Bariloche Catedral Mountain ski resort - Argentina

South America's first ski resort, developed since the 1930's, Catedral has grown to become the largest single mountain resort in South America, offering a huge 1130m vertical drop, amazing lake views over Lake Nahual Huapi, plus a complete terrain mix from chutes to powder bowls to open groomed runs and tree lines.

Bariloche is located 1600km south of Buenos Aires, a further 2 hour local flight from Buenos Aires will get you there. 

Find out more about Catedral Mountain resort

• Accommodation in Catedral Mountain Village
• Resort stats
• Getting to Catedral Mountain Village 
• Catedral Mountain trail map
• Other useful information, including nightlife, food, weather, and money, in Catedral Mountain
• GET A QUOTE on ski or snowboard holidays in Catedral Mountain

Cathedral Mountain	Mountain Village

 Catedral Mountain resort statistics

Catedral Mountain offers a huge variety of terrain mostly suited to intermediate and advanced skiers and boarders, but there are some beginner areas within the resort. With a skiable area over 1600 hectares, it's all hooked up by a 40 lift network that includes 3 express lifts and more capacity than all Argentina's other ski resorts put together. There are various different lift levels too, so if it's not open top-to-bottom there is still plenty of varied skiing and boarding available.

For a break from skiing there are lots of local tours and activities on offer here at the gateway to Patagonia, Argentina's Outback.

Terrain

Beginner - 30%
Intermediate -40%
Advanced - 30% + off piste

Resort operations

Over 20 mountain restaurants are scattered around when you need a break. One of which includes the home of the best steak sandwich that will ever pass your lips!

Resort facilities include various ski and snowboard schools, child care and kids club, ski and snowboard rental, nordic skiing, repairs and tuning, and first aid centre. And for off mountain activities theres snowmobiles and quad bikes, shopping outlets and shopping mall, restaurants and bars, and tourist information centre.

There is a terrain park within the resort, complete with its own triple chair, and natural half pipe!

Network of 40 Lifts including:
1 Cable car
10 double chairs
1 six-person chair
1 Combined chair (quad and double)
2 quad chairs
3 triple chairs
10 single T-bars
2 double T-bars
7 single rope lifts
1 quad cable car

Mountain facts:

Season June ~ October
Snowfall - 6 metres
Lift Base Altitude - 100m
Peak Altitude - 2180 m
Vertical Drop -  m
Longest run -  6.5 klms
Lifts Open - 9.30 a.m.
Lifts Close - 4.30 p.m.
lifts (incl express 6, express quad, express gondola)
Mountain restaurants - Yes
Half pipe - Yes
Terrain park - Yes

Lift Passes

Your lift pass will cover all lifts in Catedral Mountain and there are two systems that operate on the mountain - the weekly proximity passes can be placed in a left side pocket (sleeve pocket is good), and this will trigger the scan reader as you pass through the barriers to the lift. Shorter duration passes are 'card readable' and should be tied onto the left side pocket ready to pop in out and insert in the card reader on entry to the lifts.

Village Facilities

• All accommodation offered is within a short walk from main lifts accessing Catedral Mountain
• From the mountain village of Catedral, shuttle buses run regularly throughout the day and early evening to and from Bariloche town. Taxis are also readily available and are in-expensive.
• Boutique shops and souvenirs
• Numerous Bars, Restaurants and night clubs.
• Ski and snowboard rental available
• Ski and snowboard stores
• 12 Ski and snowboard schools
• Repairs and tuning
• Coffee Shops
• Internet cafes
• Child minding services

Nightlife in Bariloche

Argentinean nightlife is something to be experienced, and Bariloche offers some of the best! In the actual village there are one or two great bars that are perfect for your afternoon apre drink. For the more adventurous, you need to hit Bariloche town - here you will find some great clubs, pubs and bars - but be warned - they open late and close in the wee hours of the morning! 

Food

The food in Argentina is something to be believed - some of the best steaks you will ever eat! And it is very in-expensive. A typical meal in a restaurant consisting of entree, main and dessert should set you back no more than $30 per person. Argentina is famous for its wines, and the beer is always free flowing.

In Catedral Mountain Village, there is a variety of coffee shops and restaurants but you have a better selection in downtown Bariloche. Be sure to go to one of the Brewery's AND an Argentinean steak house!

Bariloche is also know as the chocolate capitol of Argentina - and for the sweet tooths out there, you will not be disappointed!

Weather

From June through to October, South America is experiencing winter, and ski resorts will experience similar temperatures to those here in Australia. 
Take plenty of warm clothing and waterproof outerwear. Thermals are a must, along with warm gloves, and of course, a good pair of double lens goggles is highly recommended.

Money

Travelling in Argentina is inexpensive and their currency is based on either USD or Paesos. Either currency will be accepted for payment at most places, although it's easier if you travel with smaller denominations of USD as any change will be given to you in Paesos. Taking debit cards with your own money, or credit cards is also a good idea as most major cities and tourist areas will have ATM access – if ATM access is available you may only be able to take small amounts per transaction which can get expensive if you are charged a fee per transaction by your bank!  Cards are accepted only if there is a PIN linked to the card. You must check with your bank prior to departure from Australia to ensure that you can make international withdrawals and that your card carries the appropriate symbol.
Most stores and restaurants will also accept Visa and MasterCard, and more limited acceptance, Amex Card