowded, so planning your visit or being prepared for a wait is advisable. For those on a budget, bringing your own snacks is a practical tip, as resort dining can add up. Some visitors even suggest a quick stop at McDonald's for a coffee, which conveniently grants access to a restroom, a scarce commodity in some parts of the resort. Reddit

Beyond dining, the village provides a sense of community. You might even make friends with the local dogs that roam the resort and mountain, adding a unique touch to your experience. The overall vibe of the village contributes to the overall appeal of Cerro Catedral, making it a well-rounded destination for skiers and snowboarders. Reddit

Photography at Cerro Catedral: Capturing Patagonian Majesty

Cerro Catedral offers a photographer's paradise, with its dramatic Patagonian landscapes providing endless opportunities for stunning shots. The most iconic views are found at the summit, where you're treated to breathtaking panoramas of the high Andes and the shimmering lakes below. These vistas are often compared to the grandeur of Alaska or Lake Tahoe, offering a truly awe-inspiring backdrop for any photograph. Reddit

For the best photographic results, consider visiting during the 'golden hours' – early morning or late afternoon. The soft, warm light at these times can dramatically enhance the textures and colors of the mountains, creating a more dramatic and evocative image. The base village also presents charming photographic opportunities, with its rustic architecture set against the imposing mountain range. Don't forget to capture the unique character of the resort, including the friendly local dogs that often wander the slopes. Reddit

When packing your gear, a wide-angle lens is highly recommended to encompass the vastness of the scenery. If you're interested in capturing distant peaks or wildlife, a telephoto lens would be beneficial. Ensure your equipment is protected from the elements, as mountain weather can be unpredictable. The combination of accessible viewpoints and spectacular natural beauty makes Cerro Catedral a dream destination for photographers. Reddit

You may also like