Bariloche Ski Resort: What To Know
- Benjamin Locke
- May 1
- 8 min read
Updated: May 2
Bariloche isn’t just a world-class ski destination — it’s a refuge for chetos (loosely translated to "posh"). It offers some of the most out-of-this-world dining and travel experiences this planet has to offer. Want to ski some of the southern hemisphere’s best snow in the middle of July? Check. Sip world-renowned Malbec while savoring the best steak of your life? Double check. Below, we’ll break down how you can live your best life cheto-style — skiing, dining, and exploring Argentina in style.
Where is Bariloche?
Bariloche, officially known as San Carlos de Bariloche, is located in the Río Negro Province of Argentine Patagonia. It sits on the edge of Nahuel Huapi National Park, a vast nature reserve of glacial lakes, ancient forests, and dramatic peaks. In summer, Bariloche serves as a gateway for travelers heading to the southern tip of Argentina and Antarctic-bound cruises. But in winter, it transforms into Argentina’s premier destination for skiing and snow sports — just a two-hour flight from Buenos Aires.
Bariloche Ski Season
Bariloche’s ski season typically runs from late June through early October, with the peak months being July and August, especially around the Argentine winter holidays. Snow conditions vary by year, but the higher elevations at Cerro Catedral usually result in solid coverage, especially mid-season. August often brings the best combination of snow and sunshine. Though, make sure you steer away from late September and October when the town becomes flooded with freshly graduated high school students making their pilgrimage to Bariloche for some post-grad partying.
Looking to book Bariloche during peak season and before those high school graduates from flooding in to party?
Bariloche Ski Resorts
There are several ski and snow areas in the Bariloche region, but only one fully developed ski resort: Cerro Catedral. The others are smaller and better suited for sledding, snowshoeing, or scenic rides.
Cerro Catedral
Summit elevation: 2,180 meters / 7,152 feet
Base elevation: 1,030 meters / 3,379 feet
Vertical drop: 1,150 meters / 3,773 feet
Number of lifts: 34
Skiable terrain: 120+ kilometers
Cerro Catedral, known simply as “Catedral” to most, is the main ski resort in Bariloche. While we mention a few smaller spots below, if you’re coming here to ski, you’ll spend about 90% of your time around Catedral. Officially named Catedral Alta Patagonia, this is the beating heart of skiing in Argentina. With over 120 kilometers of trails and 30+ lifts, it’s the largest and most advanced ski resort in South America. The mountain offers a strong mix of beginner, intermediate, and advanced runs, plus massive off-piste and backcountry terrain that stretches deep into the surrounding wilderness.
Here’s a cheat sheet to Catedral’s main zones — where to ski depending on your mood, ability, and sense of adventure.
Set against the jagged peaks of the Andes and overlooking Lake Nahuel Huapi, Cerro Catedral blends unreal terrain with the classic Patagonian energy. The mountain is packed with long groomers, wide bowls, tree runs, and a serious amount of off-piste terrain. It draws everyone from local families and first-timers to backcountry die-hards chasing powder and chutes in La Laguna.
The infrastructure is strong, with modern lifts and a small base village that keeps growing each year. In fact, much of the infrastructure in Argentina is more along the lines of European standards than what you will find in other areas of Latin America.
Cerro Otto & Piedras Blancas
There are a couple of other areas in Bariloche worth mentioning. Just a few minutes from downtown Bariloche, Cerro Otto offers a snowy mountain experience that’s more about fun and views than serious skiing. It’s not a ski resort in the traditional sense, but it’s a favorite for sightseeing, snowshoeing, and casual winter activities. At the top, there’s a rotating café with panoramic views of Lake Nahuel Huapi, plus a network of trails for walking and playing in the snow.
Tucked into the same mountain is Piedras Blancas, a snow park built on Otto’s slopes that’s famous for its long toboggan runs and tubing tracks. It’s a full-on playground in the snow, no skis required. Kids love it, and honestly, adults do too, although they might be loath to admit it. You can rent gear on-site, take a quick lift up, and slide down winding chutes carved through the forest. It's a cool add-on want more variety and activities for non-skiers.
The Bariloche Ski Experience
Skiing in Bariloche, especially at Cerro Catedral, is also about soaking in the scenery, settling into the rhythm of a slower day, and finding beauty in the little things. Argentinians love to keep things a bit more relaxed, so the vibe is chilled out, or "muy tranquilo" as they say. Below are the important aspects to note.
On-mountain dining
Food on the mountain is casual, hearty, and hits the spot after a long morning of skiing. One of the best places to grab lunch is Refugio Lynch, located high on the mountain near the upper lifts. The food isn’t fancy, think lentil stew, homemade empanadas, or a giant plate of milanesa with fries, but the views are unreal. El Barrilete is a great stop for pizzas or sandwiches, and La Roca, mid-mountain, near the gondola, has outdoor seating and hot meals, think grilled meats (parilla), pastas and wine.
Ski rentals, ski lessons, and guides
Renting gear and lining up lessons at Cerro Catedral is refreshingly easy. Most rental shops are clustered right at the base, including spots like Extreme Sport Bariloche, Catedral Ski Rental, and La Base Rent Ski, all offering full setups with skis, boards, boots, and helmets. Gear quality is solid, pricing is reasonable, and many shops allow overnight storage. On the instruction side, Escuela Catedral runs group and private lessons for all levels, and Ski School Patagonia offers more personalized, often English-speaking instruction. For those eyeing the backcountry, especially zones like La Laguna Club Andino Bariloche connects skiers with expert local guides who know every hidden line.
Looking for a guide that can take you not only up and down Bariloche but also some of the adjacent untouched peaks in the Andes?
Where to stay
Bariloche gives you two great home bases for a ski trip, either in the city itself or right at the base of Cerro Catedral. Staying in town means easy access to restaurants, nightlife, lake views, and a more cultural and well-rounded experience. Staying in Catedral on the other hand, means that you have way easier access to the slopes and the activity you came to Bariloche for, the skiing.
5-star accommodations
The top luxury option is Llao Llao Resort, the only 5-star, Virtuoso-affiliated hotel in the region. It sits about 30 minutes from Cerro Catedral, but it more than makes up for the distance with its lakeside setting, mountain views, and indoor spa setting.If you want to stay a bit closer to town, El Casco Art Hotel offers boutique elegance with curated art throughout the property, while Alma del Lago brings a full-service spa and indoor pool right to the lake’s edge. Lirolay Suites, while more intimate, combines 5-star service with rustic-chic design and private terraces overlooking the water, great for couples seeking a quiet, upscale vibe. Just outside of town, Arelauquen Lodge, part of Marriott’s Tribute Portfolio, offers a golf-club-meets-mountain-lodge setting with a refined, low-key atmosphere.
At Cerro Catedral, the luxury offering is Club Hotel Catedral, a ski-in/ski-out stay with large rooms, spa services, and an unbeatable location. It’s not overly flashy, but it delivers where it counts: space, comfort, and proximity to the snow.
Mid-level accommodation
For something comfortable but less spendy in Bariloche, Design Suites has sleek rooms, big windows, and quick access to downtown. Hotel Cacique Inacayal, right on the lake, is another strong option with a reliable breakfast and a warm, welcoming feel. If you're staying slope-side at Catedral, Galileo Boutique Hotel offers cozy alpine charm, fireplaces, and kitchenettes, great for families or longer stays. Hotel Punta Condor is more no-frills, but it checks all the right boxes: hot tubs, hearty breakfasts, and lifts just a short walk away.
Bariloche Apres Ski
Restaurants and Dining in Bariloche
Bariloche doesn't just serve up scenery — it delivers in the food department, too. Alto el Fuego is the parrilla everyone talks about, a warm and simple shrine to the art of Argentine grilling. If it’s your first time in Argentina, make this your steak night. For something buzzy and casual, Cervecería Manush draws a lively crowd with burgers, beer flights, and hearty Patagonian dishes — the kind of place where one round easily turns into three. When it’s time to slow down and savor the view, Il Gabbiano offers upscale Italian classics and fresh pastas, with front-row views of Lake Nahuel Huapi.
*If you really want to dine like a local, don't eat dinner before 9:00 PM — it's Argentina after all.
Bars, Clubs, and Nightlife in Bariloche
Bariloche doesn’t really do flashy après, but it nails cozy and atmospheric. After the lifts close, you’ll find people lingering at Mute Catedral, where the music and energy pick up on weekends. For a quieter vibe, El Living del Skioffers a fireplace, good wine, and a chill place to relive the day's runs.
Back in town, the real après scene crackles at Cervecería Patagonia — just a short drive away — where lakeside beers and endless sunset views make it hard to leave.
Health & wellness in Bariloche
The ski days can be long here, and your legs will thank you for a little post-slope recovery. Llao Llao Resort & Spa sets the tone with a full wellness center that includes lake-view jacuzzis, saunas, massages, and even yoga with panoramic mountain backdrops. It’s luxury without the attitude. If you’re looking for something more low-key, Refugio del Lago Spa offers a quieter, more local spot just outside the city. There, hot tubs and steam rooms sit just steps from the shore, and the vibe is mellow, not corporate.
How to get to Bariloche
Getting to Bariloche by Air
Bariloche is served by Teniente Luis Candelaria International Airport (BRC), which has multiple daily flights from Buenos Aires, as well as seasonal service from other Argentine cities like Mendoza and El Calafate. The airport is located about 30–35 minutes by car from Cerro Catedral and 20–25 minutes from Bariloche’s city center.
Buenos Aires (AEP or EZE) to Bariloche (BRC)
Distance: Roughly 1,600 kilometers
Flight Time: About 2 hours and 15 minutes Transfer
Options: Flights run regularly from both Aeroparque Jorge Newbery (AEP, domestic) and Ezeiza International (EZE). Once at BRC, it’s a 30–40 minute drive to Cerro Catedral and about 20 minutes to Bariloche city center.
Santiago, Chile (SCL) to Bariloche (BRC)
Distance: Approximately 850 kilometers
Flight Time: Around 1.5 hours (limited availability)
Transfer Options: Seasonal or charter flights only; otherwise, fly to Buenos Aires first and connect.
El Calafate (FTE) to Bariloche (BRC)
Distance: Around 1,000 kilometers
Flight Time: Roughly 1 hour and 40 minutes
Transfer Options: Great for Patagonia loop travelers. Daily flights offered by Aerolíneas Argentinas.
Getting to Bariloche by Bus
Long-distance buses are a common way to travel in Argentina and can be surprisingly comfortable. There are overnight options with fully reclining seats, meal service, and rest stops.
Buenos Aires to Bariloche by bus Travel Time: 22 to 24 hours. Transfer Notes: Buses leave from Retiro Terminal and arrive at Bariloche's main station. This option is budget-friendly but time-consuming.
Getting to Bariloche by Car
For those planning to explore Patagonia beyond skiing, renting a car can offer flexibility. The drive from Buenos Aires is long but scenic, around 20+ hours by road. Most travelers who drive to Bariloche are coming from nearby towns like Villa La Angostura, San Martín de los Andes, or El Bolsón, all within 1–4 hours.
FAQ
What’s the best month to ski in Bariloche?
August is the sweet spot. Snowpack is solid, days are longer, and the holiday crowds taper off toward the end of the month. In September and October, all of the high school students go to Bariloche to celebrate graduation, so make sure to book before!
Can you ski year-round in Bariloche?
Bariloche’s ski season runs from late June through early October. Outside of that, the area is better for hiking, biking, and lake activities.
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