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

Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Fresh snow, fewer crowds
Cerro Catedral Ski Resort
Best Time
Fresh snow, fewer crowds

Highlights
Must-see attractions
Argentina's premier ski resort, offering vast terrain, breathtaking Andean views, and a lively base village.
"Can’t beat the views at this place. Top of the mountain is gorgeous!!!!"
🎯 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!
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

Panoramic Mountain Views
Summit
Breathtaking vistas of the Andes and lakes, reminiscent of Alaska or Lake Tahoe.
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 of the resort
A lively hub with restaurants, shops, and a great atmosphere after a day on the slopes.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Beat the Crowds & Weather
Getting to the Slopes
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
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!
⬆️ Arrive Early for Lifts
Lines get crazy long, especially after pedestrians arrive. Head up the Amanay lift first!
My practical tips for Bariloche
Skiing @ Catedral Questions
🅿️ Parking Options
Free parking with shuttle available, or pay for prime spots. The road can be rough.
🐶 Befriend the Dogs
Local dogs roam the resort and are friendly companions on the mountain.
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!
⬆️ Arrive Early for Lifts
Lines get crazy long, especially after pedestrians arrive. Head up the Amanay lift first!
🅿️ Parking Options
Free parking with shuttle available, or pay for prime spots. The road can be rough.
🐶 Befriend the Dogs
Local dogs roam the resort and are friendly companions on the mountain.
☕ Restroom Strategy
Restrooms are scarce. Consider a coffee at McDonald's for access.
What Travellers Say
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
What People Dislike
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
🎫 🎫 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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
🎫 ⛷️ 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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
🍽️ 🍽️ 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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
📸 📸 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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
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.
💰 Budget Travelers
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.
📸 Photography Enthusiasts
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.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
Navigating Cerro Catedral: Lifts, Runs, and Snow
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.
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.
The Cerro Catedral Village Experience
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.
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.
Photography at Cerro Catedral: Capturing Patagonian Majesty
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.
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.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit