Where is Cerro Catedral?

The Cerro Catedral ski resort is located 20km from the town of San Carlos de Bariloche; a 25 minute drive. Cerro Catedral and Bariloche are situated in the Nahuel Huapi National Park in the Rio Negro Province of Argentina.

Cerro Catedral is situated in the Lakes District of Patagonia, 1,621km (1,007 miles) southwest of Buenos Aires.

Getting to Bariloche

Bariloche has its own airport located 11km (7 miles) from downtown, with 2 hour flights originating from Buenos Aires, 1,621 km away. See the Bariloche travel page for more information on getting to Bariloche and Bariloche car rental.

Getting from Bariloche to Cerro Catedral

The drive from Bariloche to Cerro Catedral is very easy on a fully paved road that is well sign-posted, wide and has safety barriers; a far cry from the gnarly roads found at other South American ski resorts such as Valle Nevado. Unfortunately the ski resort has started charging for car parking but the upside is that it’s a fully paved car park.

If you don’t have a car there are semi-regular buses from the centro of Bariloche or along Moreno Street. The buses are cheap (AR$6) but the downside is that the buses can be absolutely packed. Sometimes you may not be able to get on the bus and have to wait for the next one.

The other option is to catch a taxi or remise (chauffeured car). A remise between central Bariloche and Catedral may only cost about AR$75; best to negotiate the price before you leave. Taxis (with a meter) will generally cost more; approximately AR$110 (2011 rates). You’ll have no difficulties getting back from Catedral to Bariloche as there is a taxi and remise rank where the cars queue up for your business. As at other Argentina ski resorts, it’s somewhat surprising that many of the taxis and remises don’t have roof racks for skis or snowboards!

If you’re heading from the Bariloche airport straight to Cerro Catedral village, remises and taxis are readily available.

Other Ski Resorts Nearby

Cerro Bayo is less crowded than Catedral and has some sweet off-piste and side-country terrain. Cerro Bayo is located near the gorgeous Villa la Angostura which is one hour north of Bariloche (70km) and a perfect adjunct to a Catedral ski vacation.
If you’re heading to Cerro Bayo/Villa la Angostura for more than a few days and don’t want to drive up the hill each day, there are frequent buses between Bariloche and Villa la Angostura. Alternatively rent a car or remise, or if you want guiding at Cerro Bayo for a day trip from Catedral, try Bariloche Ski Class.

Perito Moreno ski area is near El Bolson which is a 1.5 hour drive south of Bariloche. It’s a little club ski resort for families, but it’s also rumoured to have some good backcountry above the resort.