Where else can one find the unparalleled natural beauty of the Nahuel Huapi National Park, the quaintness of a bustling Bavarian Village, and a highly modern South American ski resort all rolled into one incredible vacation experience? Cerro Catedral (also referred to as Catedral Alta Patagonia) is one of South America’s most developed ski resorts and is known for its fully modern base area amenities and lift infrastructure. The resort’s name was derived from the granite spires that sit on top of the mountain which resemble a gothic church. The views from “the cathedral” are simply awe inspiring as are the vistas across Lake Nahuel Huapi. Let Rocky Mountain Getaways plan your ultimate vacation to one of South America’s most jaw dropping destinations.
The resort, located in the Argentina Lakes District, is popular both for its extensive terrain spread across three mountains and its 19 kilometer (12 mile) proximity to the town of Bariloche, Patagonia’s second largest city.
•The Mountain: At 3,000 skiable acres, Cerro Catedral has one of the largest amounts of lift accessed terrain in South America covering 75 miles of skiable slopes with a 3,773 ft vertical drop. The terrain is well balanced for all ability levels with 15% beginner, 60% intermediate, 20% advanced, and 5% expert making it the ideal playground for any type of adventure seeker. Skiers and snowboarders flock to Cerro Catedral for its excellent tree skiing, and experts have a wide range of chutes, bowls, and easily accessible off-piste options. There is also a popular terrain park for those wanting to practice their tricks and jumps.
•Bariloche and Cerro Catedral Lodging: The village at the base of Cerro Catedral has a good variety of accommodations all with convenient access to the slopes. There is also an ample and diverse cross section of restaurants, bars, and ski and snowboard facilities located in the modern base village.
The city of Bariloche is approximately 12 miles from the resort and boasts its own unique personality. People flock to this year-round Andean mountain tourist destination due to its charm, lakes, forests, and stunning mountains. Bariloche can house around 20,000 guests and has a very active nightlife including casinos, pubs, and tea houses. Mitre Street is affectionately known amongst Argentineans as the “Street of Chocolate Dreams”, as it is lined with a host of chocolatiers, all with different varieties of delectable treats. It’s truly a vacationers’ dream for anyone with a sense of adventure and a sweet tooth.
•Getting There: Bariloche has its own airport located 7 miles from downtown with two-hour flights originating from Buenos Aires. The road between Bariloche and the Cerro Catedral resort is paved and takes 25 minutes by car or bus. It you will not have access to a vehicle; there are semi-regular shuttle buses daily between town and the resort.
