In Argentina’s Patagonia, where the Andes meet the sky and the deep blue of Lake Nahuel Huapi, stands Cerro Catedral — the largest and most established ski resort in South America. Located within Nahuel Huapi National Park, and just outside the city of Bariloche, Catedral is both a sporting destination and a cultural landmark, blending tradition, scale, and natural grandeur.
Visitors arrive via Teniente Luis Candelaria International Airport, a short drive from the resort. Seasonal flights connect Bariloche with Buenos Aires, Chile, and Brazil. For the adventurous, an overland journey via Puerto Varasoffers a breathtaking route across the Chilean and Argentine lake districts — a crossing of two national parks shadowed by ancient volcanoes.
Founded in 1938, Cerro Catedral rises from a base altitude of 1,030 metres to a summit at 2,180 metres. Its vast skiable area — 1,200 hectares served by 27 lifts — offers a landscape as varied as the skiers who visit.
Here, 58 runs cater to every ability, from beginners testing their first turns in the Play Park to seasoned freeriders carving untouched snow beyond the boundaries.
Freestyle enthusiasts gather at the Nubes Snowpark, a dedicated 3,000-square-metre zone where jumps, rails, and aerial tricks meet panoramic views. Nordic skiing also claims its place: a certified 2.5-kilometre cross-country trail hosts national and international competitions.
With over a dozen ski and snowboard schools — staffed by multilingual instructors — Catedral offers private and group lessons for all ages and skill levels. Programs include full and half-day experiences, equipment, meals, and certification.
Intermediate skiers can join the Snow Tour, guided across the mountain’s iconic landscapes and remote shelters, while non-skiers ascend via the Amancay gondola to admire sweeping views of lakes, peaks, and forested valleys. Snowshoe expeditions, led by local guides, offer a quiet and authentic way to explore the lenga woods and alpine scenery.
Catedral’s après-ski scene reflects the variety and charm of Patagonia. At La Roca, perched at 1,800 metres, guests enjoy European-Patagonian cuisine — trout, lamb, tapas — alongside pastries and artisanal cakes. Its terrace opens onto one of the most remarkable vistas in the region: Lake Gutiérrez framed by distant peaks.
Higher up the slopes, alpine huts like Cabaña 1600, Punta Nevada, and El Cabo serve mountain classics — grilled meats, stews, pizzas — some accompanied by live music during the high season. For panoramic grandeur, Punta Princesa and Refugio Lynch offer warming soups and views of Cerro Tronador’s 3,491-metre summit.
A visit to Cerro Catedral naturally leads to Bariloche, a city known for its chocolate artisans, tea rooms, craft breweries, and lively nightlife. The town balances Alpine charm with Argentine warmth — a cultural meeting point for travellers from across the continent.
Cerro Catedral is not simply the largest ski resort in the Southern Hemisphere — it is a cornerstone of Patagonia’s winter heritage, where sport, nature, and culture converge in an atmosphere of authentic Alpine spirit.
