What to do

Skiing in Bariloche

The low peaks and scenic views make this area of Argentina make for a fantastic ski destination

Bariloche and the Lake District - Ice
Bariloche and the Lake District - Ice

Still, arguably, one of the skiing destinations in South America, the region around Bariloche and further north is an ideal destination for those looking for a bit of the white stuff. One of the great benefits of basing yourself in this area of Argentina is that the ski slopes of both Cerro Chapelco and Cerro Catedral are relatively low and so it is easily possible to sleep by the waterside and ski during the day.

Cerro Catedral

The Cerro Catedral offers probably the best skiing in the region and is located around a half an hour’s drive from the town of Bariloche. The peak itself is at 2,388m and so does offer a fairly wide range of slopes, from the more challenging at the top to the intermediate and beginner slopes, amongst the tree line, further down.

Due to its location one of the major benefits of skiing here is that, similar to Queenstown in New Zealand, you are offered outstanding views back to the lakes and hills of the Lake District, as you are skiing/boarding.

The resort itself is fairly busy during the main skiing months (from the middle of June through until the middle of October) but there are enough runs and lifts that it does not feel overcrowded.

Ski runs: 47
Standard: All levels, off-piste
Average temp: -5 to 10 Centigrade

Cerro Chapelco

Located to the north of Bariloche, just outside the town of San Martin de los Andes, Cerro Chapelco is slightly lower than Catedral, and also slightly smaller, but it still offers a great range for skiers. The main peak reaches around 1,920m, and, with a selection of 12 lifts, there are very few delays on the mountain.

The season on the mountain is the same as that of Catedral but, with fewer people, we tend to prefer this more intimate option if you are simply wanting to have a few days on the slopes. Remember, however, that it is a north facing resort and, as such, the snow is better earlier!!!

Ski runs: 22 – 3 black
Standard: All levels, off-piste, cross-country
Average temp: -5 to 0 Centigrade

When to go skiing in the Lake District:

  • NJan
  • NFeb
  • NMar
  • NApr
  • NMay
  • MJun
  • YJul
  • YAug
  • YSep
  • MOct
  • NNov
  • NDec
  •   = Yes   = No   = Maybe

    At a glance…The Lake district

  • Size: Approx 100,000 sq kms
  • Location: Mid-Western Argentina
  • Recommended time: 3 to 5 nights
  • Time to visit: Year round
  • Go here for: Outdoor activities, food & wine, skiing
  • Further reading...

  • › Villa la Angostura
  • › San Martin del Los Andes
  • › Bariloche
  • › What to do in the Lake District
  • Our Top Five Skiing Hotels in Bariloche and the Lake District:

    1. Llao Llao Resort and Spa - Lake view

      Llao Llao Resort and Spa

      The legend that is Llao Llao Resort and Spa is located on its own peninsular about 30 mins from the centre of town, surrounded by stunning national park and its own international golf course. To try and write a succinct summary of all that the hotel offers is not going to be possible in this short... More...

      Our rating:
      5
      User rating:
      4
      Price:
      5
    2. Luma Casa de Montana - External view

      Luma Casa de Montaña

      An eight-suite hotel just outside of Villa la Angostura, Luma is a family-run lakeside retreat in Argentina’s Lake District. With big airy suites looking out over the lake, homemade food and a menu that changes daily, Luma is a home from home and a tranquil base from which to explore the beautiful... More...

      Our rating:
      4
      User rating:
      4
      Price:
      4
    3. Correntoso Lake and River Hotel

      Correntoso Lake and River Hotel

      The Correntoso Lake and River Hotel is located right on the shores of the Nahuel Huapi Lake and offers a tranquil haven to rest and revitalise. Having been here for around 70 years, the hotel has a familiar feel to it, combining Beech and Lenga woods and plush leather and fabrics. The rooms have... More...

      Our rating:
      4
      User rating:
      4
      Price:
      4
    4. Hotel Cacique Inacayal

      Hotel Cacique Inacayal

      Situated at the edge of town, the Hotel Cacique Inacayal is probably our pick of the town hotels. Unlike hotels such as the Edelweiss, it is located right on the edge of the lake and so offers outstanding views. The rooms are all well designed and feature the sorts of amenities you would expect... More...

      Our rating:
      4
      User rating:
      3
      Price:
      2
    5. Hotel Edelweiss - Reception

      Hotel Edelweiss

      There is a certain feeling with many of the town hotels in Bariloche, that they cater more to the winter market rather than the summer market. This is evident in the Hotel Edelweiss. Arguably the best of the town hotels, the rooms are comfortable and well appointed on the whole. Similarly, they... More...

      Our rating:
      3
      User rating:
      3
      Price:
      2